Chapter Sixteen
TV reporters had invaded Sweetheart once again. This time, the reason was a good one. The casino owner’s wedding to his celebrity fiancée.
Cliff peered out the sheriff station’s small window, his view partially obstructed by the security bars. He wasn’t looking for Ruby. And if he repeated that enough times, he might eventually believe it. She was here, according to Iva Lynn’s latest communication.
For the moment, his deputy was overseeing security, along with a team from the casino. In a few hours, when guests started arriving, dozens of personal bodyguards belonging to the Hollywood stars would be added to the mix. At some point very soon, Cliff would need to make another appearance.
He measured the distance separating him and Ruby in footsteps. Less than a hundred. She was right next door in the community center, the only building in town large enough to accommodate a reception of hundreds and with a kitchen.
Already, the parking lot was a mob scene. Vehicles of all manner and make were jammed together, from limos to vans to refrigerated trucks. Fans, tourists and locals lined up behind the temporary barricades, hoping to catch sight of the many rich and famous scheduled to arrive. Security guards prevented them from crossing the barricade and getting too close.
Conversely, only a few dozen close friends and family members would be attending the ceremony in the small chapel. Cliff had just come from there. The entire street was blocked. Sheriff Eberhardt had dispatched several teams of deputies to assist Cliff.
He couldn’t ever remember a day like this one.
Sarge gave a lonely woof from his place by the desk. The dog must somehow sense Ruby was near.
Cliff left the window, giving Sarge a sympathetic pat in passing. “Later I’ll have Iva Lynn take you over to see her.”
Or, he could.
What would she do? Smile and greet him warmly? Be coolly polite? Deliver the verbal lambasting he deserved?
She hadn’t made any attempt to contact him in the month since they’d last seen each other. Not to tell him about the casino owner’s wedding—Mr. Xavier’s personal assistant had been the one to call the mayor—or to let him know she would be among the casino staff working the event. He’d seen her name on a list provided to his aunt.
That had been a shock. And, yet, it hadn’t. He tried not to read more into her appearance than there was. Clearly she hadn’t used the wedding as an excuse to see him.
What did he expect after the way he’d treated her?
The door to the station opened. For a brief moment, Cliff’s heart skidded to a stop. It resumed normal rhythm upon seeing his aunt.
“Am I interrupting?” she asked.
“Come on in.”
They were getting along better these days than they had immediately following Scarlett’s abduction and Crowley’s arrest. The town council had voted unanimously not to revoke Cliff’s appointment. He had received a severe reprimand, however. A personal one. From his aunt and cousin. Everyone else thought, like Ruby did, that Cliff was a hero.
He still didn’t feel like one, even after the glowing accounts of his actions reported by the various news media. The county was giving him and Sarge a commendation.
It changed nothing. In his mind, he’d still made a terrible mistake that could have cost four lives.
“What can I do for you?” he asked his aunt.
“Come to the wedding and reception.”
“Iva Lynn and the Washoe deputies are handling things.”
“I want you there, Cliff. As a representative of the town.” She moved further into the station, closing the door behind her. “You’re the reason Mr. Xavier’s having us host his wedding.”
“Ruby is. Not me.”
Xavier’s personal assistant had told them Ruby suggested the wedding be held in Sweetheart. It was, he realized, exactly something she’d do. Hard as it might be for her to return, she thought first of others.
“I was wrong,” his aunt said.
They’d been through this before. “You don’t need to apologize again.”
“You’re right, I don’t and I won’t. Everybody’s fine. Maeve and the kids are in trauma counseling and doing great. She doesn’t blame you. If fact, she’s proud of you. So am I. What you did took real courage. With all the publicity and revenues from this weekend, the town will soon be back on its feet.”
“Then why the visit, Aunt Hilda?”
“I’m sorry I didn’t realize the extent of your feelings for Ruby before I lashed out at her.” She smiled crookedly. “It sounds strange saying her name. I still think of her as Scarlett.”
“Anything Ruby and I had is over.”
“Really? Is that why you’re hiding out here and letting your deputy do your job?”
“I came back to make some calls.”
His aunt harrumphed. “You can’t avoid her all weekend. You shouldn’t avoid her.”
“I doubt she wants to see me.”
“Maybe she’s just as afraid to take the first step as you.”
“I’m not afraid.”
“Yeah? How about stubborn? You think I don’t know how the Dempsey men operate?”
“You’re butting in where you don’t belong.”
“That’s what families do, Cliff.” She reached up and brushed his hair as if he were a small boy. “I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life. Coming between you and Ruby is one of my biggest.”
“There was nothing to come between.”
“Do you love her?”
More than he’d thought it was possible to love anyone. “No.”
“You always were a terrible liar.”
Cliff had had just about enough and sat at his desk.
She didn’t take the hint. Bracing her hands on the desk in front of him, she said, “Don’t let this opportunity pass without talking to her. Even if it’s just to thank her for all she’s done.”
“I’ll think about it.”
“She’d be good for you, Cliff. And for this town. Folks appreciate what she’s done for them. You do have an election coming up,” she added and straightened.
“Are you suggesting I reconcile with Ruby just to win votes?”
“I’m suggesting you reconcile with her because you’re crazily, madly in love. Votes are a perk.”
His aunt wasn’t joking. She took politics very seriously. Until Scarlett’s abduction, Cliff had been running unopposed. A week later, an opportunist on the town council declared his candidacy.
“I can’t afford another mistake. My career is too important to me.” Cliff desperately wanted this conversation to be at an end.
“It’s water under the bridge. Let it go. Crowley’s accepted a plea and is going to serve time. Our family is safe. The town is making a comeback.”
And the woman he was crazily, madly in love with was fewer than a hundred footsteps away.
“All that doesn’t change the fact I made a potentially costly error in judgment.”
“You know, I’m getting tired of hearing you say that. Okay, you screwed up. Well, you’re about to screw up again. Worse this time.”
“She doesn’t want to see me.”
“I could order you to come to the wedding.”
He almost wished she would but said nothing.
“Have it your way.” His aunt finally left, slamming the door behind her.
Cliff didn’t like being left alone with his thoughts.
In Reno, he’d quit the force, citing his father’s retirement and a family tradition to uphold. In truth, he’d left rather than face his problems head on.
He was doing the same thing now. Only instead of leaving, he was holed up in the station. Same difference.
No, not the same. This time, he wasn’t just walking away from a career, he was walking away from the love of a lifetime.
Sarge whimpered. He evidently agreed with Cliff.
The door opened again. Cliff braced himself. Only it wasn’t his aunt returning.
“We need you.” Sam stood on the threshold, one hand on the doorknob.
What was he doing here? “I already told my aunt, I’m not—”
“There’s been a theft. Someone stole the bride’s wedding ring.”
* * *
CLIFF ADJUSTED HIS cowboy hat as he entered the community center, fitting it more snugly on his head. Behind him, Iva Lynn shut the double doors and locked them, then stood guard.
There were easily four dozen people in the room, including the groom. He didn’t look too distressed for being the victim of a crime.
Everyone save Iva Lynn, Xavier, Cliff’s aunt and Sam stood along the far wall. Cliff identified them by their uniforms. Cooks, servers, bar staff and security. One man and one woman wore suits. Xavier’s personal assistants, Cliff surmised. It would be far worse if the guests were present.
He immediately spotted Ruby. She stood seven in from the right. He hadn’t seen her in her uniform before. The short skirt and high heels looked good on her. Great on her. He still liked her better in a pair of snug jeans.
Their glances met. He waited for her to look away. She didn’t. Neither did he.
He wished now he’d taken his aunt’s advice and spoken to her. If only to inquire how she was doing. Then, he wouldn’t be forced to have everyone in the room witness his reaction.
Schooling his features, he approached Xavier. “I’m Sheriff Dempsey. I understand your ring was stolen.”
“My fiancée’s gold wedding band.”
“When did you last have it?”
He scratched his head. “Half an hour ago. Maybe twenty minutes.”
“Where was it then?”
“In my pocket.” He patted the front of his tuxedo. “I haven’t let it out of my possession all morning. I went to give the ring to my best man, and it was gone.”
“Has anyone left the room in that time?”
“I couldn’t count how many. The staff has been coming and going since I got here.”
That would make it harder. “Are all the staff accounted for?”
Xavier’s female assistant hurriedly consulted a clipboard, then scanned the room, her mouth silently moving as she counted.
This was taking a while, so Cliff continued questioning Xavier.
“Has anyone had access to your tuxedo?”
“No.”
“Did you take off your jacket at any point?”
Xavier shook his head.
A pickpocket? Cliff weighed the possibilities. “Is there anyone in the room you don’t know?”
“I know everyone. They all work for me.”
“Might any of them carry a grudge against you?”
He laughed then. “I’m their employer. They probably all carry a grudge.”
“All accounted for,” the assistant declared.
Something about the situation struck Cliff as off. In addition to Xavier’s unconcerned behavior, Sam was acting suspicious. Iva Lynn, too. She and his aunt kept exchanging glances.
“I’ll need to question everyone.”
“Perhaps you should have them empty their pockets,” Xavier said. “Wouldn’t that be quicker?”
“In due time.”
Cliff’s aunt stepped forward. “Will all of you please empty your pockets.”
“Mayor.” Cliff warned. He wouldn’t tolerate her interfering with an official investigation.
Unfortunately, no one else in the room was aware of that. One by one, they did as his aunt instructed. Before Cliff could stop him, the casino owner started walking down the line, examining the contents in everyone’s hands.
Cliff was losing control. Not a state he could tolerate. He went after the man. “Mr. Xavier. If you don’t mind—”
“There it is!” the man exclaimed. He’d stopped in front of Ruby.
She’d stolen his ring?
“This?” She held up a tiny manila envelope.
“That’s my bride’s ring.”
Her face blanched. “Mr. Xavier, you gave this to me. Asked me to hold it for you.”
“I did not!”
“Sir, you did. I was standing by the kitchen entrance, and you gave me the envelope with strict instructions to hold on to it.”
“Didn’t you wonder what was in the envelope?” Cliff asked.
She turned a blank expression on him. “He’s my boss.”
Xavier took the envelope from her, tore it open and shook the ring into his palm. “Obviously, there’s been a mistake.” He appealed to Cliff, a smile spreading across his face. “You two talk. I’m sure you can sort it out.” He gestured toward the door, which Iva Lynn opened as if on cue. “Let’s give them some privacy, shall we?”
The room promptly emptied. Sam tipped his hat as he left. His aunt winked.
In a flash, it all became crystal clear.
“Cliff,” Ruby protested, her voice breaking. “I didn’t steal the ring.”
“I know. We’ve been set up.”
“Set up?”
Their voices echoed loudly in the now empty room.
Cliff lowered his. “I doubt Xavier was the mastermind, but he was a willing participant. My money’s on my aunt and Iva Lynn.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Matchmaking is something of a town tradition.”
“I’m sorry.” She averted her eyes.
He caught her chin and tipped her face toward him. “I’m not, Ruby. I should have talked to you earlier.”
“It’s all right.”
“I’ve been a jerk.”
“I understand why you did what you did.”
“Then maybe you can explain it to me because I can’t figure out how I could have let you drive away that day.”
“You were scared.”
She’d always been able to read him. “I was. It’s been a while since I’ve felt so strongly about a woman.”
“And the last one betrayed you.”
He thought the flicker shining in her eyes might be hope. The emotion was certainly growing inside him by leaps and bounds.
“I want to get to know you. The real Ruby McPhee. Not someone pretending to be her sister.” He took her hand, enjoying the feel of her soft fingers in his. “And I want you to get to know me. The sheriff of Sweetheart. Not the former Reno police officer escaping his past.”
“Vegas is a long drive.”
“Sarge will keep me company.”
“What about the election? Won’t you need to campaign?”
“I’m going to win, Ruby. The election and your heart. If you’ll give me half a chance.”
Her answer was to stand on her tiptoes and plant a light kiss on his lips. “Sheriff Dempsey, let me introduce myself. I’m Ruby McPhee.”
“Nice to meet you, Ms. McPhee. You don’t happen to be free for dinner anytime soon?”
She grinned. “As it so happens, my schedule is wide open.”
Cliff swept her into his arms and kissed her with a hunger that had been building this last, long month. God, he’s missed her.
Vegas? He’d drive to Maine and back for this. Twice.
He would have continued kissing her indefinitely if the doors didn’t all at once swing open with a resounding bang.
They heard a “Sarge, come back here,” before being body slammed by a hundred-and-twenty pounds of excited German shepherd. He’d have knocked Ruby to the floor if Cliff wasn’t there to catch her.
She knelt and hugged Sarge by the neck as he showered her with kisses. “I missed you, too, boy.”
People began streaming back into the community center. No one mentioned the recovered wedding ring.
Xavier strode over to them. “I take it all’s been resolved satisfactorily.”
Ruby’s cheeks bloomed a pretty pink. “Yes, sir.”
“Good job, Sheriff.” He shook Cliff’s hand. “I’m impressed.”
Cliff nodded.
Ruby touched his arm. “I need to get back to work.” She checked her watch. “The reception’s in four hours.”
“I’m afraid that’s not possible,” Xavier said, suddenly sobering.
“The wedding’s off!” She gave a small gasp.
“Absolutely not. But you can’t return to work.”
“Why?”
“You’re fired.”
“I didn’t take the—”
Cliff stepped forward, ready to defend her.
Xavier chuckled. “You’re fired because you can’t possibly hold down a job in Vegas while the man you love is here in Sweetheart.” He placed an arm around Ruby’s shoulders. “And for your severance pay, I’m giving you and the sheriff the biggest wedding this town has seen. Next to mine, of course.”
“I—I can’t...”
“You can, Ruby.”
She turned to Cliff. “What should I do?”
“Whatever you want, honey. You’re choice.” Having just found her again, he had no intentions of scaring her away by putting too much pressure on her.
She chewed her lower lip, then said determinedly, “No, Mr. Xavier, I won’t let you fire me.”
Cliff was disappointed, but he didn’t show it.
“Not until after the reception.” She smiled at her boss. “I made a promise.”
“Good decision.” He gave her a peck on the cheek.
She searched out Sam. “Do you think I can have my old job back? Scarlett’s old job, I mean.”
“I have a better one for you,” Cliff’s aunt interrupted Sam before he could answer.
“Then, I guess I’ve never been so glad to be fired before.”
Cliff hardly heard the ruckus that erupted as he lost himself in the thrill of kissing Ruby.