Page 31 of Declan
“I’m sure you do. I’ll see you later,” Sam said as they reached the courthouse steps, the imposing brick structure looming above them.
“Call me if you need me. I’m off to make rounds,” Declan nodded, his eyes scanning the streets.
“Be safe out there.” Sam offered a final wave before he ascended the steps, his silhouette disappearing into the building as the door closed behind him.
****
The apartment was enveloped in the rich, mouthwatering aroma of lasagna baking in the oven, and the savory scent made Elise’s stomach rumble with anticipation. Just as she was about to pull open the oven door to check on it, her cellphone vibrated on the countertop, interrupting her.
Grabbing the phone, her face broke into a wide smile as her mother’s familiar, beaming face filled the screen.
“Hi, Mom,” she greeted warmly.
“Hi, sweetheart. How’s Clifton treating you?” her mother inquired, her voice carrying the warmth of home.
“I absolutely love it here, Mom. I’ve met someone, and although it’s only been a brief time, I think I could really fall in love with him,” Elise confessed, her voice tinged with excitement.
“Oh, honey, that’s wonderful news. Does he feel the sameway?” her mother asked, her tone filled with curiosity and hope.
“I’m not sure yet,” Elise admitted, a hint of laughter in her voice. “He’s a Sheriff’s Deputy and incredibly handsome.”
“Well, what could be more handsome than a man in uniform?” her mother teased playfully.
Elise chuckled. “He doesn’t wear a full uniform. It’s more of a rugged look, khaki shirt with his badge pinned on it, jeans, cowboy boots, and a very sexy cowboy hat.”
“Oh, my. Maybe I should come for a visit,” her mother quipped with a chuckle.
“I wish you would, Mom. I really miss you and Dad,” Elise said softly, a touch of longing in her voice.
“We miss you too, honey. I’ll talk to your dad about it, but it might be best to plan for spring,” her mother suggested thoughtfully.
“Yes, definitely. I heard it actually snowed here last June. Can you believe it, Mom? June! Clifton is nestled in the mountains, and from here, you can see the breathtaking Glacier Mountains,” Elise explained, her voice brimming with awe.
“It snowed in June?” her mother echoed; her voice filled with disbelief.
Elise laughed, the sound bright and cheerful. “Unreal, huh?”
“Yes. The reason I’m calling is to tell you that Wynonna was asking about you. I saw her at the theatre the other night. She said she’d love to see you.”
“I’d love to see her too. It’s been a while. Is she still teaching ballet?” Elise smiled at the memories of her teacher. A wonderful woman who pushed her to excel, but made sure her students knew how much she loved being their teacher. She’d been a ballerina in her early years, and she’d been one of the best.
“Yes, I believe that’s why she wanted to know about you. She said she’d love to have someone else helping her with her students. I think she meant you.”
Elise didn’t know what to say. “But I’m here now and I’m happy.”
“Honey, I’m not telling you to do it. That is your decision if she does get in touch with you about it. If you’re happy where you are, then stay there. You do sound happy.”
“I am. Especially since meeting Declan.”
“I like his name.”
“Me too. Declan Cavanaugh.”
“Irish to the bone,” her mother said with a laugh.
“Yes, he is. I’m making dinner for him. He’s supposed to be here at six.”
“And what are you making?”
