anyone push ner around. Not getting her alone would
make it harder to find out her feelings for Slater, but maybe
he'd learn something after all.
"Your mother won't mind?" Bold as he'd been, he felt
a need to check.
"No." Liberty shook her head. "I've brought stray pups
home before; Mam will understand."
Dakota fought hard not to smile, but it wasn't working.
He had seen how fun she was on Sunday but not had it
directed at him. He'd just found a comeback when a
woman's stringent voice cut through the air.
"I tell you I want something done!"
Both Liberty and Dakota turned as Griffin came
through the door, closely followed by Maddie Flowers.
"I swear those Potters were up all night! Now, are you
the law in this town or not?"
"Have a seat, Mrs. Flowers," Griffin returned calmly as
he took the desk chair and pulled out his report folder. He
229
began to write, his head bent, while the lady in front of the
desk went puce with outrage.
"My dog's hair is falling out! If they shot those guns
once, they shot them a hundred times, and I want to know
what you're going to do!"
Griffin took a few notes and then looked up.
130 lori wick
"I'll come out and check on things/ probably later today
or this week for sure."
"Why not now?"
"Because if they roughhoused until that late, they'll all
be dead asleep for most of the day."
"Well, you wake 'em up! That's your job."
Griffin let her rail for a time but eventually turned a
deaf ear.
"How'd it go?" he asked Liberty.
"Fine. I never left the office. Duffy stopped by with the
mail. I left it there for you."
"All right. Thanks, Lib. What are you up to, Dakota?"
230
"I just talked my way into lunch at your mother's," he
answered, but went on to say what he was thinking. "Has
Slate ever mentioned what I do?"
"Yes, he has," Griffin remembered even as he said it.
Dakota nodded. "If I can be of help while I'm in town,
please say the word."
"Thank you."
Maddie's voice had quieted, but she was still sitting
there seething and muttering to herself. Knowing that
Griffin would best know how to deal with her, Liberty
moved to the door, Dakota on her heels.
"Tell me, Libby," Dakota asked almost as soon as they
were outside, "how did you become the deputy?"
"My father taught me to shoot, and I've filled in as
Griffin's deputy ever since he's had the office. I think most
of Griff's deputies have come into the job with stars in iheir
eyes. They think it's going to be exciting and action-packed,
but Shotgun's a very peaceful town. Deputies hear
of something bigger or better and move on."
"But not you."
231
"No, not me. I grew up here, and I love it. My father
was the sheriff for years. He died in the line of duty."
"And what compelled him to teach you to fast-draw?"
Liberty shrugged. "He worked with Griff, and I was
interested. He let me try." Liberty shrugged again, and
Every Little Thing About You 131
Dakota, even though he'd never seen her draw, sensed that
there was more to it than that. He might have tried to find
out, but the house was in sight Much as he wanted to
know more about Liberty's work with a gun, Dakota actually
hoped that her heart would be revealed at lunch.
fy *3r -5"
"My brother is getting married," Laura told Dakota,
her eyes shining with the news. They had just sat down to
eat
"He is?" Dakota asked; the Ranger had not heard this.
Laura nodded. "He loves Tess."
232
Dakota smiled. He had certainly seen Shotgun's sheriff
with a lovely blonde on Saturday but not made any suppositions.
"I get to watch," Laura went on. "Mam and Papa said.
I just have to stay quiet."
Dakota smiled again and looked up to see Kate
watching her daughter, her eyes alight with love.
"Well," Dakota put in, "let me offer my congratulations
on your getting a new sister-in-law."
Laura's eyes widened, and she told her mother.
"Another sister! And she's going to help Libby when she
helps Griffin with the law."
"No, dear," Kate said gently and explained Tess' title to
Laura. The little girl did a lot of nodding but waited only
until Kate turned away before whispering to Dakota, "Did
Tess break the law?"
Dakota could not stop laugjiing. He had never encountered
a child quite like her. She was so full of wonder and
news. He was still trying to compose himself when Liberty
tried to explain. More nodding followed, but no one was
very certain if Laura understood.
233
"Dakota," Kate began kindly, thinking they all needed
a change, "did Slater say you are older than he is?"
"Yes, ma'am, by just a year."
132 lori wick
"And I can't remember if you have other siblings.""
"I'm the middle of three brothers. Cash runs the family
ranch in Kinkade."
"Well, if you don't think you can make it home for
Thanksgiving, the church always has a dinner. We attend,
and we'd be happy to have you join us."
"Thank you, Mrs. Peterson, I think Slater talked about
doing that, so I'll probably tag along."
"What will your family do?" Liberty asked.
"My parents, who moved back to St. Louis about five
years ago, will dine with friends, but my brother will do as
you're doing, meet with families from the church he
attends. My grandmother, who lives in Hilldale but visits
the ranch each winter, will probably do the same thing."
234
Dakota said all this very politely and had no qualms
about sharing, but he did have a motive. He wanted to
know more about this family--more specifically, Liberty.
He spent the next hour hoping some tidbit would be
revealed, but it was not to happen. Much as he enjoyed the
meal and company, he left the house feeling as though he
hadn't accomplished a thing.
5-o*"
Liberty suddenly made the connection from the comment
in the sheriff's office. Dakota was the brother who
was a Texas Ranger. Liberty had already changed into her
dress, but she felt a need to check on Griffin. Heading from
the house with a brief word to her mother, she moved
swiftly back downtown.
"What's up?" Griffin asked when she came in panting
just a little.
"I just realized I heard you say you might go to the Potters'.
235
I wondered if you needed me."
''Thanks, Lib, but Dakota's going with me. He was just
in to check about it and went back to get his horse. I figure
Every Little Thing About You 133
now is as good a time to go as any. They might be a little
more docile if they're still feeling the effects."
Liberty nodded, working successfully to hide the confusion
and hurt inside of her. Never before in her life could
she remember Griffin not needing her. It was one of the
most awful sensations she'd ever experienced.
"Well," she said to hide the hurt, "let me know how
you fare, and be careful."
"I'll do that," Griffin said sincerely, but he wasn't
looking directly at her. He might have seen her confusion
if he had been.
Liberty took that moment to make her exit, hoping
against all hope that Dakota would not be coming down
the street. She slipped away, going a strange, indirect route
in an effort not to see him. She slowed her pace when she
236
thought it was safe and tried to pray and think dearly. She
knew she could talk to her mother, but what would she say
exactly? Griff didn't need me, and I've never been so crushed and
rejected. Even to her own ears, she sounded like a five-year-old.
It was, however, exactly how she felt
"Hey, Lib," a male voice suddenly said.
Liberty looked up to see Price Hathaway next to a half-built
home, a hammer in one hand, a board in the other.
"Well, Price, when did you get back into town?"
Price gave his boyish smile. "When in actual time, or
how I feel?"
Liberty laughed as she moved toward him. It had been
a long time since they'd talked; the two of them had been
in school together, and she had always cared for this gentle
giant. And right now she welcomed the chance to get
Griffin and Dakota off her mind.
'en,
9
"You still TOTIN' a gun?" Price teased Liberty as soon
237
as she was near.
"Yes, I am, so you'd better not have brought any bad
habits back from Austin. They could land you in trouble."
"If you'd stay at the jailhouse and talk to me, I wouldn't
mind," he returned, flirting with her a little.
"What would Miss Amy say?"
A sad light filled Price's eyes. "She wasn't too happy
when I left."
"Does she know you're back?"
"I haven't talked to her, so I don't know."
Liberty nodded but didn't press him. She glanced
around and heard pounding but couldn't see who it was.
"Did you meet Slater Rawlings?"
"Sure," Price said easily enough.
"Did your father keep him on or is he out looking for
work?"
"He's around the corner, trying to please Pa."
As if Slater had heard the calling of his name, he suddenly
appeared from around the other side of the building.
He paused when he saw Liberty, but only because he was
238
a sweaty mess. He thought as he always did that she
looked wonderful.
"Hi, Slater," Liberty greeted him, giving no thought to
the signs of hard work on his shirt or face.
"Hi, Libby. What are you up to?"
"I'm headed home," she said, trying not to think of her
conversation with Griffin.
135
136 lori wick
"Price!" Hank suddenly bellowed from around the
corner, and that man withdrew from Slater and Liberty.
"I'll talk to you later, Price," Liberty called to him.
"All right, Lib. Take care."
Liberty watched him move away and then noticed
Slater's eyes on her. She smiled in genuine pleasure.
I'm glad you didn't lose your job, Slater."
Slater's brows rose a little. "It's been an interesting
239
day."
Liberty nodded, not needing much more of an explanation.
Hank Hathaway's reputation preceded him. Price's
desire to leave had been no mystery.
"Price and I were in school together," Liberty put in.
"I've always liked him."
"There isn't much not to like."
"That's true. I've always hoped he would marry a certain
woman here in town, but I don't know."
"Miss Amy?"
Liberty looked hopeful. "Did he talk of her?"
Slater shook his head no. "Some of the neighbors
around here are a might busy. One came by and asked him
questions for far longer than I would have allowed."
"He's so kindhearted. I don't suppose he wanted to
wound Mrs. Hurst"
Slater smiled at the way she knew exactly who it was.
They talked for a few minutes more, but Slater knew he
had to get back to work. Liberty went on her way, and
Slater returned to help Hank and Price. The temptation to
240
simply follow Liberty and talk to her for the remainder of
the day was powerful indeed, but he resisted. Instead, he
prayed for her almost the entire afternoon.
5^-3'"
S'
"And how long have they been giving the town
trouble?" Dakota asked as they rode away from the Potters'
house.
Every Little Thing About You 137
"For as long as anyone can remember. Maddie Flowers
didn't mind for a long time, and they're far enough out that
not much was said by anyone else, but Maddie's getting
older and more intolerant of the noise."
"And you say she has her own still."
"Yes. If rumor can be trusted, Rush and Possum Potter
built it for her. Maybe that's why she stayed quiet for so
long."
"What will you do next?" Dakota asked as they arrived
241
in Shotgun's downtown area,
"I'll lie low. Critter is as mean as a rattlesnake, and Ned
can be. If I rush things, someone will die. I want to avoid
that, but my eventual goal is to shut them down. If I succeed
at that, they'll probably move on. I wouldn't wish that
on any other town, but I've got to think of how fast our city
is growing."
Dakota was impressed. He'd been impressed for a long
time, but his respect was steadily growing. His first
meeting of the town sheriff had not given him much to
hope for, but behind that smooth, young face was an intelligent,
clear-thinking sheriff--one who cared about the
people as much as he did his job.
They parted company after they reached the jailhouse,
Dakota heading to Griffin's house and Griffin into his
office. Dakota had not thought of Slater and Liberty since
earlier that day, but now they came to mind; more specifically,
Liberty did. He wished that she had gone to the Potters'
with them so he could see her in action.
242
-3/* "Sr
"Thanks for putting the kids down, Lib," her mother
said that evening. "I swear, some days I don't think I'll
even get up the stairs to put myself to bed."
Liberty came over and kissed her mother's cheek.
"What was that for?"
138 lori wick
"That was from Laura. She said you needed another
one."
Kate chuckled and began to loosen the pins in her hair.
If they had unexpected company, she'd have to put it back
up in a hurry, but right now it felt too good to massage her
scalp.
"Why don't you head up?" Duffy asked as he watched
her.
"Because I'm not sleepy, just weary. And when I go to
bed too early, I wake so early that I have to just lie quiet or
wake Zach." Zach was the light sleeper in the family. He
243
was very good about staying in bed, but his mother knew
how much he needed his rest in this first year of school.
"Duffy?" Liberty had sat down, but she was not
relaxed. Duffy looked over to see her perched on the eclge
of the davenport
"Yes?"
"I need to ask you about something. Are you too
tired?"
"Not at all," the doctor said sincerely. "Whaf s up?"
Liberty took a moment to start, and Kate looked to
Duffy for answers. His raised brows told her he was in the
dark, so they both waited.
"Do you remember talking to Tess and me as soon as
you got to the barn raising on Saturday?"
Now knowing exactly what was on her mind, Duffy
nodded.
"Duffy, do you really agree with Tess that I don't see
when men are interested in me?"
Duffy did not immediately answer. He weighed his
words and then started. "I don't want you to misunderstand
244
me, Lib, and you might because the single women in
our church so dreadfully outnumber the single men. I do
agree with Tess that you don't seem aware of the looks that
come your way, but most of the time I'm glad you don't see
the attention of those men, since they're probably not the
ones for you. Does that make sense?"
Every Little Thing About You 139
"Yes, but I still don't see it," she told him, frustration
punctuating every word. "I think you and Tess are doing
more hopeful thinking than witnessing any great male
interest in Liberty Drake."
"That's easy to understand," Kate suddenly inserted.
Both Duffy and Liberty stared at her.
"How do you figure?" Duffy asked.
"Well, she's a deputy. She has to keep her eyes open.
She hasn't had time to relax like a lot of her friends have."
Kate suddenly looked sad. "I wish she had."
Liberty sat back. For the first time in her life she asked
herself if she might be too involved in her work. She suddenly
245
found her eyes on her mother and had to ask her a
question.
"Do you wish I wasn't helping Griff, Mam?"
Kate smiled. "Now that's a hard one, Lib. Do I want
both my children in danger or do I want one of them in
extreme danger because he has no one to back him up?"
Liberty nodded. That made very clear sense, but there
was more. As seemingly slow as she was about men, Liberty