Karen Kirst - The Sheriff's Christmas Twins

“My job isn’t as exciting as you might imagine. Sure, there are days when I have to break up fights or investigate crimes. But there are long stretches of inactivity that anyone would consider boring.”

“At least show me the jail.”

“Since the cells are unoccupied at the moment, I can do that.”

“I’d like to see your home, as well.”

“It’s nothing special.”

“Please?”

“Why is it important to you?”

“After I return to Norfolk, and George tells me what you’ve written in your latest letter, I’ll be able to picture you in your jail or your home. Much more satisfying than a blank void.”

He got a funny look on his face...like an apology. Did he regret not contacting her? Was he about to promise to change his ways after this visit? He opened his mouth, apparently searching for the right words.

“I’ll take you after lunch.”

Breaking eye contact, she headed for the exit. “I’ll gather my things.”

Maybe seeing him in his environment wasn’t the best idea. Sure, she’d be able to picture him more easily. But she’d also be able to remember being in those spaces with him. She’d wish she could return and be with him, a future that was out of the realm of possibility.

Not only would he not welcome a second visit from her, but she was determined to give a relationship with Trevor an honest try. That meant cutting all ties to her girlhood dreams.

Chapter Five

Caroline Turner was flawless.

She lived in a flawless house and wore flawless clothes that displayed her flawless figure.

Allison sat in the Turners’ sumptuous parlor, sipping golden floral tea from a china cup and listening as the young woman listed Gatlinburg’s holiday-themed events. She exuded quiet elegance. Her white-gold hair was scraped into a neat bun at the base of her neck. A double string of iridescent pearls complemented her off-white bodice, as did the pearl earrings at her ears. She had large, dark blue eyes, almost navy-colored, that weren’t as happy as someone with a flawless life should be. Her smile wasn’t happy, either. It was one a person pinned on for guests.

“We typically have a large turnout for our annual nativity unveiling.” Caroline’s gaze was assessing. “The sheriff doesn’t attend many of our holiday functions. I wonder if that will change this year.”

“He never has been one for social functions.”

“While our humble festivities can’t possibly measure up to what you’re accustomed to, I’m certain you’d enjoy yourself.”

“Norfolk has a great many events to experience, it’s true. However, I’m certain I will enjoy what Gatlinburg has to offer.” Allison placed her cup and saucer on the low coffee table between them. Caroline must’ve seen her eyeing the tray of jumble cookies, because she picked it up and extended it her direction.

“Please, have as many as you’d like.”

“I shouldn’t,” she said, even as the scents of juicy raisins and walnuts teased her nostrils. “I’ve had two already.”

Caroline offered her a sincere smile then, one that lit up her entire face and made her less perfect. “I find them hard to resist myself.” Taking one, she sunk her teeth into it and made a little sound of appreciation. “We only have them around the holidays.”

Allison returned the smile and chose a third cookie.

“I know it’s bad manners to pry, but Shane hasn’t spoken of you before. Or anyone else from his past, for that matter. May I ask how you know each other?”

Having already prepared a standard answer to this exact question, she said, “Shane’s a close friend of my family. He worked for my father.”

“I didn’t realize he’d lived in Virginia.” Brushing imaginary crumbs from her pleated skirts, she remarked, “I’d heard he moved here from Kansas and assumed that was his home state.”

“He’s always been a private person. In fact, he’d be annoyed if he knew you and I were discussing him.”

“I’m afraid he’s invited more scrutiny by keeping your existence a secret.”

“I told him as much myself,” Allison said. “He didn’t appreciate it.”

A husky laugh burst out of her. “I think I’m going to like you, Allison Ashworth. I’m going to relish watching you pull the rug from beneath the staid sheriff’s feet.”

Unsure how to respond, she was grateful when her hostess didn’t probe further. Caroline returned to the topic of Christmas, specifically their custom of assembling gift baskets for the poor. Allison was keen to assist. Charitable endeavors took up much of her free time back home, holidays or no.

A half hour past the time of Shane’s specified return, the teapot was drained dry and only crumbs remained on the plate. Besides remorse, Allison felt embarrassment for monopolizing Caroline’s morning. When she caught her checking the mantel clock a second time, Allison went to retrieve her gloves from the carved hall stand.

“I appreciate your hospitality, Caroline. Shane must’ve gotten detained.”

“I’ve enjoyed our chat. I hope I didn’t make you feel as if you overstayed your welcome.” Following her to the foyer where Allison fastened on her cloak, Caroline fiddled with her pearl necklace. “I’m waiting for my father to return from a trip. Today is my birthday, and he promised to be home no later than today.”

There was a hint of vulnerability in the younger woman’s expression, yet another crack in her sophisticated facade.

“Happy birthday. You’re fortunate to have your father with you. Mine passed away many years ago, and I still miss him terribly.”

“I’m sorry for your loss.” The corners of Caroline’s mouth turned down. “I’m afraid my father and I don’t have the best of relationships.”

Allison’s hand paused on the knob. “Oh?”

Pink suffused her skin. “What could I be thinking of? My manners have deserted me today. Please forgive me, Allison. You don’t want to hear about my family woes.” She waved a hand in dismissal. “Don’t feel as if you have to leave. You’re welcome to stay for lunch.”

“I appreciate the invitation, but I’d actually like to explore the town a bit. Would you mind telling Shane I’ve gone to do a little shopping?”

“Certainly.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing you again soon.”

“As am I.”

The cold enveloped her as she strolled in the direction of Main Street. Fortunately, she’d been blessed with a good sense of her surroundings. On the way, the clouds parted and a shaft of sunlight warmed her.

She wished she could speak to her brother. Tell him about the rented farmhouse, the quaint mountain town, her excitement about experiencing Christmas in a new place. Like Shane, she hoped George wasn’t long delayed. Spending time alone with the lawman was both heady and frustrating.

Help me guard my heart, Lord, she prayed.

Caring too much for Shane Timmons had always been a problem with no solution.

* * *

“Where’s that pretty little filly of yours, Sheriff?”

Striding past the barber shop on his way to the mercantile, Shane ignored the good-natured teasing. He’d brought it upon himself. If he hadn’t been so flustered by the prospect of her visit, he would’ve seen the wisdom in letting the news travel the grapevine before her arrival. Folks wouldn’t have been as shocked.

Over the years, he’d worked hard to make the Timmons name one to be respected and revered. He’d earned his current reputation as a just, honorable, hardworking man of the law, and he wasn’t about to let anything tarnish it.

He’d spent too many years carrying his sloppy drunk of a mother home through the Norfolk streets, trying to ignore the vulgar taunts and insults hurled their way. In their poverty-stricken neighborhood, he’d been known as a boy no one wanted. He’d been born to poor, unwed parents. His father hadn’t cared enough to stick around and his mother detested her life to the point she had to drown her sorrows in alcohol every night. His maternal grandparents had refused to acknowledge him and moved away shortly after his birth. He’d never met his father’s family. Doubted they even knew of his existence.