ENDING OF PREVIOUS POST:

As they picked-up the fallen limbs, Emma stopped and stared at the flower seeds she'd planted.

Seth came up beside her and teased, "I thought we were cleaning up branches not studying bare patches of dirt."

"I'm encouraging these seeds to sprout." When he started to shake his head, Emma said, "If I can't thank you, you can't shake your head."

Chuckling, Seth said, "I guess it's only fair." He hesitated, before he continued, "I never met somebody who talked to plants."

"They also like music."

He stepped behind her and shook his head. "I think we're finished. Let's walk toward my place."

"Don't think I didn't see you shake your head."

"It had to be your imagination." Seth grinned.

TODAY'S POST

Chapter 7 B

Later that afternoon, they tossed the last of the branches on the pile. Both heads turned toward the driveway as Carl drove up and stepped from his cruiser.

Seth joined him. "Good to see you, but you didn't need to come out. I would've come to town. What do you need?"

Carl hugged Emma. "Pretty nasty storm last night. How you doing?" After she answered, he continued, "I felt like a drive." He handed Seth some papers and a pen. "These need to be signed."

Seth read them, signed, and then asked, "Is Maple's Gas and Convenience Store on First and Avenue B open?"

"I think it's the only place in town that's actually open. A few places have employees present, but not actually open for business."

Eyeing Emma, Seth said, "I'm running to town for a few minutes. I'll be right back." He studied Ace. "You stay and take care of the girls."

Carl asked. "Chief, you want me to hang around?"

Glancing toward the road and not seeing the Crown Victoria, he said, "I don't think it's necessary. I shouldn't be gone more than twenty, thirty minutes at the most. Ace can handle things." He got into his pickup and left.

Emma tilted her head. "I'm an adult. I don't need somebody staying with me. Is he always so cryptic?"

Chuckling Carl answered, "I can see where you might think that, but Chief's an open book. He's straightforward and to the point."

"I haven't figured him out."

"I'd better get back to the station." As he headed toward his cruiser, he muttered, "He's afraid of allowing you to. He's guarding himself."

"I couldn't hear you. What did you say?" asked Emma.

"Chief is stingy with his words. See you Monday morning for coffee." He asked, "Will the bakery be open tomorrow?"

"I don't know, but probably."

Getting inside his vehicle, he said, "I think I'm off tomorrow. I'll see you Monday for sure. Bye."

*****
When Seth returned, Emma was inside her house playing the guitar and singing. He waited until she finished, before he knocked. After she answered the door, he said, "That was beautiful. 'Standing on the Promises' is one of my favorites."

"Thank you." When his eyebrows rose, she said, "You complimented me. In polite society one answers with a 'thank you'."

"I'll give you that one. Is that the song you'll be doing Sunday when Pastor Pat asks you?"

"Only if he asks. I'm not volunteering."

Grinning he said, "He'll ask." Then he held up a large sack. "Come on. We'll have a late lunch or maybe an early dinner."

The dogs and Emma followed as she asked, "What?"

"We have firewood, although wet, so it'll take time, but we can have a hot dog roast and s'mores. I have chips and soda." He paused. "You can bring your guitar if you want." He waited as she jogged back to get it.

They studied the pile of limbs, and then Seth set down the sack. "I forgot matches and chairs. I'll be right back." He paused. "Mustard, ketchup or both?"

"Mustard." Emma watched him jog to his place. He's a nice guy and a hunk. But way too serious and bossy. Then she studied cloud formations in the sky as she inhaled a deep breath. It's beautiful here.

When Seth returned, he asked, "You look deep in thought. Care to share?" He set the folding chairs close to the pile of branches. "Have a seat."

"I was only daydreaming." She sat and watched him strike a match, before she continued, "It's so quiet and peaceful. Longview only had about 81,000 people but it was too big for me. I guess I'm a small town, country girl."

"That's where you went to college, right?" After she nodded, he added, "There's nothing wrong with that."

"My college friends couldn't wait to find jobs in large cities. I guess I'm strange. I'm happiest here."

He struck another match. "It's going to be hard to get this pile lit." His eyes met hers. "I like small towns myself."

"It's good to know I'm not the only person."

It took a box of matches, but tiny flames started. "Finally." After a few moments of watching and blowing on the fire, Seth said, "Is that the reason you didn't accept any of the teaching jobs you were offered?"

"Partly, I guess. I prayed about them, but none of them felt right. Now, I'm worried Mom and Dad wasted money sending me to college. I'm working at the bakery. I could've done that without college."

Using his pocketknife, he stripped some small twigs from a straight limb and handed it to her. "I think this will work." As he searched for another straight one, he said, "It seems your parents are happy you're home."

Her eyes glowed. "They are. We're very close."

"Then why you worried? I'm sure the job you're supposed to have will find you."

"Pastor Pat reminds me all the time that God's in charge." She lifted her guitar and strummed a few chords. "I know He is. He found this perfect cabin. With a reasonable, but bossy landlord," teased Emma. "I make enough with tips to cover my rent, groceries, and gas. I see my parents every day. I have a great church. What else do I need?"

"Good question. Are you asking me or asking yourself?"

Emma tilted her head. "I'm not sure." She leaned the guitar against her chair. "Sorry for rambling."

"I enjoyed listening. My stick's finished. Ready to start roasting?"

"Do you think the fire's ready."

Seth chuckled. "That's debatable. We'll see. If not, I have a grill."

*****
After filling up on fire roasted hot dogs, chips and s'mores, Emma said, "I'll help you clean up, then I'm calling it a night."

"Last night, I got a total two hours of sleep and that might be an exaggeration. I'm beat."

After they had made sure the fire had died and carried things to Seth's house, he walked Emma to her home and said goodnight.

As she watched Seth leave, she said, "Wait!"

He turned. "Is there a problem?"

"How early are you planning on getting started in the morning?"

He scratched his chin. "I hadn't thought about it." He glanced at his watch. "It's early. How about seven o'clock? It'll still be cool out. Can you be up by then?"

"I think so."

"I'll call before I come down."

"Thank you." Emma shut the door as she noticed him shaking his head.

Thank you, YouTube for Alan Jackson, singing 'Standing on the Promises'




*****
Character List:

Police Chief Seth Carter - hero and Beaverton's Police Chief

Emma Winters - heroine and waitress at her parents' bakery and bookstore, but just graduated college with a teaching degree.

Carl Jones - Seth's good friend and right-hand man

Susan and Keith Winters - Emma's parents and owners of Winters' Family Bakery and Bookstore

Molly - Emma's almost four-pound Pomeranian

Ace - Seth's German shepherd, a trained K-9

Pastor Pat - Pastor of the Church and Emma's Godfather

Jake Baker - Seth's mentor and Winters' family friend

Ray Hudson - Works at the bakery

Peggy Barton - High School friend, has her eyes on Seth