Page 42 of Daddy's Heart

“She has?”

“Mmhmm. She said you’re the best there is at catching bad guys.”

Legend puffs up like a marshmallow in a microwave. “Iam! Want to see my police car?”

Before Colt can answer, Legend’s already halfway into his backpack, yanking out a tiny metal cruiser with one wheel missing.

Colt takes it with the seriousness of someone handling evidence from a crime scene. “Nice car. Does it have sirens?”

“Nope, but I make themwith my mouth. Wanna hear?”

“Wouldn’t miss it.”

Legend does a full sound effects performance, complete with hand gestures and a dramatic crash at the end. Colt nods like he's just watched a TED Talk on toddler law enforcement.

“Very realistic. You might be overqualified.”

I’m watching all of this with my heart caught somewhere between my throat and my stomach. This is it—the moment of truth. If Colt balks now, if he pulls away, we’re done before we’ve even begun.

But he doesn’t. He leans in. He engages. He listens like my son’s siren sounds are top-tier.

“Legend,” I say gently, “this is Sheriff Colt. He’s... kind of Mama’s friend.”

Legend tilts his head. “Like arealfriend or like aboyfriendfriend?”

My cheeks ignite.

Colt grins, not missing a beat. “Boyfriend friend. That okay with you?”

Legend gives it about three seconds of grave deliberation. “Do you love my mama?”

“I do.”

“Are you gonna be nice to her?”

“Always.”

Legend nods like a little judge handing down a sentence. “Okay. But if you’re mean, Iwillarrest you.”

“I’d expect nothing less,” Colt replies solemnly. “You got cuffs?”

“Nope. I use tape.”

“Smart man.”

Behind us, Grandmama’s practically melting. Grandpop just mutters, “Well, damn,” under his breath.

“Sheriff,” Grandmama calls sweetly, “we should all have dinner together. I make a mean apple pie for dessert.”

“That’s kind of you, ma’am.”

“Good, right now work for you? Follow us back to Emery’s place!”

“Wait, I thought… I don’t want to crash a family dinner.”

“Nonsense,” she says with a wave. “You’re Emery’s young man, which makes you family. Plus, I want the scoop on how y’all met. She hasn’t told usanything.”

Colt looks to me, and I nod. I don’t want to do this alone anymore.

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