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  Ellie looked at Penny. “We can do that easily, can’t we, Penny?”

  Penny didn’t seem as enthusiastic as Ellie was. “If Bart needs our help I’ll definitely pitch in. I’m sure Sally will want to also.”

  Bart stood. “All right, I need to leave the house at nine o’clock tomorrow. Does that meet with your plans?”

  Penny laughed. “We didn’t really have any plans. There’s nothing waiting for me that can’t wait another day.”

  Bart inhaled and rubbed his hands together. “Smells like our supper is ready. Shall we go see?”

  Chapter Seven

  Ellie could hardly wait to get through breakfast the next morning. She dressed in gray slacks and a black top that she’d borrowed from Penny. As soon as her grant was approved, she was buying two pairs of shoes. She wanted to fit in as much as she could while still looking her best.

  The three women were in high spirits as Bart drove them to town in his massive double cab pickup truck. Ellie rode in the front passenger seat and hummed under her breath.

  Bart glanced at her. “You’re not going to break out in show tunes, are you?”

  She didn’t understand. “What do you mean?”

  “I heard you humming ‘By the Light of the Silvery Moon’ and wondered if you were going to break out into song.”

  “You mean they still play that on the radio?”

  “Not on the Terry Springs station, which only plays country-western songs. Still, I remember that song and lots of other older ones.”

  From the back seat Sally said, “I used to play records a lot and Bart and Jake would’ve heard that song. Mostly now, I just watched TV.”

  Ellie asked, “What’s that?”

  Penny threw up her hands. “For heaven’s sake, we forgot to show Ellie the television. What were we thinking?”

  “We haven’t had a lot of time,” Sally said. “You have to admit we’ve kept Ellie pretty busy. We’ll remedy that this evening.”

  Bart pulled the pickup to the curb and stopped. “I have to go in here to sign the papers, get my keys, and pay a lot of money. Do you want to come in with me or do you want to look around town?”

  Ellie didn’t think she could sit still any longer. She was too keyed up and excited. “Can we look around town just a little? Maybe we could go to that shop across the street. Margaret’s Couture looks interesting.”

  Sally put out her hands to stop everyone. “First, we have to have our stories straight. Ellie, you remember you’re Penny’s friend from college, right?”

  Bart shook his head. “I still don’t agree, Sally. You’re better off saying she’s a friend from grade school or high school or a neighbor. Naming a university is just gonna get you in trouble. Someone you meet will have gone there and trip you up by asking questions.”

  Penny said, “Now that you mention it, I agree with Bart. Why can’t Ellie just be a neighbor from my old neighborhood?”

  “That means she’d have to have been from Idaho. Have you ever been to Idaho, Ellie?”

  “Yes, I’ve been there. I traveled all over the state years ago with my parents.”

  Penny said, “What if we say Ellie and I knew one another in Boise and we just ran into each other now that I live in Texas?”

  Sally sighed. “Okay, just don’t get too technical about the details. Are we ready?”

  Bart unfastened his seatbelt. “I’m certainly ready. I’ll meet you ladies in about thirty minutes.”

  Ellie took each of her new friends by the arm. “This is a grand adventure. I’m so excited to get to look around town.”

  Penny glanced her way. “I’ll bet you hate being cooped up at the ranch don’t you?”

  Ellie was horrified that her dislike of rural life was so plain. “Please don’t be offended. Your ranch is lovely. I can’t help that I prefer being in town.”

  “I’m not offended, are you, Sally?”

  From her other side, Sally laughed. “Rural life either pleases you or you hate it. For me, I love living at the ranch and I’d hate being in town.”

  Ellie couldn’t imagine preferring ranch life to the excitement of town. “Have you ever lived in town?”

  Sally met her gaze. “The first twenty-two years of my life were spent in this town. When Howard hired me as housekeeper and cook for Bart and Jake, I thought I’d died and gone to heaven.”

  Penny said, “Howard is Bart and Jake’s father. You’ll meet him soon. He lives in Austin but I think he’ll be moving back to the ranch in the near future.”

  Sally leaned forward to look at Penny. “Oh you do, do you? What makes you think that? Has he mentioned it?”

  Penny shook her head and wore a mysterious grin. “No, just a feeling I have. Isn’t that a cute dress in the window?” She opened the shop’s door and held it for the other two to go in.

  A middle-aged woman tastefully clad in a black dress but sensible walking shoes came toward them with a smile. “Hello, Sally. How may I help you ladies?”

  Sally said, “Hello, Margaret. We’d like to browse today.”

  Margaret stepped aside. “Let me know if I can help you. We have some lovely new things in stock.”

  Looking through the clothing without being able to purchase anything was pure torture for Ellie.

  Penny leaned close so only she could hear. “If you see anything you really want, let me know. I can get it for you.”

  Ellie wavered. “I’ll just look around today to get an idea of how this shop operates. I’ll wait to purchase anything until I have money.”

  Penny slipped something into Ellie’s pocket and whispered, “You said you love to shop, so just consider this a loan.”

  Speaking normally, Penny gestured to a dressing room. “Oh, Ellie, you must try that on.”

  What could it hurt Ellie wondered? She took the dress she was holding into the dressing room that Penny indicated. Holding such an unfamiliar style seemed odd but she loved the pale blue color.

  Ellie fastened the dress and turned in front of the mirror then she checked the pocket of the slacks she’d removed to see how much money she had from Penny. Two hundred dollars. She looked at the price on the dress.

  Horsefeathers. The dress would take almost three-fourths of her money.

  Penny called, “Come out and let us see once you’re changed.”

  Against her better judgment, Ellie left the dressing room to show Sally and Penny. She twirled, sending the flirty skirt flaring.

  Sally clasped her hands in front of her. “That is perfect for you. I hope you’re going to buy it.”

  Penny said, “I agree, Ellie. That was made for you.”

  Ellie checked her image in the store’s three-way mirror. She thought she would die if she didn’t get this. Why buying this meant so much to her she couldn’t imagine.

  “Does anyone even wear dresses anymore? Mostly I see women in slacks.”

  Margaret handed her a short navy jacket. “This would make the dress suitable for business or comfortable on a chilly evening.”

  She slipped on the jacket. Rhatz. The fit was perfect. “I’m not sure. I should wait a few days and think it over.”

  Penny slipped her another few bills. “If you find something perfect and don’t buy it, often it’s gone when you return. I think you should buy this if you want it and consider this therapy.”

  Sally nodded. “I agree. This is sure to lift your spirits.”

  Ellie checked her image once more. “I love you two but you’re terrible influences and I’m too weak to resist where clothes are concerned. Rhatz, I can’t refuse the opportunity and will take these.”

  She hurried back into the dressing room to remove her new clothes and don her borrowed ones. When she’d paid and the clerk presented her with her purchase she saw Bart strolling their way.

  Apparently Penny spotted him, too, because she opened the door and waved. “He’ll be relieved he doesn’t actually have to come inside the shop.”

  Laughing, the three women went t
o meet Bart.

  He looked at Ellie’s package and pretended to pout. “I’m disappointed I didn’t get to come in and shop. I might’ve found the perfect thing for my new wardrobe.”

  Ellie hooked her arm in his. “I’m sure you could have found a snappy dress but it wouldn’t be as good as this one is for me. Penny fronted me the clams to buy this.”

  “Are you ladies ready for lunch?” He included all three of them but he met Ellie’s gaze.

  Heavens, his heated glances almost melted her bones. What would his kisses be like? My, she could hardly wait to learn firsthand.

  Sally chuckled. “Shopping always makes me hungry. Where are you taking us? I hope it’s expensive.”

  “After that supper you fixed us last night, it’s a mystery how any of us could be hungry but I am. How about some Tex-Mex?”

  Ellie wasn’t sure what he meant by Tex-Mex, but she was willing to find out. A handsome man on her arm and a new dress to wear. The entire day was an adventure. If she was going to be stuck in 2018, this wasn’t too bad.

  Chapter Eight

  Bart drove the three women to his favorite Tex-Mex place. They dug into the tostado chips and salsa while waiting to order. He demonstrated how to scoop some salsa on the chip and eat it.

  The menu had pictures of some of the dishes but Ellie appeared confused. “I don’t know what to order.”

  “Do you like spicy or mild food?”

  “I guess a little spicy. I don’t know what these dishes are and I hate to pick one.”

  “Will you trust me?”

  She offered a smile that set his blood pounding. “Of course I do. You’re an officer of the law.”

  He ordered each of them a chili relleno stuffed with cheese and covered with queso plus a chicken enchilada covered with cream sauce. They came with refried beans and Spanish rice.

  When the food came, she inspected the plate then tested a bite of enchilada. “Mmm, this is delicious.”

  He was happy to see she ate all of the chili relleno and enchilada and at least some of the rice and beans.

  After stuffing themselves at Miguel’s Restaurant they were ready to see Bart’s living quarters.

  He held open the door of his new apartment. “Welcome to my new home.”

  Ellie turned slowly. “This is the gnat’s elbows.” She plopped onto the couch. “This isn’t as comfy as the one at the ranch.”

  He held up a hand. “I intend to replace the furniture as soon as I have time.”

  Penny peered into another room. “Nice size master bedroom and there’s a king-size bed for you.”

  Sally headed straight for the kitchen. “My, appears you have the best appliances and I like the colors. Too bad you don’t cook.”

  He strode to the kitchen. “Hey, you made Jake and me learn to cook. I can master basic meals.”

  “I know, dear. I didn’t say you couldn’t prepare meals, I said you don’t. I don’t think you enjoy spending time in the kitchen except to eat. Doesn’t matter because there are plenty of restaurants nearby.”

  “I want to stock some non-perishables in case I don’t want to go out to eat.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Sure is a lot to do, isn’t there?”

  Sally hugged him. “Yes, but I know you’ll enjoy having your own home. This is a beautiful apartment, too, so you’ll have a nice place to invite your friends. I’ll miss seeing your pretty face every day, but I’m happy for you.”

  He returned her hug. “Thanks, Gorgeous. I don’t know what I’d have done if you hadn’t approved. Sure would have taken the shiny off.”

  “Let me look at the entire place.” Sally wandered into the combination living and dining room.

  Ellie strolled into the kitchen. “So, you know how to cook. Nice breakfast spot there with a pleasant garden area to look at while you eat.”

  “Did you see the view from the front balcony?” He led her to the wide front windows.

  “Sockdollager, I can see the little shop where I bought my dress.”

  He stood with hands in his pockets to keep from reaching out to her. “What do you think overall?” He had no idea why her answer mattered to him, but it did.

  “I love this place. You’re close to everything and you have enough room for a bachelor. Maybe even after you marry or someone moves in with you.”

  She edged closer and brushed his arm as she passed. Peering over her shoulder, she sent him a flirty gaze. “I forgot, you’re the law so I guess you’d have to marry in order to have company here.”

  He grinned at her like a silly schoolboy. “This is a small town and people have expectations. Mine is an elected office, you know?”

  Ellie ran her fingers down his arm and her touch zapped him as if he’d had an electrical shock. He’d better get his libido under control. She looked up at him. Only a few inches and he could taste her inviting lips.

  “That means you have a lot of people counting on you, doesn’t it? Good thing you’re dependable.”

  Man, he needed help. Thank goodness he spotted Penny watching.

  Penny ambled over to them. “You have a lot of storage but nothing to store. Have you made a list of things you need?”

  He made what he hoped came off as puppy dog eyes at her, the way Rascal looked at Jake. “I thought a kind sister-in-law would probably help round up the things I need.” He nodded toward Ellie. “Especially if she knows someone who likes to shop.”

  Penny punched him lightly on the arm. “Moocher. Are you going to leave the second bedroom as such or make it into an office?”

  “I’d like it to serve as both. Can you three handle that?”

  Sally looked from Penny to Ellie. “I believe we can get you fitted out and ready to move in.”

  Penny grinned mischievously. “I suppose you want purple and lime stripes in the bedroom, right?”

  He pretended to glare at Penny. “Can’t I trust you? You know what my room at the ranch is like and know how the master bedroom is decorated. Use those rooms as guidelines, okay?”

  “I suspect Sally and Ellie will be more help than I will. We’ll try our best to please you.”

  They finished in the apartment and decided to go back to the ranch.

  Ellie was in a great mood. Perhaps someday she could live in an apartment near Bart. As they sauntered to the car a group of teens slouched by them.

  Ellie grabbed Bart’s arm and stopped him. “Do you know that young man in the back of those boys?”

  Bart watched the kid who’d passed by them. “Afraid so. Bobby Colgate is his name. Oh, you think he’s related to your friends?”

  “Has to be. He’s the spitting image of a boy I knew with the same name.”

  “He’s headed for trouble unless something changes his course. I’ve tried, but he isn’t receptive to authority.”

  A chill skittered down her spine. “What’s happened to put him in danger?”

  “His dad died about a year ago. Since then, he’s edging toward the wrong crowd. I have to admit I worry about him. His mother is doing her best. Bobby keeps drifting further and further from his old friends.”

  The thought of Bobby’s namesake descendant going wrong sent a knife to her heart. “I wonder how I could help him. He looks lost, doesn’t he?”

  Bart put his arm around her waist. “Be careful, Ellie. Some of his new friends are dangerous.”

  “All the more reason to try.” She couldn’t stand by while a young man ruined his life, not without at least trying to give him a chance.

  “Maybe. For now, you have a lot on your plate. Remember the five-year plan? Plus, you promised to help me decorate my apartment.”

  How could she forget her own dilemma? “I remember, but don’t think I’ll forget that young man. Do you know how old he is?”

  “Fifteen. His mother hadn’t been in the work force until the father died with no insurance at age thirty-five. She’s struggling and works two part-time jobs.”

  “Why haven’t you helped her?” She hadn’t
intended her voice to sound as sharp as she had. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to accuse you of indifference.”

  Bart steered her toward his car. “Go easy, Ellie. People resent interference. I talked to her, offered to help her in any way I could. She thanked me politely but turned me down. I don’t know what else to do.”

  She glanced back at Penny. “Maybe you could give her a brochure about your foundation.”

  Penny shook her head. “I gave her one months ago because I thought perhaps she’d like to get vocational training or go to a university. In my opinion, she’s so discouraged she probably didn’t even read the guidelines.”

  When he held open the door for her, Ellie climbed in and fastened her seat belt. Wheels turned in her head. Bobby and his mom didn’t know it yet, but they were in for more help than they dreamed existed.

  Chapter Nine

  Ellie couldn’t push the face of that young man from her mind. She hadn’t been able to talk her fiancé Bobby out of signing up for the Army and see what happened—he’d died a horrible death. The pain of losing him still haunted her. Surely she could do something to help his descendants.

  “Where does Mrs. Colgate work?”

  “At the Gas Up, Chow Down convenience store evenings.” He gestured to the right. “There it is on the corner. She also works mornings at the American Motel on the edge of town in housekeeping. Don’t imagine either pays very well.”

  Ellie vowed she’d manage to talk to Mrs. Colgate soon.

  She caught Bart staring at her occasionally. He was so handsome and what a fun companion. Her body hummed at the sexy sheriff’s closeness. She’d love for just the two of them to go somewhere.

  Back at the ranch, Ellie hurried to take her package to the guest room and hang up her purchases. As she left the room, she met Bart in the hall.

  “Do you need help packing?”

  His wicked grin enticed her. “Thanks, but I have to sort things. I have a few things in the attic I want to take, too.” He kissed her cheek. “Go work on that plan so you can soon open that shop you want.”

  She touched her cheek as she hurried downstairs. She wanted very badly to be on her own in town. In the study she looked around the desks.