Page 21 of The Sheriff's Omega

“He’s a rabbit?” Roe asked, clearly trying to look uninterested but failing miserably.

“He is,” Ernie took one of the drinks from Mack. “I think Henry said he was a lionhead mix. He’s white with a black stripe down his back. He ended up at the animal sanctuary when his owner died. The poor boy was in pretty bad health, but he’s doing well now.”

Mack sat beside Roe and pulled a side salad from one of the food trays in the middle of the table. He opened it and put some of the mixed greens in the guinea pig stroller, mentally calculating if there was enough space for a rabbit. He wasn’t sure if it was alright to put rabbits and guinea pigs together, so they might end up carrying Arthur. The interest in Roe’s eyes told him they would be going home with a rabbit, one way or another.

Wally nudged his side. “Roe needs that rabbit.”

“I’ll see what I can do,” Mack whispered back.

After a long dayat the festival, Mack finally found himself alone with Roe once the kids were in bed. They sat in his studio, Roe lounging in his chair and Mack perched on the ottoman.

“How’s your leg?” he asked. Roe looked like he was about to fall asleep. Arthur sat in his lap, already dozing. The costume had come off the rabbit as soon as they got home, but the dang thing was still cute as a button. He wasn’t very big, but he looked like a ball of white fluff. He sure liked Roe, too.

“It’s a little sore, but it was worth it.” Roe gave him an uncertain look. “Are we going to talk about the kiss?”

“I think we need to.” Mack let Mmrr jump onto his lap and settle down. He stroked the top of her head, enjoying the purrs rumbling through her.

“I really like you,” Roe said, sighing. “I don’t want to lose your friendship, but I won’t lie. I want more.”

“I do, too,” Mack said quietly. “I didn’t realize it until you kissed me, but it felt right. I haven’t wanted to be with anyone since Darren died, but it feels different with you.”Like the ground thawing with the warmth of spring, he thought, wincing at his flowery thoughts.

Roe smiled softly. “I haven’t even thought of anyone romantically since my divorce. There’s been no time. Do you want to try a relationship? With me?”

Mack thought for a moment, peeling back the instant want and considering what lay behind it. He wasn’t getting any younger, but he wasn’t ready for the grave either. Having the right person beside him was an addicting thought. Roe felt like the right person, but...

“I’m at least ten years older than you,” he said, forcing the words out. “I’m not the most eligible bachelor in Hobson Hills, despite what you saw today.”

Roe snorted. “There is no convincing me that you’re not a catch, Ian. I’ve already spent too much time with you to know that’s a lie. You’re kind and funny. Handsome and sexy both. My kids already adore you.” He bit his lip. “I’ll be honest and tell you that putting myself out there again is frightening. I’d given up on the idea of a partner.” He reached out and took Mack’s hand. “In the end, though, I know you’re worth the risk. Do you think you can put up with my drama? What about the kids? Are we too much?”

Mack shook his head, wanting to laugh. “You and the kids are great. It’s not exactly a burden to spend time with you all. I can’t think of anything better then today, everyone all together and having fun.”

Roe looked relieved as he leaned back in his seat. “I’m going to have to tell Cain that I love it here, aren’t I? He’s going to be so smug.”

“He’s earned it, hasn’t he?” Mack pulled Roe’s hand to his lips. “Besides, Caden told me he already sent a video of our kiss to him.”

“That’s why he’s called me so many times.” Roe groaned. “I suppose I should call him back.”

Mack chuckled. “I’ll get you some tea while you do that. Decaf. Tell him about the pet matchmaking event. It’s a shame he wasn’t here. He’d have ended up with that cat in the business suit.”

Roe nodded, face solemn. “They would be the perfect fit. Like me and Arthur. Fergie belongs to everyone, the guinea pigs belong to Fergie, and Mmrr belongs to herself. Arthur’s all mine. I’m not sharing, and you can’t make me.”

Mack laughed as he stood. “Yes, sir.”

His cell rang, and he sighed. “This late in the evening, that will be work. Rain check on the tea?”

“Absolutely.” Roe yawned. “I’m about to fall asleep anyway.”

Mack forced himself to answer the phone instead of leaning forward to kiss a sleepy Roe. “McKenzie.”

“Sheriff, we have a situation,” Parker said solemnly.

“Does it have anything to do with Bigfoot or knitting shenanigans?”

Roe snickered.

“Not this time,” Parker said. “We got a call about a domestic at the Scotts’ house. When we got here, we found Mrs. Scott in the kitchen. She’s been beaten pretty bad. EMTs got her now, but they aren’t sure she’s going to make it to the hospital.”

“And Eugene Scott?” Mack asked, hands shaking with fury. They had been watching the couple closely for a long time now. Eugene and Layla just happened to wear a perfect mask for the rest of the town. Those in the know were aware of all the cracks in that mask. Mack just hoped Layla didn’t die now that it was broken.

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