Walker swallows hard, slowly meeting my gaze. “I had to talk with you first. We’re a package deal now, and any major decisions I make should be made together.”
“I think it’s an incredible opportunity to expand your career. You’ve accomplished so much as a deputy, and this would let you make an even bigger impact in the community. The real question is, doyouwantto be sheriff?”
He stares off in the distance, his expression unreadable as he thinks it over.
The offer must have caught him off guard, given that my dad gave no indication of retiring until this week. Still, there’s no denying he’s the right man for the job. Walker’s been clear that he wants to stop dividing his time between the ranch and the sheriff’s office, and this might be the change he’s beenwaiting for. Now that he’s talked to Heath, I hope it brought him some clarity as he weighs his next step, especially knowing his brother stands behind him no matter what he decides. More than anything, I want him to be fulfilled and find meaning in whatever he chooses next.
When he finally speaks, he bridges the distance between us. “I do want to be sheriff. It’s an unexpected change, but with time, I’d like to think I could grow into the role.” He cradles my face in his hands. “But my career’s no longer the center of my world. I have something far more important now.”
I place a hand on his chest, holding his gaze. “Oh? And what’s that?”
He leans close, his lips brushing mine. “You.” My breath catches, my fingers tangling in the fabric of his collar. “Plus, someone’s got to make sure you stay out of trouble, and what better way to do that than by being sheriff?” he taunts playfully.
I smirk. “And here I was hoping for the chance to add another mug shot to my collection.”
A teasing glint lights up his eyes. “I can think of a few ways you could do that and still skip the handcuffs and paperwork.”
“I wouldn’t mind the handcuffs,Sheriff,” I murmur, brushing my mouth against his.
“Fuck me,” he breathes out. “That title sounds so sexy when you say it.”
“I love you,SheriffHalstead. I love you very much.”
“I love you too, Birdie, baby,” he whispers.
The Beginning Of Forever
One Week Later
“Mama, did you want more soup?” I ask, nodding to her empty bowl.
She shakes her head, slowly moving her hand to her stomach. “I c-couldn’t eat another thing. I’m stuffed.”
“Does that mean you’re going to pass on the chocolate pudding Julie made for dessert?” I tease, the corners of my mouth lifting.
Her eyes flicker toward the kitchen, her resolve faltering. “I s-suppose a few bites wouldn’t hurt.”
My smile widens. “I had a feeling you might say that.”
“That better mean you’re bringing pudding for me too,” Charlie pipes up from the recliner. She’s moved it several feetfrom the bed to keep her distance from Logan and Rory, who are curled up asleep on Mama’s lap. “Between trying to keep my allergies from flaring and bingeingScandal, I’ve earned a sweet treat, don’t you think?”
A few days ago, I told Walker’s family and our friends about Mama’s Parkinson’s diagnosis. I gave them the chance to ask questions so they had a better picture of what we’ve been managing on our own, and they wasted no time offering to step up and lend a hand however they can.
Like today, Charlie kept her shop closed so she could be here to introduce Mama to her favorite TV show. In her view,Gilmore Girlswas far too tame compared to the books Mama reads, and she wanted to be the one to expand her horizons.
“Fine, but only because if you have to get it yourself, you’ll complain about missing a scene.” I motion to the screen where Olivia Pope has just entered the Oval Office, her gaze fixed on Fitz.
“Thanks. You’re a lifesaver,” Charlie calls out as I leave the room.
I carry Mama’s tray down the hall to the kitchen, where ABBA plays softly on the portable radio Julie brought. She’s bustling about, preparing her fourth freezer meal of the day. Meanwhile, Briar and Caleb hover over the kitchen table, folding paper into origami animals they’re going to hang in Mama’s room. Wren has called me every day to check in and has promised to come visit soon. I’ve been so amazed at how they’ve all rallied around me and my parents.
The whole town knows what’s going on with Mama now and has responded with genuine concern and kindness. We’ve received an outpouring of additional meals, flowers, and offers to help in any way we need. Even Mrs. Bixby stopped by with one of her famous veggie lasagnas and a heartfelt apology foropposing my animal sanctuary. Although she seemed relieved to hear that I’ve acquired more land to expand.
It still feels like a pinch-me moment. I’ve gone over to Mr. Grady’s old property every day since I found out it was mine, and when Heath, Jensen, and Walker removed the fence between the two lots yesterday, that’s when the reality started to sink in that it really belongs to me.
“Sweetie, do you think your mom would like some premade strawberry-banana smoothies if I whipped up a few?” Julie asks from the sink.
I place the tray on the nearby counter. “I’m sure she’d enjoy them, but you’ve already done so much. Between everything you’ve made and what the neighbors have dropped off, I don’t know if we can fit anything else in the freezer.”
