Page 104 of An Unfinished Memory

“If everyone could take their seats, we’ll get started,” the commissioner announced.

My back was pressed against the wall, cold leaching through my uniform. Ray came to stand beside me, my support. Only he hadn’t been. When I’d needed the most support, he’d steered me in the direction he preferred I go. Sutton had left me—for herself, but also because she knew how important this position was to me. She evenknew why. Ray had only known his wants and needs. She sacrificed, and I hadn’t.

I was selfish. I was worse than her parents. I’d sworn to Sutton that I’d be there through sickness and through health, and she’d known me better than me. She’d known I wouldn’t live up to my vows.

Those were the only oaths I was concerned about anymore.

“It’s an exciting day for all of us…” The room went quiet while the commissioner talked.

I’d rather be with Sutton than be in this uniform.

I’d rather be with Sutton than spend one more minute in this building.

I’d rather be with Sutton and find out how much better life could get when I lived in the same place as her.

I blew out a hard breath. I’d rather be with Sutton. For the next fifty years.

Becoming sheriff had represented all the power and recognition I thought I didn’t have growing up. I had been in Cody’s shadow. Then in Ray’s. Waiting. Like Sutton waited on me.

She wasn’t waiting anymore. And I no longer cared about shadows. She was my sunshine. If my life was a game show, I’d take the deal. I’d come on down.I’ll take “Making Sutton Mine for Fifty Years” for eight hundred thousand!

Frantically I looked around. I caught Aggie and Cody watching me. Eliot lifted a brow. Out of the entire room, only they sensed something was wrong.

Cody dipped his head barely enough to notice. But I did, and it was enough.

“I can’t do this.”

The commissioner stopped, her mouth open midword. I hadn’t heard a thing she said. All eyes were on me. Confusion and murmurs went through the crowd. I hooked on Aggie’s bright stare. She was biting her lower lip like she was trying not to grin. I summoned the words to finish what I started. To finish my career.

While I did, I hoped Sutton would wait on me just a little longer.

Twenty-Five

Sutton

I looked through the camper and made sure all the interior latches were secure. Oreo had followed me in. I petted his head as I looked around.

I was wasting time. Stalling.

It was time to leave.

I smothered the aching disappointment in my chest and led Oreo out. I locked the camper door and checked over the connections one last time.

I’ll take “Who’s Stalling Again” for one hundred!

Irritated at myself, I opened the back door. “Load up, Oreo.”

He jumped in and took his normal spot in the back seat.

I walked around to my door. The April sun was bright, and big fluffy clouds drifted across the robin-egg-blue sky. The weather was supposed to be just as gorgeous in South Dakota. April sixteenth wasn’t the perfect datementioned inMiss Congeniality, but it still wasn’t hot, and it wasn’t too cold. I’d have minimal wind for the drive, and no major storms were on the horizon. Perfect camping weather.

I got into the driver’s seat and pulled away. I reached the end of the driveway. No cars were coming, but I kept my foot on the brake for a minute. And then another. The road on either side of my driveway was clear in all directions. In the distance, a pickup crested a hill. My heart rate spiked and then slammed down. A white pickup. Not Wilder.

He wasn’t getting here in the nick of time. Today was his big day. Guilt ate at me that I wasn’t there, but the feeling was better than the searing anxiety at the thought of standing among his coworkers and acting like my presence wasn’t a spectacle. The day was about him. Not us.

I had to continue with my dream, and he’d live his.

What about the next time I drove to the end of my driveway and looked for his pickup? How long would I wait?

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