Amelia drew back. “It was amazing. Beyond amazing. I love that town and now I have a reason to love it even more!”
Wade slipped his arm around Amelia’s waist.
Waylynn slid next to Amelia. “Tell us already, Meli! We’re all going to crazy trying to guess what it is!”
Lifting her hand, Amelia let out a scream. “We got married!”
Cheers erupted, and I couldn’t help but notice my father mumbling a silent thank you prayer to the good Lord above.
Laughing, I walked over and hit him on the back. “Well, you know what they say.”
He looked confused.
With my best smirk, I said, “First comes marriage, then comes a baby carriage.”
His confused look turned to one of horror.
“Bite your tongue, Mitchell Roy Miller. It’s hard enough knowing my baby is married. Let me get used to that.”
Amelia was the apple of my father’s eye. It was going to be hard for him to let her go. I’m sure that was one of the reasons my parents had never complained about Amelia still living at home.
“Well, at least she’s sort of still here. She’ll be living on the ranch.”
He nodded and took a drink of rum and Coke.
“When’s the baby coming?” Chloe shouted and everyone laughed.
My father groaned. “Oh, Christ Almighty.”
When the call came over my radio I let out a frustrated sigh. “Jesus Christ. I’m trained in Special Weapons and Tactics. I handle murder investigations! Not missing pies from Mrs. Johnson’s window!”
Marilyn’s voice responded over the radio. “Sheriff Miller can’t get to it, Mitchell. He asked if you could go on over and talk to her. She likes you and all.”
I closed my eyes and shook my head. “She wants me to date her granddaughter, Marilyn! That’s why Miller wants me over there. He thinks it’s funny.”
“Well, things are quiet on the front. Sure you can’t handle it for the sheriff? He’s dealing with loose cattle over on Ranch Road 37.
“Fine, I’ll take care of it.”
I did a U-turn and headed back to town. By the time I pulled up to Mrs. Johnson’s house, I’d gotten six text messages from Robert. It didn’t help that our dispatcher was his sister, and I was positive Marilyn told Robert about the pies. When I stopped my car, I noticed I had a message from him.
Robert: Hey, while you’re there, get me an apple pie.
Me: Fuck you, asshole.
Robert: Make it a cherry. Mary is craving it.
I rolled my eyes and got out of my squad car. Don and Nancy Gates’s teenage boys watched me. They looked scared as hell, and I knew they must have expected the sheriff to show up and not me. I decided to have some fun with the little troublemakers.
Turning on my heel, I headed their way. Even though I was dressed in my normal uniform of dress pants, a white dress shirt, and cowboy hat, you could see my gun belt as clear as day. I didn’t need to be dressed like the sheriff for these boys to know they were in a shitload of trouble.
With a tip of my hat, I nodded. “You boys know what happened to Mrs. Johnson’s pies?”
The one with the bright red hair smirked. “What if we do?”
I slowly grinned. “Well, hell, if you do you just made my job easier. The faster I make an arrest the better.”
His smirk faded. “Arrest?”
“They stole property; that’s a crime. Mrs. Johnson said it’s happened before, so I’m guessing it’s the same thief. They’ve brought me in to handle it. Think it might be linked with some other robberies in town.”
Sheriff Miller handled most of the things that happened locally. My jurisdiction was a hell of lot bigger than Oak Springs. As a Texas Ranger, my job was special investigations, apprehending wanted felons, suppressing larger disturbances, and assisting local law enforcement with crime and violence. For a small, almost crime-free town like Oak Springs, stealing pies off a windowsill was almost a fucking felony.
“Th-thief?” the light brown-haired kid said.
Narrowing my eyes, I stared them down. “You steal something from someone, you’re a thief. There are two types of people I can’t stand. Thieves and liars. You boys aren’t either of those, are ya?”
They both took a step back. “N-no, sir. We ain’t either of those.”
With a slow nod, I looked them over. “Good. Glad to hear it. I’m going to go interview Mrs. Johnson. See if she turned on those security cameras Sheriff Miller told her to put in.”
“Cameras?” they said at once.
“What’s the matter, boys? You done look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“Um, we’ve got to go, officer,” the red-haired kid said.
“It’s Lieutenant Parker,” I said
They stumbled over each other and took off to their backyard. I was positive that if I followed them I’d find the damn pies.
Heading back toward Mrs. Johnson, I shook my head. “I don’t have time for this nonsense.”
As I crossed the street, I saw Corina. She was walking down Mrs. Johnson’s sidewalk, heading to her front door. I paused and waited until she was invited inside. Something was up, but I didn’t seem to mind. Smiling, I made my way to the house.
Mrs. Johnson answered the doorbell with a wide smile. “Mitchell Parker, what in the world are they doing sending you over here for some pies?”
I wanted to laugh. “Your pies are just as important as any other stolen items, Mrs. Johnson.”
She tossed her head back and laughed like I’d said the funniest damn thing. “Now, don’t be sweet-talking an old woman, Mitchell Parker. Come in and have some sweet tea. I have company, but I’m sure she’ll enjoy the view.”
My mouth nearly dropped open as Mrs. Johnson winked and headed toward her kitchen.
“Corina, darlin’, pour Ranger Parker a glass of iced tea, will you?”
Her blue eyes met mine.
“Hey, Corina. Long time no see.”
Forcing a smile, she replied, “Twice in one day. I’m a lucky girl.”
“Oh my!” Mrs. Johnson exclaimed. “You are indeed.”
Glancing at the older woman, Corina went about pouring another glass of tea.
“What brings you over to visit Mrs. Johnson?” I asked while setting my cowboy hat on the table.
Corina answered without looking at me. “We met a few months back at the butcher’s, and Mrs. Johnson has been kind enough to give me cooking lessons.”
My brows pinched. “You don’t know how to cook?”
I didn’t even see Mrs. Johnson’s hand lift up, but the back of my head sure felt it.
“Mitchell Parker, your momma didn’t raise you to be rude. You say you’re sorry to Corina this instant.”
Rubbing the back of my head, I turned to Corina. She was trying to hide her smile and doing a piss poor job of it.
“I’m sorry.”
She shrugged. “No worries. I would expect you of all people to think every woman should be born knowing how to wash clothes, keep a clean house, and cook for her man.”
My head jerked. “I don’t think that way. I was only surprised, that’s all. My sisters learned early on with my mom and grandmother.”
“God rest her soul,” Mrs. Johnson whispered.
“And granddaddy taught us boys to fish and hunt—”
“God rest his soul,” Mrs. Johnson added with more fire. Corina and I looked at her. “When you speak of the dead, it’s best to pay yer respect.”
“Yer?” Corina asked.
Laughing, Mrs. Johnson said, “Boy howdy, that’s the back woods country in me. Mr. Johnson, God rest his soul.” She looked at us expectantly.
“God rest his soul,” Corina and I said together.
“He rescued me from the swamps of Louisiana. I had no schoolin’, no knowledge of nothin’ but helping ma and pa around the farm.”
“I didn’t know you were from Louisiana, Mrs. Johnson,” I said.
She grinned. “Oh, yes. I met the mi
ster in New Orleans. I went for a job cooking in a restaurant. That’s how I learned to cook so well, Corina.”
We grinned at each other and then turned back to Mrs. Johnson. “He promised me a life I could never have in New Orleans. He was studying to be a dentist. I thought that was kind of gross to be lookin’ in people’s mouths all day, but who was I to judge? I was making the food that went into them. Might as well marry the man cleaning ‘em!”
“Did you get married in New Orleans?” Corina asked. “Mitchell’s younger sister, Amelia, was just married there. She came back today.”
Mrs. Johnson’s eyes widened. “Amelia Parker is married? Heavens to Betsy, you don’t say. I thought that girl was still in high school.”
Laughing, I shook my head. “No, ma’am. She’s twenty-two years old. She writes books.”
“I love to read. Just ask that nasty old mean librarian we got at the public library. Ornery thing, that woman.”
Corina chuckled. “Now, now, Mrs. Johnson, that’s not nice. She’s just…old fashioned.”
With a huff, she looked at me. “She refuses to carry Fifty Shades of Grey!”
My cheeks heated. “You do know what type of book that is, don’t you?” I asked.
Flashing me a look that said I was insane, she brushed me off with her hand. “Just because I’m eighty-two years old doesn’t mean I don’t like a little naughty in my life, Mitchell Parker.”
Corina busted out laughing. “You’re making him blush, Mrs. Johnson.”
“Good, the boy needs to get some color on that face. You should read the book. Try some of the moves out on Corina here.”
And just like that, Corina stopped laughing. We tried not to look at each other and failed. Corina Miller was as innocent as they came. Her honesty with me about her sexual inexperience had actually turned me on. There were so many fucking things I wanted to teach her. Do to her.
My cock grew in my pants as we stared at each other. Corina was looking at me with a heated stare.
“Hell, maybe you have tried some of the moves on her, with the way you two stare. I feel like I’m watching a porn movie!”
Corina’s head snapped to the older woman. “What? No! No, I think we’re just both shocked, Mrs. Johnson, that you know what the book is about.”
The old woman shrugged. “We watched the movies at our monthly quilting meeting.”
Christ Almighty, as my father would say. I needed to change the subject fast.
“About those pies. When did you notice they went missing and where were they, Mrs. Johnson?”
She slowly stood. “If that wasn’t a change of subject, I don’t know what is.”
Corina pressed her lips together to keep from laughing as I followed Mrs. Johnson to the dining room window.
“Look here, one of the pies is back!” Mrs. Johnson exclaimed.
“I’ll be,” I said, shaking my head. With a glance out the window, I couldn’t help but notice one of the Gates boys leaning over to throw up. That’s what the little bastard got. “I have a feeling I know who took your pies.”
Mrs. Johnson glanced out the window and covered her mouth.
She placed her hands on her waist. “Well, if karma ain’t a bitch.”
I dropped my keys on the coffee table and collapsed on the sofa. I was exhausted. I closed my eyes and thought about my day. It had started with finding out I was going to be teaching kindergarten.
Oh joy.
Then I’d seen Mitchell. Twice. Then a flat tire on the way home from Mrs. Johnson’s.
A cracking sound made me open my eyes.
“What is that?” I walked to the wall that separated the living room and the dining room. I had bought an old house that was in need of serious renovations. Paxton had talked me into it, and I’d regretted it every darn day.
“Cheese and crackers, what is making that noise?”
I pulled my phone out and hit Tripp’s number.
“Hey, I heard you had a flat,” he said.
Snarling, I asked, “From who?”
“Karen had the day off. She said she drove by and noticed you changing it. I’m super impressed you can change a tire, Corina.”
With a roll of my eyes, I huffed. “Yes, Tripp, I can change a tire. And you let Karen off?”
A low, tumbled laugh came though the phone. “I do let my poor secretary take days off, ya know.”
“So you’re not a cold, heartless boss who works his legal secretary to the bone?”
“I wouldn’t go that far.”
We both laughed. “How are you doing, Corina?” he asked, more seriously.
Leaning against the kitchen counter, I sighed. “I’m okay.”
“He’s just afraid. You know that, right?”
I squeezed my eyes for a quick second and tried to push Mitchell out of my mind.
“What is he afraid of, Tripp?” I asked. Some might think it was weird for me to talk to my ex-boyfriend about his brother, whom I’d had a one-night stand with. But even if he wasn’t the right man for me, Tripp was surprisingly easy to talk to.
“Mitchell is afraid of commitment. The same thing most guys are scared shitless of.”
I smiled. “Are you?”
His silence was my answer.
“Maybe if the right girl came along, but she’s long gone.”
My heart ached for Tripp. He’d told me about his high school love, Harley, one night when we both decided to be honest. I was head over heels for his brother, and he was in love with a woman who’d left Oak Springs to follow her dreams.
“You never know, Tripp. I heard the town vet is retiring soon.”
Tripp let out a long sigh. “I’m perfectly fine with the way my life is. Besides, with me looking to run for mayor, the last thing I need is woman drama.”
“Hey!”
“You going out with the girls tonight?” he asked, changing the subject.
“I am. You gonna be there?”
“I’ll probably show up later. I’ve got a case I’m working on, and I need to get with Mitchell on some things.”
“Is it a criminal case?”
“Yeah, that’s all I can tell you though.”
“That’s okay, I get it. Listen, I’m going to get ready to head out tonight. Mrs. Johnson had me making roasted garlic, and I swear I won’t get the smell off of my hands for months.”
Tripp chuckled. “Wait, the whole reason I called. Are you driving with the donut tire on your car?”
“Yes, I’ll take it to the shop tomorrow and have them put a new one on. Amelia’s picking me up.”
“The less you drive on that small tire, the better.”
I grinned. “Yes, Dad.”
“Ha ha. Later, kid.”
“Later, Tripp.”
I hit End and stared at my phone. A part of me wished things had worked out between Tripp and me—but it never could. We made better friends than anything. Heck, we’d never even made it past third base. Tripp had held back because of Mitch. So had I.
My cat chose that moment to come over and nudge my ankle. “Hey, buddy,” I said, bending down. “Are you my favorite big boy?”
“Meow.”
I hugged Milo close. He was a rescue cat, mostly white with a little bit of orange sprinkled in. His blue eyes reminded me of Mitchell’s. It was the reason I’d stopped at his cage. Then he meowed, and I was lost to him.
I giggled. “What would Mitchell think if he knew I picked you because your eyes reminded me of him?”
Milo purred.
Heading up the stairs, I set Milo down and made my way into my bedroom. The crackling sound started again. This time it was louder. I would have to tell Tripp about it tomorrow.
My phone rang and Amelia’s name popped up on the screen. I answered quickly. “Hey, what’s up?”
“You’re going, right?”
Laughing, I said, “Yes! I’m not backing out. I need a night out.”
“Good! Dress sexy.”
Rolling my eyes, I
headed to my closet. “Why do you want me to dress sexy?”
“’Cause I happen to know a certain brother of mine will be there. I just heard Wade talking to Mitchell.”
I chewed on my lip. “Sexy, huh?”
“Yes! It’s time my brother opens his damn eyes.”
I scanned my closet and stopped on the outfit I knew I was going to wear. “I think I found the perfect thing.”
“It’d better show skin!”
Laughing, I pulled out the dress Amelia had talked me into buying a few weeks back. “Oh, it does.” The red form-fitting dress wasn’t something I wouldn’t have purchased normally, but Amelia wouldn’t stop going on about it. I pretty much bought it to shut her up. Or maybe it was because it pushed my boobs up and made them look even bigger, and the open back made me feel sexy.
“See you soon,” Amelia said.
Hitting End, I spun around to find Milo sitting on my bed and giving me the evil eye.
“Sorry, Milo, but I refuse to be an old cat lady. Tonight I’m going to give Mr. Parker a run for his money.”
The bass rattled against my chest as I danced with Amelia, Paxton, and Jenn. It was Paxton’s first night out since the baby, and we were celebrating Amelia’s surprise wedding. It was honestly the last place I wanted to be, but the thought of running into Mitchell outweighed my desire to stay in bed with a pint of ice cream and a good movie.
“It feels so good to be able to dance again!” Paxton yelled over the music.
We laughed, and Amelia spun Paxton around a few times.
“Paxton, you look amazing!” I yelled.
Her cheeks blushed. “Look at you, Corina! I don’t think that dress could hug those curves any tighter! Girl, you are looking hot!”
“Look at how freaking perky her tits are!” Jenn screamed.
My face heated as a few guys turned, and I instantly regretted my outfit.
Of course, the only reason I wore this dress was because I knew Mitchell had tonight off, and Amelia had mentioned that he would probably be at Cord’s Place.
A cowboy wouldn’t stop ogling my breasts, so I gave him the stink eye.
I turned and immediately felt a different stare. It only took me two seconds to shift my gaze to the bar and see him.