The Sheriff's Second Chance

by Tanya Agler

  Enough was right. Enough with people trying to run her life. Enough with people being disappointed in her.

  Enough.

  “Are you sure, Max? Breaking and entering. That’s a serious offense.” The sheriff grunted and wiggled his thumbs into his utility belt.

  “I’m not pressing any charges.” Max enunciated every word, his mustache quivering with anger.

  “Let’s go, Donahue.” Mike placed his hand on the sheriff’s back and pushed him forward. “We have a report to fill out, and then some of us have to try to salvage the rest of our evening.”

  Max turned his gaze to Mike. “What did you think of the Thunderbird? Isn’t she a beauty?”

  “I can’t keep the car, Max.” Mike’s frown deepened, although that didn’t quite seem possible as all he’d been doing was frown for the past half hour.

  “Georgie.” Her mother pleaded with her eyes as well as her voice. “We need to talk.”

  With a couple of conversations going on at once, Georgie stepped back and glanced at Mike. His calmness usually strengthened her. She knew how he regretted the times he’d given into impulse, rather than thinking matters over. Sure, she was fighting mad at her mother right now. So much so Georgie couldn’t form words. All the more reason to wait to speak to anyone until she was capable of listening.

  Uh-oh. Mike Harrison really was rubbing off on her. Keeping a level head and thinking before she spoke? Mike traits, for sure. No wonder she loved him, but she couldn’t deal with that yet.

  “We will, Mom, but not now. I need time. Okay?”

  Her mother had betrayed her, and her heart told her Mike hadn’t trusted her, either, even if her brain did understand his commitment to duty. She was so confused.

  And then her gaze landed on her suitcases. Running sounded good right about now. So many cities left to explore. Maybe Georgie would head south to Florida. A warm winter might be a nice change of pace.

  She leaned against the wall, grateful for the support. Running away never solved anything. Look at what was crammed into this room. Her friends, Max, her future. If she left, she’d be saying goodbye to all of them, even her mother.

  Mike walked out into the hallway, looking over his shoulder. She met his gaze and nodded. There’d be no dance tonight, and this time she’d be the one canceling.

  Her heart shattered into a million pieces. The Thunderbird, Rachel, him. Her dreams lay at her feet, scattered like the leaves of the season.

  Her stay at Hollydale was nearing its end. She’d listen, say her goodbyes and stay away for good this time.

  * * *

  NOT MUCH HAD changed in Beverly Bennett’s living room. Same curtains. Same cabinet of fancy china dolls. Same picture of Stephen Bennett in the middle of the mantel. This was where he should have been eleven years ago on prom night. Would the time ever be right for him and Georgie?

  He rubbed that pounding spot on his forehead. No sooner had he come to terms with the role that duty played in his life, then wham. The overwhelming evidence blindsided him. If only he’d given Georgie some clue that he’d stand by her. Lucie had promised her an attorney. Natalie promised support before glaring at him in a way that let him know Mom and Dad might not invite him for Thanksgiving dinner for the next ten years. And he?

  He gave Georgie handcuffs.

  At the least he should have let Donahue arrest her.

  No. He plunged right in and did the deed, hoping it’d be easier being arrested by someone who loved her. He fought back the chuckle at how stupid that sounded. Was it ever easy to be arrested, even when the arrest lasted all of five minutes?

  Most of all, Georgie couldn’t know how he felt. He’d slapped those handcuffs on faster than Rachel devoured pink birthday cake.

  And now?

  It might be too late. He’d seen the steel lurking in those green depths earlier, before he left the laundry room and headed down here.

  The sheriff appeared. “I expect the report on my desk tomorrow by noon. I’ll review it, and then it’ll become public record.”

  “I’ll be in bright and early to write it.”

  Donahue pursed his lips. “Along with a decision, I suppose, about running for sheriff?”

  More people came downstairs.

  “Yeah, I’ll be opposing you,” Mike answered.

  Donahue slipped away. Mike searched for Georgie, her face the only one not in the crowd.

  Natalie glared at him as though he’d chopped the head off her favorite Barbie. Her sigh only added an anvil to the anchor already around his neck. “The path to good intentions is often rocky, but you brought along boulders tonight, big brother.”

  He invoked his right to remain silent, letting her pass without comment.

  Lucie gave him a wry smile and patted his shoulder. “Hang in there. She went through a lot tonight, but she’ll come around. True love is rare, but it exists. For you guys, that is.”

  Lucie walked away, and Mike shook his head. He hadn’t missed the way Georgie looked longingly at those suitcases.

  The parade didn’t stop. Natalie’s bluntness had nothing on Max’s, whose glare was downright blinding. “She didn’t sign the contract. You’ll make this up to her, or so help me...”

  Without completing the rest of that threat, Max swept out of the house. Mike had all he could take. Running for the stairs, he stopped when Georgie came front and center. A sweatshirt and jeans had replaced her robe. Dismayed, he knew. She wasn’t coming tonight.

  “The Thunderbird is this way.” Her cold tone was unmistakable. Georgie headed past him, and he followed her. “I’ll return the keys to you.”

  She opened a door, and he braced himself. The feeling he was losing more than the Thunderbird broke his heart. There was so much he wanted to say, to explain. He entered the garage and was amazed.

  This had been not a job for Georgie but a passion. A job was one thing. What he’d chosen for himself was more than a job, too. He was upholding the law, serving all the citizens of Hollydale. So much so he’d accepted running for sheriff. He and Rachel would work together to make the new reality better than the old. He’d protect his baby and the community.

  He’d learned from the best. His parents, Georgie, his own mistakes. Whenever he turned his back on duty or performing his duty with love in his heart? Disaster. He couldn’t, and wouldn’t, do that any longer.

  Sure was easier to have a support system in place. Was Georgie still part of his support system?

  “Do you want me to wait for you to change and then we can show Rachel the Thunderbird before the hoedown starts?” He tried to sound casual. Inside, though, his heart thundered, and his chest clenched, a far cry from the calmness he showed on the outside.

  “I’m not changing.”

  “I don’t want you to change. You’re wonderful just the way you are. You’re strong,” he stopped as the words jumbled together and wouldn’t come out right. Her lemon scent didn’t make it any easier, either, only confusing him even more.

  “I’m also angry and hurt.” Her green eyes flashed fire, and he stepped toward her. She held up her hands, and he stopped. “But since I’ve been home, you’ve taught me how important it is to weigh everything and make a decision once all the facts are in. I know I need to retreat, even if I have to leave town to do exactly that.”

  His shoulders slumped. She’d learned from him but didn’t want to be with him. He steeled himself and closed the gap between them. He lifted her chin. Even the sadness and hurt couldn’t get in the way of their chemistry.

  Yet that hurt was shutting him out. He’d seen that look before, the moment she discovered him with Wendy, that note in her hand. The connection they’d rebuilt had taken a beating when they’d disagreed about the sale of the Thunderbird. But now?

  She was leaving. Most likely for good.

  “Hear me out.” His voice c
racked, his wanting her to stay making his bones ache. “Even while I was snapping on the cuffs, I knew I’d stand by you, bail you out, defend you.”

  “You didn’t say that out loud.”

  His chest heaved, and he tried again. “We make each other better. I love you, Georgie Bennett.”

  That said it all. Either she’d believe him or not. When only silence filled the air between them, he had his answer. They were over before they had even begun.

  He walked away.

  “Wait.”

  Turning, he looked for any sign she was going to approach him, kiss him, love him back. Nothing. At least Rachel would hug him, and Ginger would climb onto his lap as he tried to figure out how to rebuild his world.

  “Georgie?” Exhaustion swept over him.

  “The Thunderbird.” She reached inside the open driver’s window and then threw him the keys. “It’s yours. You can drive it now. Rachel—” she paused and a wistful look came over her “—wants a ride in it. Maybe then the two of you will decide to keep it.”

  Running his hand over the fin, he remembered all the drives with Grandpa Ted. It wasn’t the car that mattered. It was his grandfather spending time with him, talking to him, loving him. That was what counted. He’d spend time with Rachel, listen to her, treasure her. His heart wouldn’t allow him to do anything else.

  “No chance of that.”

  She flinched, but he wouldn’t back down.

  “Grandpa Ted’s legacy isn’t in things. You were right. It’s how he made time for me. It’s not the car that counts. It’s the people around me. It’s loving Rachel when she hurts or when she’s happy. Just like Grandpa Ted loved me. Just like my mom and dad love me. That’s Grandpa Ted’s real legacy.”

  He reached out for Georgie’s hand and placed it over his heart. “That’s what I want to build with you, do for you. I want to live with you, love you, be there for you.”

  Her silence said everything. He released her hand and let his fall by his side.

  “Goodbye, Georgie.”

  “Wait.”

  For what? She wouldn’t change her mind. She knew herself, and the confidence from that was one of the reasons he loved her so much. He kept walking.

  “What about the Thunderbird?” Her plea hit him like an arrow to his heart.

  That car represented dreams that would never come true for him. Maybe it would for someone else.

  “Make sure the new buyer gives it a good home. Rachel and I will find our own way to make new memories together.”

  * * *

  FOR THE SECOND time in Georgie’s life, her dream night had ended in ruins. Once more, Mike had walked away. And once more, she’d be leaving Hollydale. This time for good.

  A hand patted her shoulder. “Georgianna? Why don’t you come inside where it’s warm?”

  Georgie heard the tremor in her mother’s voice, but it dulled compared to the Grand Canyon–sized crevice in Georgie’s heart.

  “I prefer Georgie.” Turning, Georgie let the anger sweep over her. “How could you? How could you frame me like that?”

  Her mother blanched. “I didn’t think it would get this far. Forgive me?”

  “You didn’t think, period. It was bad enough growing up with someone who never accepted the real me. Now I’ve lost my best friend. The man I love.” Georgie took a long, slow breath, then released it. “There’s no way I can forgive you in the blink of an eye.”

  Beverly pointed at the Thunderbird. “You fixed the car. You’ll fix this.”

  “You can’t fix someone thinking the worst of you, thinking you’re everything he stands against.” Georgie opened the door to the house, her heart broken. “I can’t stay here like this.”

  “I did this for you, Georgie.”

  “You did this for yourself.”

  Georgie didn’t look back, but kept walking all the way to her suitcases.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  GEORGIE GRIPPED THE steering wheel of her Prius and stared at the road ahead. From the moment she’d arrived in Hollydale, she’d been counting down the minutes until she could leave again. After accepting Cullinan’s offer yesterday, this should be the happiest day of her life.

  Saying goodbye to so many people was proving harder than she’d ever imagined. Max had shaken his head and told her she’d be back. Her mother had insisted the second stent procedure had been a true wake-up call for her. The subject of counseling had even broached Beverly’s lips. As much as Georgie appreciated the effort, the betrayal was too fresh. She’d packed up her bags and soon she’d be on her way.

  In the middle of all that, Mr. Reedy had called, explaining Beau had missed her and wanted to see her. That was one invitation she couldn’t refuse.

  Considering she had her dream job in her pocket, her heart shouldn’t ache this much. The one goodbye left unsaid hurt the most, she admitted.

  Ringing Mr. Reedy’s doorbell, she straightened her shoulders. So she was lying to herself. So she wasn’t okay with leaving. There was no reason to stay. Her mom was on the mend. Mike would have more responsibility at work, and there was Rachel to look after, too.

  A dog barked, and a scattering of paws clipped the floor. Nearly a minute passed with the barking growing more insistent. The hair on the back of her neck curled, and Georgie rapped on the door. No answer. She rattled the knob.

  “Mr. Reedy?”

  Georgie started banging on the door with her fist. Only more barking. She pressed her right ear against the door. She strained, waiting to hear something, anything, even the rolling oxygen canister. Nothing other than Beau’s barking.

  She stepped away from the door and rummaged through her purse. Her smartphone in hand, she’d just pressed nine when the door opened. Relief stilled her pounding heart until she caught sight of Mr. Reedy leaning against the frame, breathing hard, his oxygen tube askew and his face ashen.

  “Mr. Reedy!” She reached for his arm and held him up.

  Beau barked and ran circles around them.

  “I’m fine. I’m fine.” He batted her hand away. “The shuttle’s coming to take me to my doctor’s appointment.”

  “You’re not fine.” Stressing the last word, she clenched her jaw. “Let me drive you to the hospital.” One little detour wouldn’t hurt. Cullinan wasn’t expecting her until tomorrow anyway.

  Beau jumped on her and whined as if he wanted her to make Mr. Reedy all better. If only she could.

  “No, Georgie.” Mr. Reedy stopped and waved her inside. His wheezing broke her heart, the spry teacher of her high school days struggling for every breath. “I want you to do something for me.”

  “Anything.” For one of the people in Hollydale whose faith in her never wavered? She’d go to the moon and back. “Name it.”

  “Take my Beau as your own. Love him. Keep me updated about him.” His voice cracked, and Beau must have sensed something as he nudged Mr. Reedy’s hand. “One of my neighbors, Hannah, she’s in high school, has been walking him and playing with him. Her father’s allergic, and she can’t take him. Besides, he loves you.”

  Georgie bit back the tears threatening to fall. A couple of deep breaths later, she found her voice. “I’ll watch him until you get better.”

  He pursed his almost blue lips and waggled his finger in her face. “We’re not playing the lying game. My doctor’s been after me to go into assisted living permanently. Hate giving up my independence.” He paused and drew in gulps of air. Standing helpless when the world collapsed around you stank.

  Georgie longed to do something, anything for him.

  “Hate giving up my Beau.” He gave a slight chuckle and lifted a shoulder. “Having someone else do the cooking and cleaning, though? That won’t be bad.”

  Georgie scrubbed her face. Beau trotted over, his head nudging her hand as if that would get her to agree. “I’m mov
ing, though.”

  “Stuff and nonsense. You belong here.” He shuffled over to a faded orange armchair, which had seen better days, and collapsed as if all the exertion was catching up to him. His rheumy gaze met hers. “You come visit and tell me about Beau. Sneak him in every once in a while if they’ll let you.”

  The very thought of trying to sneak the massive dog anywhere made her smile. Beau would never fit in anyone’s purse.

  “Okay, no lying game, Mr. Reedy.” She petted Beau, trying to wrest some courage with every stroke. “I’d love for Beau to come with me, but I won’t be in Hollydale.”

  He squinted and shook his head. “You’re still here, aren’t you? I’ll take my chances I’m right.”

  When a rumbling sound grew stronger, Georgie moved to the window, Beau at her side. The county shuttle parked in the driveway behind her Prius. Gulping, Georgie turned to Mr. Reedy. “The shuttle’s here. Do you want me to take Beau?”

  With a quick jerk of his head, Mr. Reedy placed his hands on the armchair and pushed himself up. Beau whined.

  “His leash is on the kitchen table, and his kibble and bowl are all there, too.” He pressed his head to Beau’s coat. “You be good for Georgie.”

  Beep. A loud honk issued from the shuttle. Mr. Reedy scuttled along with his oxygen tank. Beau followed Mr. Reedy to the door.

  “Key’s on the back table. Just leave it under the mat.”

  With that, Mr. Reedy left. Beau wandered over to Georgie.

  “Goodbyes are never easy, are they, Beau?” She stroked him, taking comfort in his soft fur.

  After Georgie loaded Beau’s gear into the Prius, she clicked on Beau’s leash. He wouldn’t budge. “Sorry, Beau, but I have a schedule to keep.” Beau tilted his head to one side as if trying to understand her. She chuckled. “Car ride.”

  Magic words for a dog, if she did say so herself. He jumped in, settling to rest on the seat.

  She patted his head. “Good boy.” She readied herself and pulled out of the driveway. “This will be fun, Beau. A new adventure.”