Page 27 of When the Smoke Clears

“Just like that,” I say through gritted teeth. “She sent a text telling me she left and not to contact her. I tried, of course, but the number was disconnected. It drove me crazy for years trying to figure out why.”

“I can imagine.”

“Then one day, I had to force myself to give up on her. Accept that she just left because she didn’t want to be with me and couldn’t figure out how to say it. Or maybe there was someone else.”

“That’s a fucking insane way to break up with someone,” he mutters.

My eyes widen, remembering the weight of that decision. “I loved that girl. I was going to marry her.”

“I remember.” Gabe’s voice softens. “You two were the perfect couple.”

My back teeth grind together. “It was all bullshit.”

“It wasn’t,” he counters. His eyes narrow thoughtfully. “There’s more to this story than we’re getting.”

“I’ve always thought so.” I rub my thumb over the condensation on my bottle. “But I had to respect her wishes. So, I never looked for her. Even when I became sheriff and had the resources to do it.”

He leans forward and points a finger at me. “I think you should put a detail on her while she’s here.”

I mull it over, fingers tapping an uneven rhythm on the table. “I don’t have the manpower for anything round-the-clock. But I can have a deputy swing by the inn and her mom’s house a few times.”

“Until we figure out what’s going on, I think that’s for the best.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to come work for me?” I ask, not for the first time. I’ve lost count, but this has to be close to the tenth time I’ve asked since he left the Army and came back.

Gabe flashes a lazy grin. “Nah, man. I’m happy with what I’ve got going on.”

“Well, look what the cat dragged in,” my sister announces, striding confidently over to our table. Her dark hair bounces with each step, catching the dim light of the bar.

I stand and pull her into a hug. “What are you doing here, Sav?”

Gabe swirls the ice in his water glass. “I never thought of you as someone who hangs out at The Rusty Nail, Sav.”

With a cheeky gleam in her eye, she shoots back, “I never thought of you at all, Gabe.”

Gabe arches a brow, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Don’t all girls have a crush on their brother’s best friend?”

“Not this one,” she fires back. “I like more cerebral guys. No offense.”

Gabe laughs, shaking his head. “None taken. I like less uptight women.”

“I’m not uptight. I just happen to like things a certain way.”

“I stand corrected,” he deadpans. “You’re the epitome of laid back.”

“What are you up to tonight, Sav?” I cut in before they really get going.

“I’m meeting someone here.”

“Like a date?” Gabe asks, eyes widening with exaggerated horror.

“Yes, Gabriel. Like a date.” She rolls her eyes. “I’m sure even you are familiar with the concept.”

“Who is this guy? Why didn’t you tell me you had a date?” I ask.

“So you could run a background check on him and scare him off? No thanks.”

I shrug because she’s not wrong. My brothers and I have always been protective of our sisters. Maybe it’s because my father never acts as if he cares, so we have to.