Page 18 of May I Kiss the Bride
SHERIFF REY WAS DEFINITELY LINGERING, or was it loitering?
Whatever it was, Viola felt vastly amused. Butterflies were also making themselves busy in her stomach. Aunt Beth’s words about the sheriff being “interested” in her wouldn’t leave her mind. Still, she wondered if Rey was hanging around the pie table to watch over her because it was his civic duty, or because he wanted to get to know her better, or because he was bored?
It was honestly hard to tell. She really had nothing to lose by just asking him.
“Are you going to stand here all night and chase off every man who approaches me?” she said after his scowl and disapproving look sent away another cowboy.
Rey’s green eyes landed on her. “I don’t think you need my help in that corner, ma’am. Although I’m happy to oblige if necessary.”
“You’re calling me ma’am again.”
“We’re in a more formal setting.”
He was teasing, she knew it. She made a studious assessment of the man. His height made him imposing to the average-sized man, she supposed. His profession added to that as well. Buthis kindness and frank-speaking made him appealing to women, not to mention those deep green eyes of his and his rugged features. Viola hadn’t missed the stares of several women in the barn, including Della. At least Sidney had changed her focus to Phil, whom she currently danced with.
“I’ll be fine, sir,” Viola pronounced, returning hisma’amwith hersir. “Now, you go find yourself a dance partner. The sheriff of the town can’t always be on duty.”
Interestingly enough, Rey hesitated, then murmured, “Just not looking forward to being cornered by my daughter again.”
“Elsie? What hold does a child have on you?” Viola wasn’t what she’d call a natural with children. But she’d been watching the eight-year-old Elsie off and on, and she seemed like a go-getter, and Viola liked that.
He chuckled at this and folded his arms. “Ah. Well. Elsie came home from San Francisco talking about her friend’s new mother.”
Viola did a quick scan of his sinewy forearms, then she averted her gaze before he noticed. “And?”
Rey took a step closer and lowered his voice, which wasn’t too hard to hear over the energetic fiddler. “She doesn’t remember her mother, and I knew it would only be a matter of time before she realizes what she’s been missing.”
Viola blinked. This was much more personal than she thought he might share with her, especially in a public setting. “And she’s missing that now?”
Rey set his hands on his hips and looked down at the ground. “It seems that way, ma’am. On the drive over, she was determined to find me a woman to dance with.” He raised his gaze to meet Viola’s. “She’s distracted now by her friends, but how long will that last? And even if I satisfy her and dance with someone tonight, then what about tomorrow, or nextweek? I just don’t think I can abide living with a precocious matchmaker.”
Against her will, Viola felt the edges of her mouth tug upward.
“Do you find that amusing, Miss Delany?”
“I might.” Her smile grew.
Rey’s eyes glimmered with humor. “It’s not every day that a man confesses his life is secretly ruled by a child, whether he’s a sheriff or not.”
Viola laughed. “I’m impressed that you’re at least willing to admit it. But don’t worry, your secret is safe. I mean, who would I tell?”
Rey pushed up the brim of his hat and rubbed at his forehead. “Beth Cannon?”
“Oh, she’d be the last person I’d tell,” Viola said. “She’s already after me to give another man a chance. Says that one failed engagement isn’t excuse enough to remain a spinster.”
“You were engaged?” He looked quite surprised, which surprised her—it seemed that the town gossip hadn’t reached him.
“I was, but he was caught in an indiscretion, and before marriage, that’s unacceptable.”
Rey frowned. “And it’s acceptable during marriage?”
Viola shrugged a shoulder. “The unbreakable knot is already tied.”
“That’s hogwash,” Rey said. “I know divorces can be tricky to get, but sometimes they’re warranted.”
Viola stared at him, then had to look away because her eyes were filling with tears.
“I’m sorry, Viola, for speaking of things not of my concern. But a man’s got no business stepping out on his wife.”
