“Don’t worry. I’ll have a word with him,” Sheriff Matterson informs me.
“Good,” I reply. “So… does this mean I’m off the hook for dating Birdie?” I ask.
His expression hardens, making me instantly wish I’d kept my mouth shut. “What do you think, Halstead? You might be a good deputy, but that doesn’t make you good enough for my daughter.”
“Never said it did. Believe me I know I’m damn lucky she’s interested in me at all.”
Sheriff Matterson sets his pen aside. “I’ve learned the hard way that telling Birdie what to do is like pushing a boulder uphill and expecting it to listen. She’s chosen you, and whether I likeit or not, that’s something I’ll have to accept.” He leans forward, finger stabbing the air between us. “So you take care of my little girl. Because if you don’t, you’ll have to answer to me—and I won’t be nearly as understanding the second time around. Are we clear?”
I swallow the lump in my throat, knowing that sooner or later Birdie will end our arrangement, and I’ll be back in this chair, facing Sheriff Matterson—painted as the villain. In reality, I’ll probably be the one left with a broken heart, forced to watch Birdie move on to someone she actually wants, after I’ve helped her build her confidenceand shown her what she deserves in a partner.
Despite knowing what the future holds, I plaster on a mask of confidence. “I’d never hurt Birdie. Not intentionally. Not ever.” I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life.
Sheriff Matterson’s eyes soften just a fraction. “Good. You’d better hang on to that certainty.”
“I will,” I vow.
He clears his throat and stands, holstering his gun, signaling that our conversation is officially over. “I have some business to handle at town hall before they close, so you’re dismissed.”
Sheriff Matterson doesn’t have to tell me twice. I put my hat back on and stand. I’m halfway out the door when his voice stops me.
“That other thing you’ve been helping me with—I expect it to stay between us. It’s not something I want Birdie to worry about right now. She’s already got so much going on without adding more stress,” Sheriff Matterson says.
I nod. “Understood.”
As much as I hate keeping things from Birdie, I agree with her dad. If she finds out, she’ll want to get involved and end up taking on more than she can handle.
Please Please Please
Birdie’s already gone by the time I finish talking with her dad. I figured she wouldn’t wait around—most likely panicking over how the conversation played out and wanted to avoid the aftermath if it went south.
Since the diner is only a few blocks away, I decide to grab dinner there rather than chance running into Heath or Mom on the ranch on my way back to my loft, knowing they’d no doubt pepper me with questions.
On my walk over, I check in with Birdie.
Walker: That talk with your dad was interesting…
Walker: Felt like I was being sent to the principal’s office, except your dad is scarier and carries a gun.
Birdie: Walker Halstead, don’t you dare leave me hanging. What happened?
Walker: Want the good or bad news first?
Birdie: Good. Let’s start on a high note.
Walker: Good news: He didn’t kill me.
Walker: Bad news: No chance he lets me survive our breakup.
Birdie: What a shame. I’d hate to lose my favorite teacher. *wink face emoji
Walker: You did promise you’d make it worth my while if I got through that conversation so at least I have got that to look forward to.
Birdie: Lucky for you, I’m in a hands-on mood.
Walker: You’re getting dangerously good at flirting over text.
Birdie: Perks of having an excellent teacher.
