Page 37 of The Sheriff's Mistletoe Bride
“Not that I’ve heard.”
“Why does she need to leave a place where it’s so easy for her to put down roots?”
“Maybe she wants to see something different.I don’t know, ask her.”
“If you don’t, I will.”
“Stay out of it, Cassie.”
“Now you know better than to tell me that.And one last question…do you want her to stay—yes or no?”
Matt didn’t respond as quickly as he had to the other questions.He met his sister’s gaze with his steady one.Then he spoke.“Yes.”
Cassie smiled.And she nodded.“That’s really the only answer that matters then, isn’t it?And I think you need to figure out the why of it.Why should she want to stay?Seems like you need to step out from hiding behind her and make your intention known to this town but also to her.You want her to stay, then give her the reason to do so.And if you can’t do that now, then let her go.”She stood from the table.“Good luck, little brother.I’ll put this counseling session on your bill.”
Matt shook his head as he watched her leave.It had always been Cassie to stir the pot and put things in perspective.She could be maddening at times, but then she was also right…most of the time.He knew that the clock was ticking on Ally’s leaving.He’d tried to ignore it.But it was coming.Jillie had also sensed it.She had asked him why Ally had to leave at all.Did she not like it in Destiny’s River?Maybe she was regretting leaving the big city?Destiny’s River was a great place to live but not everyone could leave a large city and take the change of pace.But Ally had never struck him as that type.She had come in and from the beginning fit into the town…into their lives.She had the heart for Destiny’s River.The question was, could she have the heart to want to stay?Heart to want to take on him and his daughter and their lives?He was a small-town sheriff.He chose this life and not too many women would want to make such a decision.A decision that affected three people.He wanted nothing less than a lifetime commitment.Not too many women thought that far, or so it seemed from his experience.
Ally had pitched in above and beyond.She knew the meaning of commitment and teamwork.It had been tough to convince Jillie of the sincerity of the few dates he had gone through in the past.And none had made it very far in her eyes or in his estimation.Until Ally Jones literally crashed into their lives.Nothing had been the same since.And it was time he focused on what might change her mind and get her to consider staying.Because he wanted her to do just that.It might take some work, but he would give it his best shot.She needed to know that she was wanted.That she had become part of their lives, and she would be missed if she left.And he didn’t want that to happen.
He had his work cut out for him.The lady in question was about to know what happened when a Parker put their mind to something.
Ally pulled into the driveway and parked.She had delivered the café’s order and then drove around a bit, meeting the other business owners and spreading the word that she was available.The wedding shop was very interested in seeing what baking she could do for weddings.And that would be an area she would focus on honing her talents to include that avenue.She had also visited the garage and saw the work was moving along on her car.It would get a paint job in the coming week and that was exciting.
She gathered her purse and a small bag of fruit she had picked up at the farmer’s market and headed up the steps to the porch.She stopped and wasn’t sure she was in the right place for a moment.On the doormat sat a huge bouquet of gold mums, yellow glads, tiny orange buttons, greenery and deep maroon gerberas.They were beautiful fall colors, and it had to be a mistake.The delivery person needed to be called.She saw a small envelope and retrieved it to get the name of the florist to call.But she stopped when she saw that it was her name printed on the envelope.It wasn’t a mistake after all.She drew out the card from inside.And her breath caught in her throat for a moment.
Good morning, beautiful lady.Hope these flowers bring a smile.Would you do Jillie and me the honor of joining us for Thanksgiving dinner at the Lockwood Ranch?Everyone would love to have you with us.Pick you up at eleven.Matt
Ally felt a rush of excitement.No one had ever sent her flowers.And such gorgeous ones!And she was invited for a family Thanksgiving.It felt special.And Matt had invited her.She needed to respond.Once she had opened the door and set the bouquet on the low table in the center of the living room and dropped the rest of her things in the kitchen she dialed Matt, wondering at the butterflies in her stomach.She talked to the man daily, but he had never sent her flowers or called her beautiful.Something had changed.
He answered on the third ring.“Good morning.How are you today?”
“Very surprised.And yes, I am smiling…quite a lot.The flowers are incredible.Thank you for them.”
“I’m glad they brought smiles, and that you like them.You deserve them.”
“I called to thank you but also to accept your kind invitation for lunch.”
“I’m glad.I’ll pick you up at eleven.”
“What can I bring?I want to do something.”
“Well, since you offered.”He laughed.“I do have a request from my brother-in-law.”
She couldn’t help smiling.“Let me guess…pecan fudge brownies.Surely, I can bring something else, too?”
“Coconut cream pie might be a hit.Of course, you could just surprise us.Because anything you bake is amazing.”
It made her heart feel good to hear his words.“Then I will surprise everyone.And I’ll be ready at eleven.”
“Can’t wait.Enjoy the day off today and we’ll see you Thursday.Bye, Ally.”
She managed to get out a bye in return and hung up.She was smiling so much that her jaws hurt.It was flowers and a dinner invitation, but it meant so much more to her.And he had to know it would.He was a man who had a lot of empathy and caring for people.And he knew she would be alone.He and his family were making sure that did not happen.But he had also called her beautiful.And for the first time, she felt it.Maybe this bit of a dream would become a possible reality.At least for one day, she would allow herself to entertain that dream.
*
“Teddy, it’s Thanksgiving!And you get extra treats today after you finish your breakfast.I’m going out but there will be another treat when I get home.”
Ally felt the butterflies again.And she caught herself humming.When had she ever done that?She searched her closet and changed three times.She finally settled on burgundy slacks with a lighter burgundy sweater shot through with thin silver threads.Would it be too dressy or not dressy enough?She had to hope for the best.She took extra time with her makeup and her curls were their usual bouncy selves.She longed for straight hair like other girls, but it was not going to happen.Pale pink lip gloss went on just as the doorbell sounded.The butterflies really took flight.
