“At least for the summer.” Maybe longer, Maggie added to herself.
“Then you’ll definitely need to come back next week for the Fourth of July barbeque. Everyone gets together in the park, it’s just a big potluck, everybody brings something and there will be tons of fireworks,” she told her.
“That sounds wonderful! I wouldn’t miss it.” Maggie was really beginning to picture herself living in this town permanently. “Thank you.”
“Well, we’re happy to have you. It’s nice to see crazy old Ms. Devereaux bringing some nice people to town.” Lacey’s tone was kind, but there was an undertone that was undeniable and Maggie couldn’t help but wonder if she was referring to Aaron.
As Maggie left the farmer’s market the Sheriff approached her.
“You must be Maggie.” He smiled as he politely tipped his hat.
“There really are no secrets in a small town, are there?” Maggie laughed nervously as she smiled in his direction but continued walking toward her bicycle.
“Not in a town where my niece lives,” the Sheriff joked as he strolled alongside her. “I’m Paul Rutledge, Andi is my niece,” he explained kindly.
“It’s nice to meet you,” Maggie replied as she reached for her bike.
“Andi tells me you’re staying at the old Devereaux place.” Sheriff Rutledge seemed to be getting at something.
“Yes, Sir,” she confirmed.
“Well, for the most part this is a very safe town,” he assured her “But in recent years we’ve had a few more… transient residents.” He seemed to be choosing his words carefully “It’s my understanding that you’re not the only guest on the Devereaux property, and I just want you to know that I’m only a few minutes away if you need anything.” He handed Maggie a card with his name and phone number on it. “Please don’t hesitate to call if you need anything.”
“Thank you, but I’m sure I won’t need to bother you,” she assured him as she accepted the business card. “Everyone I’ve met has been very kind,” she emphasized as she climbed onto her bike. It seemed obvious to her that he was referring to Aaron and she wanted to defend him. But what could she say?
She left town with mixed feelings. She really shouldn’t take such offense to the opinions people held about Aaron, she barely knew him. But she couldn’t help but think they had to be wrong. Even if he had been in some trouble in the past, he couldn’t possibly be dangerous, could he? But what if he was? Should she stay away from him?
As she rode her bike down the quiet dirt road lost in thought a loud clap of thunder boomed overhead. Seconds later rain began to pour down in sheets. It was raining so hard she couldn’t see to ride and had to pull over. She was soaked to the skin within minutes as she walked her bike along the road with her head turned down against the onslaught. She didn’t even hear the truck pull up alongside her over the roar of the rain.
“Get in!” She recognized Aaron’s voice and her head snapped up to see him jumping out of his truck and reaching for her bicycle. She felt both relieved and little scared all at the same time. She’d just spent the last ten minutes contemplating whether or not this man was possibly dangerous and now here she was on a deserted dirt road in the middle of a thunderstorm being told to get into his truck. She mentally kicked herself for her hesitation. This was the same man who’d she’d invited into her kitchen for lemonade and who’d helped her name a cat. He wasn’t dangerous.
She climbed into the cab of the truck as he lifted her bike and put it in the back. He jumped into the cab with her and slammed the door against the rain. He shook the rain out of his hair laughing.
“Nice day for a ride,” he teased as he started driving down the road.
“At least it wasn’t too hot,” she defended playfully. Aaron laughed heartily.
Aaron had such a carefree laugh and contagious smile. Maggie immediately felt at ease, just being in his presence again dissolved all the questions that had been raised by the people of Sweetwater. Whatever they believed about him was wrong. In that moment Maggie decided that it didn’t matter whether or not Aaron had a troubled past, she wasn’t going to let that stop her from getting to know him. She liked him.
“So where’s your car?” Aaron asked.
“I sold it,” Maggie admitted sheepishly.
“Really? Why?”