Page 15 of Daddy's Little Farmer

Rafael was standing in front of the bread, contemplating which to get, when he felt a person walk up to him.

He turned. “Can I help you with anything, Sheriff?”

The man narrowed his eyes at him. “Something’s off about you. I can sense it. I know she’s a sweetheart, but even I can tell those boots you’re wearing cost over a thousand dollars, and the jeans are the high-priced ones. So, I tell myself, what would a rich guy be doing with a little country girl giving her the impression he was poor?”

“I never said I was poor, and we’ve never talked about finances, Sheriff. What business is it of yours?”

“I know I’ve neglected the girl since Joseph, her husband, died…”

“Ya think?” Rafael growled. “She’s a tiny sweet woman up against a bitch sister and a sleazy realtor trying to get her to sell.”

“I’ve talked to both, but I could be more forceful.”

“I think she’d appreciate it,” Rafael said.

“Let’s get back to you. I would bet a thousand dollars that you won’t stay in the area. So, will she be left with a broken heart?”

Rafael shook his head. “No, I’ll be taking care of her. I won’t allow anyone to hurt her again.”

The sheriff stared at him for a moment and then nodded. “Good.” He picked up a loaf of bread. “Take this one.”

“Thanks.”

The sheriff started to walk off. “Hey, Sheriff.” The man turned around. “I’d stop the affair and take care of that little problem because someone will have it out in public soon.”

The man sighed and nodded. “The worst mistake of my life. It was one night, and we didn’t have sex. I was drunk, and we were at a bar with a group. I got blocked into a corner with her all over me. I kissed her a few times. She made a big deal out of it, so now it’s grown into this.”

“That’s good. Since it was only a few kisses, it’ll be easier to take. Hopefully, you and your wife will work it out.”

“That’s what I’m praying for.”

“Since it was more innocent than the bitch was saying, I’d tell your wife soon, so she doesn’t hear the magnified version.”

“Good advice. Thank you.”

Rafael found Mara at the checkout.

“I thought I’d lost you,” she said and laughed.

“No. There are so many different types to choose from. It took longer than it should.”

He reached for his wallet.

“It’s paid for. It’s already on the farm account,” Mara said.

“I don’t like you buying my food,” he said.

“It wasn’t that much,” she said, grabbing a few sacks.

He got the rest and followed her out to the truck. He tensed when Mara gasped and stopped suddenly.

“What?”

“Someone slashed my tires again.”

His brows rose. “Again?”

“Yes. I know it’s my sister, or she got someone else to do it for her. She thinks by harassing me, I’ll want to leave.”

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