Page 297 of Bitter’s Sweet

Then he swallows it.

“I want you to stay.”

“That isn't what I asked.”

“No.”

He takes a slow breath.

“I want you to choose the school because you love it. I want you to choose Tennessee because this weird-ass town makes you happy. I want you to choose whatever life feels like yours.”

His voice roughens slightly.

“And if you ever choose me, I want to know I didn't make the other choices for you.”

My eyes fill.

Damn him.

I look down before he can see too much, then decide that is stupid.

He already saw me hang over a murder hole.

Tears are hardly a state secret.

“My mother would have loved this place.”

Bitter smiles. “Sheriff?”

“She would have stolen Sheriff.”

“Mourning would fight her.”

“Mama would win.”

“Bold claim.”

I look at him.

“I said yes to Mercy.”

His breath catches. “To the school?”

“Yes.”

The smile that breaks across his face is so immediate I nearly laugh.

I point at him.

“Do not get smug. I said yes to the school.”

His smile dims but does not disappear.

“Yes, ma'am.”

“I like the work.”

“You're good at it.”