leave until after Dad died. But it’s so beautiful there if you don’t mind the snow. You were talking about growing up on your farm. We raised a garden, dried food, dried and salted meat for winter…that kind of thing. The land there is so fertile, but the growing season is short. We lived off the grid the first twelve years of my life. I learned a whole lot about surviving in the wild. It was only after we moved to what people call civilization that my troubles began.”
Duke’s eyes widened, trying to picture a little redhead in snow gear tromping around the Alaskan wilderness.
“That’s the most amazing thing anyone has ever told me about where and how they grew up,” he said.
Cathy smiled. It was getting easier and easier to be around this man.
Then Duke glanced at the time. “When I was putting away the eggs, I noticed there’s nothing in your refrigerator to make for your dinner…except the eggs. If you were able, I’d take you out to eat, but I think your comfort matters most. How about I go get some takeout and bring it here? My treat.”
“That would be much appreciated,” Cathy said. “But you’ve treated me enough. I have money to—”
“Nope. Just tell me what you’re hungry for. Granny’s has takeout for anything on the menu. We also have Broyles Dairy Freeze, with awesome chili dogs and fries, and a barbecue joint as well. Jack and Hope will tell you that I like everything, so what sounds good to you?”
“Chili dogs? I can’t remember the last time I had a chili dog. That sounds so good. I think maybe that, and fries.”
“They have really good malts and shakes, too,” Duke added.
“You’re tempting me now. Throw in that chocolate malt, and I’ll be toast for the rest of the day.”
Duke got up from the table like he’d been ejected from the chair.
“Awesome. One chili dog, or two?”
She laughed. “Only one, for sure.”
He sighed as the laugh washed through him. “I’m not locking the front door, and I won’t be long.”
He was gone before Cathy had time to say goodbye. It was still raining, and she could hear him out on the front porch putting his boots and rain gear back on as she began clearing away their coffee cups.
She was getting a frozen gel pack from the freezer when she heard him leave, but it didn’t deter her. She went back to the living room to ice her ankle. The sooner she got back on her feet, the happier she would be.
Chapter 5
Deputy Ralph Herman was hunkered down beside a car at the south end of Main Street, helping Peanut Butterman change a flat tire. Despite their raincoats, they were both soaked by the time the tire was changed. Peanut tossed the flat in the trunk and turned and shook Ralph’s hand.
“I sure do thank you for stopping to help.”
The deputy turned slightly against the rain blowing in his face.
“No problem. It’s just an all-around nasty day to have a tire go flat. I was happy to help. You take care,” he said, and got back in the cruiser, made a U-turn in the street, and drove back uptown.
Peanut drove straight to the service station at the other end of town to drop off the tire to get fixed, and called Ruby on the way, smiling to himself when she answered. Just the sound of her voice made everything right in his world—even a flat in a downpour.
“Hello, honey. Have you started home from the courthouse in Savannah yet?” Ruby asked.
“I’m already back in Blessings, but I had a flat just inside the city limits. Deputy Ralph stopped to help me, or I’d still be messing with it. I’m about to drop it off to get fixed, and then I’m going home to change into some dry clothes before I head back to the office. Do you want me to pick up lunch for you and the girls?”
“Oh, that would be awesome. We’ve already had power flickering here at the shop, so nobody is willing to take the time to go get lunch. We’re trying to finish up on our clients without leaving them with wet heads. I’ll find out what the girls want and call you back, okay?”
“Everything you do is okay with me,” Peanut said. “Love you.”
“I love you, too,” Ruby said, and then sighed as she hung up.
Vesta looked at Vera and giggled. “I wonder who Ruby was talking to just now.”
Ruby looked