with Earl, then jabbed a finger into his chest. “If you so much as harm one bit of fleece on them, I’ll make you regret it.”

“Don’t you threaten me, Fern Bailey!” Earl fumed, swatting her hand away. “I’m through with you, do you hear me! You think you can do whatever you want in this town because you’re a King. Well, you can’t. So, I’m warning you, don’t mess with me.”

“Get off my property!” Fern’s arm swung in the direction of her neighbor’s house. “And if I catch you trespassing again, you’ll be sorry.”

Earl grumbled a string of curses and marched across the yard toward his property.

I turned back to my aunt, who was glaring at Earl, visibly shaken.

“Are you okay?”

“Oh, yes.” She looked at me after Earl disappeared around the side of his house. “He’s been a pain in my butt for years. Worse since I got the goats, and now the alpacas.”

“Have they gotten out before?” While I’d always support my aunt, I could empathize with Earl’s frustration if her animals were tearing apart his yard.

“The goats got out a few times, but this is the first that I’m aware of one of the alpacas escaping.” Fern headed toward the alpaca enclosure to make sure her fluffy pets were all settled in for the night.

“It looks like Cheddar is no worse for the wear. If Earl hit him, I would have…” she clenched her fists, not finishing her sentence. Probably a good thing. I’d never known Fern to be a violent person, but if her feathers were ruffled, she did have a bit of a temper.

I wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “Come on, it’s kinda chilly out here. Let’s go back to the house and get you some more tea.”

Her arm hooked around my waist as she sighed. “Are you sure you have to leave tomorrow? Things are just starting to get interesting around here.”

I laughed as we walked back to the house. Only Fern would call a near physical confrontation with her neighbor interesting. Honestly, I’d had enough drama for one visit home. I’d only been here two days and I was ready to get back to my hectic life of slaving away in the kitchen. At least there I didn’t have to navigate family drama or avoid awkward run-ins with the man who cheated on me.

Chapter Three

As I made my way down the stairs the next morning, I could hear Fern humming to herself in the kitchen, followed by a gurgled yowl from Moose. Either he was trying to sing along, or he was offended by my aunt’s bad pitch.

“Good morning, Charlee,” Fern greeted me, nice and chipper.

Much too wide awake for this time of the morning, although technically, it was after eight-thirty. I needed coffee. Bad. It also didn’t help that I was nearly blinded by Fern’s bright orange and purple patterned tunic. It was a sight.

“Morning,” I mumbled, and went to grab the coffee pot.

“How’d you sleep?”

“Fine,” I yawned. “Just tired. Took me a while to settle my mind down after I went to bed. Being here stirs up a lot of stuff for me, you know.”

“I know,” Fern sighed. “I was kept awake over my jerk of a neighbor. I heard a rumor that Earl and his wife are going to move. And I hope they do. My life would certainly be better without him around,” she groused.

“Well, he does seem to hate your animals. Maybe you should have your fence reinforced so the alpacas can’t get out?” I suggested.

“My fence is fine. I had it repaired after the goats were gone. And alpacas aren’t known for jumping fences, so I’m not really sure how they escaped.”

“That’s good, I guess. Hopefully it won’t happen again.” I leaned over the counter, watching the coffee as it dripped into the pot.

“What time are you leaving today? I’ve got to pick up pastries for Sunday school, but wanted to say goodbye.” Fern reached for her purse on the breakfast bar.

“Probably in an hour or two. I wanted to feed the alpacas, and then I might go for a quick run.”

A smile lit my aunt’s face. “Well, since you’re not in a hurry, you could come to church at ten.”

I shook my head quickly. “Thanks, but no. That’s why I’m leaving this morning. If I stay then I’m guaranteed more awkward conversation with people I don’t want to see, and then I’ll be forced into suffering through another family lunch. And with the half-gallon of hot chocolate I consumed last night, I’m sure my mom will tell me that I’m extra-puffy today.”

Fern chuckled. “I don’t blame you. Although, if you change your mind, it might give you an opportunity to see the sheriff.”

I looked up from watching the coffee pot. “The sheriff goes to church?”

Fern continued to smile as she nodded. “Yep.”

“No wonder my parents love him. He sounds about perfect,” I muttered.

“He pretty much is,” Fern agreed. “Which is why he’d be an excellent match for you.”

“Oh no. I’m far from perfect.” I grabbed a mug off the shelf and filled it about two-thirds full. I needed to leave room for sugary creamer. Or whipped cream. I hadn’t decided what I was in the mood for yet.

“No one is perfect, Charlee, but you deserve somebody special. And tall,” she added with a wink. “And Cole Walker checks all the boxes.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know.” I opened the refrigerator and retrieved both the creamer and the whipped cream. I might try both. “Except I don’t live here, and you’re making a pretty big assumption that we would actually like each other.”

“You’re both very likable people, so I don’t think that should be a problem. Well, I’ve got to go, so give me a hug in case you leave before I get back.” I walked over to Fern and she gave me a big squeeze. “Love you, hon.”

“Love you too. Bye, Fern.”

After my aunt left, I picked up my phone and coffee, and headed for the back door.

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