Page 45 of Oh My Secret Christmas Baby
The sheriff fists his hands at his sides. That last comment was uncalled for, but he doesn’t get to come into my house and act like a dick. Even though I one thousand percent get where he’s coming from. I would be doing the same if it were Candy.
“Why don’t we strike a deal? I’ll subtly imply to people, especially of the male gender, that Kindred is taken, and you help me out with something as well. What do you say? I watch your back, and you watch mine?”
“Have you seen Kindred?” Not sure where this is going, but maybe the sheriff has lost his mind. These things happen when it comes to your woman. I learned that rather quickly, so I humor him.
“Yes, and?”
“Make sure you imply it toeveryone. I don't care about the gender.”
"All right." I bite back a laugh, but again, I get it. When you're in love, it's difficult to wrap your mind around not everyone wanting the person you're obsessed with. If you want them so badly, you're sure others do too.
I have caught myself being jealous of Kindred getting to hang out with Candy a few times. Especially when Kindred can get one of those soft giggles from her or they have an inside joke I'm not allowed in on. But I keep it in check. Candy is putting down roots here, and the more of them that snag hold of her, the more she'll feel grounded. I want that so badly for her.
Maxwell tried to fill her head with bullshit. He'd make his small digs in concern, but that's not what they were. It was his way of making her feel less. He wanted to shake her confidence so she'd stay with him and be grateful for it.
It's the stupidest shit I've ever heard. All that would do to Candy is make her retreat more. You'd think Maxwell would have known that. They'd beenfriends, a word I use very loosely, for years. He should have known that about her. I did in a matter of weeks.
"What do you need from me?"
"I have hired security, but there are things I have to handle, and you know the residents of this town. You'll be aware of who to watch more closely than others."
"I would have already done that." He knows loosely about the Maxwell threat.
The two cops that had come to New Hope had stopped on their way out of town at Sheriff Hudson's office out of respect and to give him the same warning about their instincts on Maxwell. I'd also let him know about Candy being here and the possibility of a crazy fuck or someone he sent to come looking for her.
"I know." Sheriff Hudson could want to kill me, but he’d still show up to the party because most of the town will be here, and he takes his job very seriously. A job he's way overqualified for. He has accomplished much more than just being a Ranger, which was already a significant achievement.
He's had other private jobs that paid him out the ass, but he settled here, leaving that all behind, and that has nothing to do with him serving with Kindred's brother in the Army. Out of respect, I never dug into the details because he’s never given me a reason to. His character speaks for itself. He cares about this community and does what he has to to keep everyone here safe and sound.
"Is there more I need to be aware of?"
"There are a few outcomes that could unfold tonight, and if things play out as they should, I'll be needing your help beyond keeping an eye out." His brows lift. "Just be prepared, and you'll know if and when the time arrives."
"All right," he agrees. "I'm guessing you have a portfolio list of the people coming into town. I'd like a copy."
"Consider it sent." He gives me a slight nod, which is as good as a handshake coming from him.
“You know how to reach me.” That’s the last thing he says before he turns and leaves.
At least his jealousy and overprotectiveness of Kindred saved me a trip down to his office. Now I have more time to get all of my ducks in a row for tonight. Maxwell is somewhat unpredictable but also cocky enough to think that he may still be able to convince Candy to go back to the city with him.
He’s also desperate, though. You know what they say about desperate people: they go to desperate measures. There’s no way of telling how Maxwell will approach this whole situation. Which is why I need to cover every damn base. Putting Candy and the babies in any sort of danger is out of the question. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect them while putting an end to Maxwell.
Chapter Twenty-One
CANDY
Istare at myself in the mirror and do a small sway to watch how the dress moves. The white satin is the softest thing I have ever worn. The woman who stares back at me radiates sophistication in a way I never thought would be me. It's romantic too; it reminds me a bit of a wedding dress.
The skirt cascades down with a touch of volume to it. It’s why I keep swaying back and forth to watch it move. Not to mention the discreet side pockets. The top part is strapless, but it's secured by some inner structure that's way too fancy for me to understand. I do know it's perfect and allows for my baby bump to show. I rest my hand on it, the light hitting my ring. I truly do feel like a princess in a fairy tale.
"Candy." I turn at the sound of my name to see Hollis.
"I've turned vain. I can't stop staring in this mirror." I laugh.
"I don't blame you." Hollis makes his way over to me, wrapping his arms around me while laying a kiss on my neck. “You’re stunning. A vision.” His eyes meet mine in the mirror.
“Thank you.” I feel myself start to blush and glance down.
