My dad was particular in picking out the echinacea plants, wanting them to be just right for my mom. And I suggested a Russian sage plant Mom had talked about.
We got them on a flatbed cart to bring to his vehicle after I gave him the family discount, and we took no more than two steps when we heard.
“Mayor Madison!”
Dad gave a rushed look around.
I spotted Mom before he did.
“I wanted this to be a surprise,” he said disheartened.
“Come on,” I said quietly. “I’ll get you out of here without her seeing you.”
I led him along the shaded path between the taller shrubs, timing our steps carefully as Mom paused to speak with someone near the register. We slipped past a row of toweringsunflowers and out toward the side lot where his SUV was parked.
Just as we reached it, we heard.
“Are you avoiding me, Warren? And what do you have there?”
“Honesty is the best policy, your words to me through the years,” I said, and turned to greet my mom with a hug. Then I stepped aside. “I have to get back to work.”
I purposely slowed my steps to listen.
“Oh, Warren, those plants are beautiful.”
“I wanted to surprise you, Sally.”
“You did. I love them.”
I could almost see the huge smile on my mom’s face that she gets when she is truly thrilled. Then what followed surprised me.
“Warren, we need to talk.”
“I was thinking the same thing, Sally.”
“I don’t want to upset you, but…”
I slowed my steps even more, wanting to hear what came next.
“I think it would be best if I didn’t show up at the station or crime scenes unless you ask me to. I have plenty of mayoral duties to keep me busy, and you’ve been an excellent sheriff all these years. You don’t need me hovering.”
I could almost feel my dad’s relief.
“I think that is wise, Sally, since I don’t want you tuckered out when we finally get time together.”
I heard my mom’s heavy sigh of relief, then…
“Pepper,” my mom called out, and I turned.
She smiled at me. “You might want to pick up your pace or you’re going to hear something about what I have in mind for your dad and me when we get home… and it’s not planting flowers.”
“I’m out of here. Have fun.” I cringed at my own words as I started running, and my dad’s laughter followed behind me.
CHAPTER 14
By the time I turned off the main road, I was more than ready to be home.
The wooden sign that marked the start of my driveway came into view.
