Karen Kirst - The Sheriff's Christmas Twins

“I’ve heard these same words many times.” The defeat in his voice disappointed her.

Why can’t you accept them as truth? “I’ve never stopped praying for you, Shane.”

His gaze swerved to her face, his shock evident. “I don’t know what to say except thank you. That you would take the time to pray for me...” He removed his hat and thrust a hand through the blond-brown strands.

“I won’t stop.” Her own voice grew thick. “You can count on that.”

Nodding, he didn’t utter another word. At the house, he set the brake and, after helping her down, started to climb the steps.

“You’re coming inside?” she blurted. “I can stoke the fireplaces without your help.”

He paused with one boot braced against the bottom step. It was impossible to make out his features in the porch shadows. “I thought I’d see to the task. Unless you don’t want me to.”

“That depends on your reasons,” she said evenly. “If you’re coming in because of some perceived duty, then the answer is no. I don’t need to be watched after. If you’re coming in because you’d like to share a cup of coffee and my company, then the answer is yes.”

His long-suffering sigh originated deep in his chest, and the tenuous bond born from her confession evaporated.

“I guess I have my answer.” She ascended the steps. “Good night, Sheriff.”

Chapter Seven

“Allison.”

Still reeling from her revelation that he featured regularly in her prayers, Shane trailed after her. He had to tread carefully because, to him, this entire visit was a necessary but not exactly welcome intrusion into his life. He hadn’t invited her here. He definitely hadn’t anticipated having to keep up his guard every hour of the day.

“Wait a minute.” He touched her shoulder, and she whirled on him.

“I have to be honest, Shane. I hate that you see me as a burdensome child. Every time you sigh and huff and roll your eyes, I’m tempted to throttle you.”

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