Her Colorado Sheriff

by Patricia Thayer

  The man put on a smile. “Hello, you must be Cullen Brannigan.”

  Cullen shook his hand. “Yes, nice to finally meet you, Sheriff.” He glanced around at his fellow officers. “As you can see, everyone’s been missing you.”

  “That’s nice to know. I’m surprised, because I’ve been told I’m a tyrant of a boss.”

  “Well, you ran a tight ship here.” He eyed Brad, and his second in command began to issue everyone their duties for the shift.

  Cullen turned back to the visitor. “Would you like to come back to your office, Sheriff?”

  Ted Carson seemed indecisive about what to do.

  “If you have some time, I have a couple of things I wanted to talk to you about.”

  The older man finally relented and together they went down the hall, but once inside the office, Ted refused the offer to sit behind the desk.

  Cullen didn’t have any problem. “So when are you expecting to come back?”

  “I don’t have a release from the doctor, so I’m not sure.” His face brightened. “I hear you’re doing an excellent job.”

  He had to admit he liked the praise. “You have a good staff here. And out of respect for you, they treat me the same way.”

  Ted shook his head. “Not true. If they didn’t respect you, you’d have a mutiny on your hands. It’s not easy to step in and be boss. Just the resentment alone can get to you. I’m glad everyone here is doing their jobs.”

  Cullen wasn’t exactly sure where this conversation was going, but hoped the sheriff would let him know soon.

  “Is there anything you need to ask me about the job?” Ted said.

  Cullen tried not to react but gave him a smile. “About a million questions, but I’ll need to make a list. So can I get back to you?” he joked.

  Ted nodded, then asked, “Are you thinking about going back to the Denver Police Department once your time is done here?”

  Of course, Ted knew about his background. “No. I’m done with the big city and all the politics.”

  Ted laughed. “You know there’s small-town politics, too. Son, you can’t get away from it.”

  “I agree, but I’m tired of the fast pace. I want to slow down and enjoy life.”

  “I heard you inherited a nice piece of land here. The Robertsons’ place.”

  “Yeah, but I don’t think I want to raise cattle.”

  “Then lease the land, and find what you want to do.”

  He leaned back and realized that nearly everything he thought about lately had the possibility to include Shelby and Ryan. Trent was here, too. “You don’t have to sell me on your town. I could see staying here. Maybe you could use an extra deputy when you return.”

  Ted arched an eyebrow. “With your experience, I think you should shoot higher than that.”

  * * *

  AT ABOUT SIX O’CLOCK, Shelby was in the kitchen when she heard a knock on the front door.

  “It’s Cullen with pizza,” Ryan called.

  Heart racing, Shelby checked her appearance. She was wearing a pair of clean jeans and a blouse. She’d kept her hair in a ponytail, but had washed it when she’d showered after coming home earlier. Okay, she liked looking nice for the man.

  She blew out a breath and walked into the living room. A sudden jolt hit her middle when Cullen looked at her. He had shaven and his dark hair was combed back from his face. In his hand he balanced a huge pizza box.

  “Hello, Shelby.”

  “Hi, Cullen. Did you get any sleep today?”

  He shrugged. “Enough.”

  “Well, then we won’t keep you too late.”

  “I’m off tomorrow, so I can sleep in.”

  “Then who’s gonna feed the horses?” Ryan asked.

  Cullen smiled. “Pops. He likes to get up early.”

  “I can help, too.” Ryan turned toward her. “Can I help, too, Aunt Shellie?”

  “You need to go to school. Now, why don’t you go and wash up and we’ll eat?”

  The boy took off down the hall, leaving her alone with Cullen. He didn’t hesitate as he came to her, lowered his head and kissed her, slow and easy, but making her ache for more. He pulled back. “I can’t tell you how long I wanted to do that.”

  “Maybe we shouldn’t. I’m not sure how Ryan will handle it.”

  Cullen frowned. “You mean he doesn’t want me to like you?”

  “No, but he’s only five. He won’t understand if we have to leave here.”

  His gaze roamed over her face. “Then don’t leave. Stay. Bess and Bill want you to. I want you to.”

  Oh, dear Lord, so did she. “I don’t want to go, either, but if Gil...” She’d kept her voice low so little ears couldn’t hear.

  “Stop letting that man decide your future.”

  Before she could respond, Ryan came running in. “I’m hungry.”

  “So am I,” Cullen said and carried the box into the kitchen. He placed it on the counter and opened the lid, and the most wonderful aroma wafted through the air.

  Shelby groaned. “That smells heavenly.” She looked down at the pie to see half was pepperoni only, and the other side was veggie. “Oh, Cullen. You didn’t have to do this. What do you like?”

  He leaned forward and whispered in her ear, “I’m not picky. I can eat either.”

  His warm breath against her ear caused warm shivers down her spine. “Thank you.” She busied herself with getting a piece for Ryan, then watched as Cullen loaded up several pieces of both.

  He grinned at her. “I skipped lunch.”

  She took a slice of veggie and they walked into the living room. As a special treat, Ryan got to eat in front of the television and watch a video, Lion King.

  She looked at Cullen. “What would you like to drink? I bought some beer.”

  He smiled. “Sounds great.”

  She brought back two longnecks, then sat down on the sofa alongside him. She handed him one.

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  They ate through most of the pizza. Shelby made a pig of herself, and could hardly move. With Cullen so close she didn’t want to, either.

  Once Ryan was finished with his meal, and engrossed in the movie, they could carry on a conversation. For tonight, they seemed like any typical family.

  She had to stop that dream fast. She didn’t need a man who was trying to find himself. Yet, Cullen Brannigan was exactly the man she wanted.

  Cullen interrupted her thoughts. “Have you heard from Jeanie?”

  “Oh, I forgot to tell you, Jeanie said that Luke can ride. She checked with the doctor to make sure that he would have enough support to hold him upright.”

  “Good. I’ll make sure that we have enough spotters. How about we set up a time this weekend?”

  “I have a catering job on Saturday, but I can do Sunday,” she said.

  “Good, I’ll make sure I’m off, too. I’ll get Trent, Kase and Dad to help, too.”

  “Would you mind if we have everyone stay for hot dogs and hamburgers afterward? Everyone has been so nice, and I want to return the favor. And I make a pretty good mac and cheese.”

  He smiled. “Sounds like a good idea. I need to return a few invitations, too. If you let Jeanie know our plans, I’ll talk with Trent.”

  Cullen leaned back on the sofa and took a drink of beer. They were silent for a while, then he said, “Sheriff Carson came into the office today.”

  Shelby turned to him. “Really? Is he returning to work?” She felt panic creep into her stomach. Would Cullen be leaving?

  He shook his head. “That’s the funny part. I felt it was more than just to see his sister, and the deputies.”

  “How long were you contracted to be interim sheriff
?”

  “Three months. I’m about two months in.”

  She could stay and he would leave. She didn’t like the reality.

  Cullen went on to say, “He also asked me if I was going back to Denver. I told him, no, and I jokingly asked if he had any deputy positions open.”

  She got a little excited. “You’re staying in Hidden Springs?”

  He shrugged. “I’ve been thinking about it...lately. I mean I have the ranch here, and some horses.” His gaze met hers. “And you and Ryan are here.” He winked. “And I’m your landlord.”

  She was thrilled. “I’m glad you want to stay.”

  When he pulled her into his arms and kissed her, she knew that he was telling her the truth. She pushed aside any doubt about starting a relationship. Being in Cullen’s arms made her realize it was worth taking the chance.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Sunday was bright and sunny, the temperature above normal for the early spring. Perfect for horseback riding. As Shelby led Cloud around the arena with Ryan, Addy was on Danny Boy and led by her dad, Kase, and Noah was on Dakota with Neal.

  Yet, most of the attention was focused on Trent and Cullen as they led the gentle black mare Sassy Girl, who was carrying Luke. The ten-year-old was strapped securely in the high-back therapy saddle that helped support the boy’s frail spine. With a big grin on his face, Luke rode around the corral, and managed a weak wave at his encouraging parents. Jeanie and John were standing on the ramp snapping pictures with their phones.

  Shelby found she was tearing up over the scene, especially when Cullen led Sassy over next to his brother and they rode side by side. Cullen also had more activities planned for the afternoon. There were tall wooden stands in the arena and attached were small flags. She had no idea where these came from.

  Most likely Cullen built them. Then he explained to each child what to do.

  The idea was when the horses rode by, they were to grab a Velcro flag. There were more smiles and cheers as each horse rode by the pole. Then came Luke’s turn. As Sassy approached the pole, Neal tilted it until the flag was right in front of the boy’s hand. Despite Luke’s limited mobility, he managed to reach for the red banner and grasp it. He held it up as his brother, Noah, cheered along with the other kids.

  Cullen stood in the middle of the arena. “Who wants to go faster?”

  All the kids raised their hands and cheered again.

  “Okay, let’s race.”

  All the horses were lined up, and the pole at the other end now had plastic rings on hooks. “Okay, we’re going to ride to the pole, grab a ring and come back.” Cullen walked past each helmeted child, showing them how to grip their hand on the saddle horn. She couldn’t help but notice how reassuring he was with each child. Darn the man if he hadn’t made her care about him even more.

  Cullen strolled past her and winked. “Be careful and don’t drop it,” he instructed the kids. “Keep your eyes on the ring.”

  Neal was the first to go with Noah. He took off and Pops ran with the horse, with two spotters on either side of the boy. Everyone yelled encouragement when Noah rode down and grabbed his ring, then came back. Everyone got a chance to go and get a ring. Luke was even walked down.

  “You can do it, Luke,” Noah called to his brother. “Get a red one.”

  Sassy Girl was walked really close to the pole, and with help from Cullen Luke got a ring, too.

  With exhausted kids and handlers, the afternoon riding session came to a successful end. The horses were taken back to the barn, fed and put away for the night. Then everyone went up to the main house.

  Addy took charge of the kids and put on a video for everyone to watch. Even Luke seemed to be entertained for a while, then he went to sleep in his chair.

  Cullen came up to her in the kitchen. “Thank you for doing this today.”

  She looked at the handsome cowboy and suddenly wished they were alone. “You’re doing all the work, and this is your house. I’m only adding a few salads.”

  “What I mean is, I’m glad you’re here with me.”

  His remark threw her, then he lowered his head and placed a soft kiss on her lips. He pulled back, picked up the tray of hamburgers and hot dogs and walked out the back door.

  Shelby stood there at the sink thrilled but confused about what to do about the man.

  “Feeling a little dazed, are you?”

  She turned to find Jeanie smiling at her.

  There was no reason to lie. “Yeah, you could say that.”

  Jeanie came up to her. “I think the sheriff is smitten with you.”

  Shelby wasn’t sure what to say. “It would be complicated to get involved.”

  “Sweetie, don’t look now, but it’s already happened.” Jeanie leaned against the counter. “Word around town is that Sheriff Brannigan is a good guy. He proved that with what he did today for the kids, especially my boys.”

  Shelby nodded, seeing Jeanie blink at her tears. “I know.” She remembered what Cullen had told her about volunteering with kids in Denver.

  “You know what they say, you trust a man who is liked by kids and animals.”

  Before Shelby could remark on the comment, she heard more voices. She looked up to see Laurel pushing a stroller into the kitchen.

  Shelby smiled. “Oh, Laurel, you brought the babies.” She rushed over to the new mother and hugged her. Jeanie did the same since they knew each other from church.

  Shelby couldn’t resist and peered into the stroller at the two sleeping babies, one in pink and the other in blue.

  “Oh, they are so precious.”

  Addy suddenly appeared next to her, and whispered, “That’s because they’re sleeping. But they cry a lot until Mommy feeds them.”

  Shelby glanced at Laurel sitting in the chair.

  She was a beautiful woman with her blond hair and green eyes. Even after the recent birth, she was slender.

  “I’m hoping for a few hours before that happens,” Laurel said. “Besides going to the doctor, this is my first official outing. I’m exhausted just getting us all ready.” She turned her attention to her stepdaughter, Addy, and smiled. “I heard from your dad that you did really good today and were helpful with the other kids.”

  The cute blonde nodded. “I showed Noah and Ryan how to hold the reins. Sheriff Cullen played games with us, and Luke got to play, too.”

  “That’s wonderful.” Laurel looked at Jeanie. “So the saddle worked.”

  Jeanie nodded. “It seemed to. It’s a little big, but Cullen and Trent made some adjustments.” She reached in her pocket and pulled out her phone. “I got pictures.”

  Laurel’s green eyes widened, and she went to her. “Oh, let me see.”

  The twosome went over the photos when Jeanie said, “I hope Cullen doesn’t mind, but I’m going to put one in the local paper. He was wonderful to do this today. I’ve never seen Luke so animated.” Her voice got hoarse with emotion. “My boys got to do something together. You don’t know how important it was that they got to share this day. It was awesome!”

  Laurel hugged her. “Then we’re going to have to make sure they do it again.” She looked at Shelby. “You know, Dad can volunteer sometime, too. He’s already talking with Neal about next time.”

  Shelby hoped that Cullen was as enthusiastic about a next time, too. All she knew was she liked the house filled with people. Not just any people, but friends and family. She could get used to this, if she let herself. Did she dare?

  * * *

  LATER THAT NIGHT, Cullen stood on the porch with Shelby watching as the last truck pulled out and headed for home. He had to admit he was tired, but in a good way.

  He wrapped his arm around Shelby’s shoulders and pulled her close. “Are you tired?”

  “A little, but e
veryone helped with the food, so the kitchen is all cleaned up. Everything is done.”

  She started to pull away, but he stopped her. “Not exactly.” He drew her closer, then dipped his head toward hers. “There’s this.”

  His mouth covered hers in a slow, easy kiss that sure had his gut tightening. With Shelby in his arms it didn’t take much. Her arms went around his neck, and she pressed her sweet body against his, driving his need.

  He broke off the kiss. “Damn, woman. I can’t take much more.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her inside. “C’mon, I need to get you home before I carry you off and have my way with you.”

  Hand in hand they walked through the front door and into the family room, where his dad sat watching television. “Where’s Ryan?” she asked.

  “He’s upstairs in his old room. He said he wanted to sleep in his old bed because Addy was going to sleep over at her grandparents’ house.” The older Brannigan looked at Shelby. “I said I’d ask you if it was okay.”

  “Oh, Neal. You’ve already been so generous to watch Ryan, you don’t need to do this.”

  “You act like it’s a hardship. It’s not. Ryan is a great little boy. I think he only wants what other kids have.” He smiled. “I have no problem filling in as a grandpa.” He glanced at his son. “I hope you can remember the days when I was a pretty good dad to you and Austin.”

  Cullen didn’t know what to say to that. But Shelby quickly stepped in. “I’ll go up and check on him.”

  After she left the room, Cullen turned back to his father. “Of course I remember those days, but I also remember the bad ones, too.” He wanted to believe the man, but so many times he’d let him down.

  “I understand, son. I have a lot to make up for, and I’m gonna do my darnedest.” He blinked. “Losing Leslie made me realize how I’ve turned my back on everyone. I’ve made a lot of mistakes over the years, and I especially turned away from you and your brother. I’m sorry, son.”

  Shelby came down the steps. “He’s sound asleep. I’ll come by early before work.”