Reunited with the Sheriff Read online

  Although her relationship with her cousin wasn’t perfect, it was based on deep love and abiding family values. Reconnecting with Regina while she was back in town was at the top of her to-do list.

  “I’ll come by later with dinner,” Regina called out as she breezed out of the room.

  As soon as they were alone in the living room, her father turned toward her, his eyes inscrutable as he gave her the once-over. With his salt-and-pepper hair, slate gray eyes and tall thin frame, he cut an imposing figure. Ever since she was a little girl, Cassidy had been both in awe of and afraid of her father. At twenty-six years old, she found that nothing had changed in that regard—her knees were shaking and her palms were slick with moisture.

  Lord, help me bridge this gap between us. We’re miles apart and every day the gap gets wider.

  “Cassidy. It’s been a while,” her father said stiffly, his arms lying helplessly at his sides. Just this once she wanted him to wrap those long arms around her, to take away all the pain and fear filling up her insides. “It’s good to see you back home.”

  “It’s good to see you too, Daddy.”

  She threw herself against her father’s chest, giving in to a wild desire to hug the man who’d given her life. It had been so long since she’d been embraced by him. She inhaled deeply, savoring the woodsy natural scent that took her all the way back to childhood. She wrapped her arms around her father’s waist, waiting to feel his loving embrace, his tender show of affection. Before she was ready to let go, she found herself being gently pushed away from him.

  “You look well, Cass. I’m happy you came back to help your mother,” he said gruffly, his expression blank. “She needs you.”

  “There’s no place I’d rather be,” she said. “I didn’t realize how much I missed West Falls until I got here.”

  “And your work? I hear your gallery is doing well.”

  “Yes, quite well,” she said proudly. “You remember my assistant, Anna? She’s agreed to run the gallery for me so I can stay here for the summer. Longer, if Mom needs me.”

  “And that young man we met the last time we were in Phoenix? Roger, wasn’t it?”

  Her heart sank. “We broke up a few months ago. I wasn’t ready for anything serious.”

  Her father opened his mouth to say something and then closed it. For a moment she could see a glimmer of emotion in his eyes. As quickly as she noticed it, the look was gone, replaced by a shuttered expression.

  “Well, I’d better go write my sermon for Sunday’s service. Time waits for no man. And these days the congregation needs inspiration more than ever.”

  An emptiness seized her as she watched her father walk away from her and down the hall to his study. To Cassidy it felt like he couldn’t get away from her fast enough. Just like Tate.

  Yes, Daddy, she wanted to shout out. Your congregation may need you, but so do I. I always have. Why can’t you see that?

  Tears streamed down her cheeks as cold, hard reality hit her square in the face. Even though she’d prayed on it for the past eight years, in the eyes of her father she still remained unforgiven. He always preached about the Lord’s forgiveness—for adulterers, liars, thieves, murderers—but not for his only child, the one he should put above all others. Didn’t he realize she’d already paid the ultimate price by giving up everything that mattered when she’d left home?

  * * *

  “Sheriff Lynch?”

  Tate jumped to attention as the voice of his deputy Cullen Brand drew him out of his reverie. He’d been sitting in his office gazing out the window, his thoughts centered around a gorgeous woman who’d owned his heart for as long as he could remember. No matter how far Cassidy had roamed from West Falls, he’d always considered her a part of the landscape. His hometown had never been the same without her. His heart had never been whole.

  She looked every bit as beautiful as when she was crowned prom queen. Even more beautiful if he was being honest with himself. If he closed his eyes he could recall the exact shade of dress she’d worn that evening—lilac. With the rhinestone tiara on her head, a pair of dangling earrings and the strappy silver heels, she’d looked like a fairy-tale princess come to life. And he had been her Prince, her forever. Pain speared through him at the memory of all they’d been—happy, golden, innocent.

  His love for Cassidy had been epic, the stuff of which dreams were made, and he’d believed they would go the distance and grow old together. He couldn’t have been more mistaken.

  Stupid, romantic fool.

  Thoughts of Cassidy dominated his mind, making it difficult to focus on work. Coming face-to-face with her after so many years had thrown him for a loop. He found himself replaying their conversation over and over again in his head. Had Doc been right? Had he been too hard on Cassidy at the diner? He’d battled a host of emotions this afternoon—anger, joy, bitterness, mistrust—so much so that by the time he’d left the Blakes’ home he’d been in a tailspin. Being at their house had been like taking a nostalgic walk down memory lane. It brought back bittersweet memories.

  “What is it, Cullen?” he asked as he sat back in his chair and took the opportunity to give Deputy Brand the once-over. Cullen was a fine addition to the Sheriff’s Office, he reckoned. He was considered husband material by the ladies in town who seemed to have a fondness for his curly dark hair and laid-back approach. He stood five feet eleven inches tall with a leanly-muscled build and a sweet smile women found endearing.

  Cullen was a good guy and an even better deputy, if a bit of an enigma. He was standing two feet away from Tate, shifting from one foot to the other and chewing on his lip. He was acting more skittish than a newborn colt.

  “Sheriff, could I have a few words with you.”

  Tate gestured toward one of the mahogany chairs. “Why don’t you take a seat. You look like you could use it.”

  “I’d prefer to stand, sir.”

  Tate almost choked. “Please stop calling me sir. It makes me feel ancient. Last time I checked we’re about the same age. Not to mention you’re one of my closest friends.”

  “Sorry, Tate, er, Sheriff. It’s just that I always called Sheriff Keegan, sir.”

  Tate swung his cowboy boots onto the desk and placed his hands behind his head. “Relax, Cullen. I’m sheriff of West Falls, but I’m not Joe Keegan. While I always want to command respect, I don’t want to instill fear.”

  Joe Keegan had been sheriff of West Falls as far back as Tate could remember. He’d ruled the town with an iron fist that had most of the deputies in the department quaking in their boots. Although Keegan was respected, he hadn’t been very well liked. Tate had no desire to follow in his intractable footsteps.

  “While you were out of the office we’ve fielded a few calls about... Cassidy Blake.”

  Tate bristled at the mention of her name.

  “Cassidy? What kind of calls have been coming in about her?” he asked, his throat as dry as sandpaper. A niggling suspicion began to grow inside him. No, it couldn’t be. Surely the people of West Falls had more sense than to dig up old skeletons.

  “It seems word has gotten around that she’s back in town. Some folks aren’t too happy about it. They’re saying she was never brought up on charges for the accident that injured Holly.”

  Tate slammed his fist on the desk, heat burning his cheeks as Cullen’s words sunk in.

  “No charges were ever brought because it was an accident,” he protested. “She was all of eighteen years old, with a new driver’s license in her pocket.” He spoke through gritted teeth. “Holly decided not to press charges because she knew it was an accident...a tragic freak accident.”

  A tragic freak accident. It was amazing how passionately he could defend Cassidy when he himself had never stopped blaming her for Holly’s condition.

  As if her ears had been burning,
his sister barreled into his office without so much as a knock to announce her arrival. Once inside she swiveled her chair around and pushed the door closed with a loud bang. He watched her glance up at Cullen, then cast him a smile before she glanced over at Tate. With a look of grim determination she maneuvered her wheelchair right next to his desk. She met her brother’s gaze with wild frantic eyes. With a sinking sensation in his chest, Tate realized that the town gossips must have been working overtime.

  Lord, please give me the strength to support my sister as she grapples with this news.

  “Is it true what they’re saying, Tate?” Holly asked. “Has Cassidy really come back to town?”

  Chapter Three

  Tate hated the despair he saw in Holly’s eyes. Although he knew Cassidy had every right to come back and care for her mother, another part of him wanted to run her out of town. His sister was the type of person who’d worn her heart on her sleeve ever since she was a little girl. At the moment there was such a look of longing in her eyes. It was almost too much for him to bear.

  “Tell me! Is it true?” she asked, her upper body tense as she tilted forward in her wheelchair.

  “Yeah, it’s true,” he admitted. “She’s back in town.”

  Her eyes grew wider at his terse acknowledgement. “How do you know?”

  He let out a sigh. “I saw her with my own eyes.”

  She sat back and let out a few deep breaths. Cullen moved closer to her, his eyes full of concern, his arm draped around her shoulder as he asked, “Are you okay? Do you need some water?”

  “I’m fine. I just didn’t expect...after all this time, I wasn’t sure she would ever come back.” Her gaze shifted again to Tate. “What was it like, seeing her again? Did you talk to her?”

  “Yes, we talked. She told me she’s back for a while to visit with her family.” He made no mention of Maylene Blake’s health crisis or the car ride they’d shared over to her folks’ house. Cassidy had asked him not to discuss her mother’s medical condition, and he had no intention of breaking his promise.

  “Did she... Did she mention me?” Holly looked down at her hands and began twirling her fingers round and round. She looked up at him expectantly, waiting for his response.

  Tate looked at Holly, noting her flushed cheeks and her tight features. His concern was growing by the second over her state of mind. She’d dealt with so much over the past few years, both mentally and physically. Her spine hadn’t been the only thing shattered. Her spirit had been broken, as well. Now news of Cassidy’s return had struck her out of the blue, giving her the shock of her life. Yet, despite everything, she was still hoping Cassidy cared about her, still praying that she was in her thoughts and prayers.

  It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that Holly was about to get emotionally crushed by the same woman who’d turned her world upside down years ago.

  “No, she didn’t mention you,” he lied, hating himself for his deception as soon as the words rolled off his tongue. Lord, please forgive me my trespasses.

  He watched Holly’s face crumple, saw the tears gather in her cornflower-blue eyes and the way her slight shoulders slumped over. She muttered a few unintelligible words, then straightened herself up. She wheeled her chair around and fiddled with the door until it opened up, then sailed through it and down the hall until she was no longer visible.

  Cullen raced out after her, his voice full of concern as he called out to her. “Holly! Wait. Please, don’t go.”

  Although a part of him wanted to follow behind Cullen and tell Holly the truth, another part of him felt rooted to the spot. For the life of him, he couldn’t move.

  Lord, what is wrong with me? Why did I lie to Holly? Why couldn’t I just tell her the truth?

  Why? The answer was simple—because he couldn’t bear the thought of his sister being hurt by Cassidy all over again. More than anyone he knew the heartache and pain Cassidy Blake could dole out. He’d been a victim of it, just as Holly had. Last time the betrayal had taken him by surprise, and the shock of it had brought him to his knees. This time, he vowed, he wasn’t about to give Cassidy the chance to hurt him or Holly ever again.

  * * *

  “I still can’t believe my baby girl is a famous artist. At least five of my friends have already called wanting you to autograph their paintings.” Maylene added two sugars to her green tea and swirled the contents around in her cup. “I’m awfully proud of you, Cass.”

  Cassidy laughed at her mother’s praise as she wrapped her fingers around her own steaming cup of tea. “Mom, I have a large, dedicated following in Phoenix, but I’m not famous.”

  Her mother reached out and tweaked her nose. “But you will be. With your talent, it’s only a matter of time.”

  Cassidy grinned at her mother’s crowing about her talent. Maylene had always been her biggest supporter, and even in the worst of times her devotion had never wavered. Being around her mother served as a shot of confidence that she sorely needed at the moment.

  “The church bazaar is today,” her mother said, her voice oozing excitement. “I was hoping you would come with us. It’ll be one of my last outings before the surgery.”

  The Main Street Church bazaar was an annual fund-raising event held out at the town fairgrounds. It had always been Cassidy’s favorite church function. It was popular and drew the entire community. Cassidy felt panic rise up in her at the thought of being on public display. Although she wanted to face her past head-on, she had only been in town for two days. As far as she was concerned, it was too soon to attend the town’s biggest social event. Facing Tate had nearly done her in. She couldn’t imagine facing the entire town of West Falls all at once.

  “Me? No, I can’t go. I couldn’t,” she blurted out. Just the thought of running into her former classmates, schoolteachers and family friends made her skin itch.

  Her mother’s smile faded a bit and the twinkle in her eyes seemed to dim before Cassidy’s eyes.

  “I understand, honey,” her mother said as she reached across the table and clasped her hand. “You’re not ready to face everyone. Truthfully, I’m just so grateful you’ve come back home.”

  “Well, I don’t understand, Maylene.” Her father walked into the kitchen, clearly having heard the tail end of their conversation. “Cassidy has come back to help you, hasn’t she? Won’t it help you to have her attend the bazaar?”

  “Harlan, it’s fine,” Maylene scolded, casting her husband a reproachful look that Cassidy had seen a hundred times or more throughout her childhood.

  His mouth was set in a tight line, his jaw tightly clenched as he stood at the kitchen counter packing a picnic basket with sandwiches, chips, sodas and an assortment of fruits.

  Big shock, Cassidy thought. Once again she’d earned her father’s disapproval. It seemed there was nothing she could do to please him. On the other hand, all it took to please her mother was a simple act of courage.

  Cassidy jumped up from her chair and placed her arms around her mother, squeezing her tightly as she said, “Daddy’s right, Mama. I’m going to the bazaar.”

  Maylene clapped her hands together. “Are you sure? I don’t want you to go if you’re not ready.”

  She shrugged. “I’ll probably never be completely ready. But, I’m a big girl. I can’t hide out here forever.”

  Like it or not, she would soon be facing her deepest, darkest fear.

  Lord, please stand by my side as I come face-to-face with my past.

  Cassidy wondered if God might be sick and tired of listening to her prayers. After all, there were starving children all over the world and soldiers who stood in harm’s way. Did God have time to worry about her past indiscretions? Did He still care about her?

  God loves you. Cassidy repeated the affirmation in her head, drawing strength from the knowledge that God di
d indeed love her. That knowledge had been her one constant over the past few years. Through every step of her journey, she’d always known God was by her side. She knew not every prayer was answered, but He was still there listening.

  Eight years ago she’d fled town with her tail between her legs. Those days were over. She was no longer a frightened eighteen-year-old lacking courage and faith. She was a grown woman who’d matured in her faith and who wanted to make amends for the past. But in doing so she would have to face the people she’d hurt the most.

  Tate. The very thought of him caused goosebumps to pop up on her arms. There was so much she wanted to tell him, so many words she’d stored up inside her over the past eight years. Judging by the way he’d hightailed it away from her parents’ house, Tate would sooner wrangle a rattlesnake than spend time alone with her again. But she wasn’t going to give up. She would go down fighting if it meant she could bridge the distance between them. Even if he continued to resent her until the day he died, she was going to try her best to make amends.

  It’s never too late. The mantra played over and over in her mind, bolstering her confidence and providing her with inspiration. Her pastor in Phoenix had given her those encouraging words when she’d shared her past with him and confided her desire to make amends. It was the first time since the accident she’d dared to dream of forgiveness. And she still dreamed of it, even though she wasn’t certain she deserved it.

  * * *

  Cassidy couldn’t ignore the stares in her direction. They were too blatant and intrusive. Glares. Whispers. Pastor’s daughter. Head shaking. Angry words being uttered just loud enough so she could hear them. Heat rose to her face as she heard the word brazen accompanied by a nasty glare in her direction. People who lived in small towns like West Falls never forgot scandals.

  As much as she wanted to believe that she was a stronger person than the one who’d fled this town, all she wanted to do at the moment was run away. The only thing stopping her was her promise to Mama—and the small smidgen of pride she had left. She blinked back the tears and took a deep breath.