"The elderly. We need a way to keep tabs on them. They are frail and can't do many of the things that need to be done when you live in a small town with weather as harsh as the one we have."
"You like your job."
"Of course I do. So do you."
"Tell me the weirdest thing you have seen so far in your time here."
"I was called to pick up a pregnant lady to take her to the Storyville Hospital, and she started labor in the back seat of my patrol car. There was screaming, from both of us, and then Dr. Hall had to guide me through the delivery on the phone."
I think about Luna's crush, Dr. Marcus Hall, and can see him taking control of the situation from his end.
"What happened when the baby finally arrived?"
"The lady swore she was going to name him after me until I told her my name was Tristan. She told me she didn't want her son to live a life of tragedy."
I don't recall the story of Tristan and Isolde really well, so I can't speak to that, but I'm not sure if he's serious or joking about it.
"Do you want to be sheriff someday?"
"That's a lot of responsibility. Right now I have time to volunteer and do things for the community. If I were to be elected as sheriff, I wouldn't have enough time to dedicate to helping the town. So for now, I'm good."
I don't know what makes me start digging into his personal life, but I can't help myself.
"Doesn't seem like you have time for a social life."
His eyes glint as if I've hit on a topic that interests him.
"I would make time if I found someone special to spend time with."
"Someone special, huh?"
"Do you have someone special in your life, Emma?"
My cheeks are flooded with blood as I hear him say my name. I'm glad the only light source is the fireplace so maybe he won't be able to see me blushing.
"Being a business owner is a full-time job. When I'm not working, I'm dealing with administrative tasks or talking one of my sisters off a ledge they've gone onto."
"There's four of you, right? Who is the oldest?"
"I am. It's me, then Laura, then Felicia, and finally Luna, the miracle baby."
"Miracle baby?"
"My mother thought she was in menopause already and couldn't get pregnant. Surprise, surprise, Luna came and stole our hearts. She's a bit of a free spirit, but we love her to pieces."
"So you are close with them?"
"Yes. Sometimes I think too close for comfort."
"God, you're beautiful."
His words were barely a whisper, but I could definitely make out that he said I'm beautiful.
"I'm so sorry, Emma. That' was inappropriate."
"I don't know. I'd like to hear more about that."
There's that glint back in his eyes that makes him look so dashing. Being with him here like this is giving me ideas. Is it wrong for me to want this man the way I do? I mean, I barely know him.
