Page 63 of Promise Me a Forever Texas Love

Since the statute of limitations had run out, he knew the sheriff wasn’t going to jump up and put him in handcuffs. But he had thought Sheriff Gentry would show some kind of surprise or anger. Instead, he just nodded as he sat down and pushed the swing into motion with his foot.

“I figured it was one of you. I was leaning toward Dawson since he seemed to like starting fires.”

Dawson had started the tire fire that night, but that wasn’t Huck’s story to tell. Besides, his brothers had taken the blame for his antics more times than he could count. It was time to return the favor.

“I know it’s a little late,” he said. “But I’m sorry. It was a stupid thing to do.”

The sheriff nodded. “So you want to sit down and tell me what happened?”

He sat down next to the sheriff and took a deep breath before he relayed the events of that night. Discovering the gas station door unlocked. Finding the bag of money. Being stupid enough to think he could borrow it and pay it back with interest.

“It was only after I woke up the next morning that I realized what an idiotic thing I’d done,” he said. “I was trying to figure out what to do when Poppy busted into my room and told me about you arresting Jaxon.”

“So Jaxon knew you robbed Mickey’s.”

Huck shook his head. “No. No one knows. I plan on telling them today. I’m willing to pay Mickey back for any damages the fire caused and do community service. Or whatever you think is best. I would only ask one thing and that’s for you to keep this to yourself until I’ve had a chance to tell my brothers and Poppy.” He swallowed again. “And Cadee and Camden.”

The sheriff sat there for a few minutes before he finally spoke. “I don’t plan to tell anyone what you just told me. Bringing up that night again will only start up the gossip mill and ruin any strides y’all have made with the townsfolk. You gave back the money, and those tires were old and I’d been on Mickey to get rid of them because I worried some kid would do exactly what . . . you did. So I think it’s best if we let sleeping dogs lie.”

Relief flooded Huck. “Thank you, sheriff. But I’m still going to tell my family.” Even if just the thought of telling Cadee made him sick to his stomach.

Sheriff Gentry shrugged. “That’s up to you. Now what do I owe you for the swing?”

Huck stood. “Not a thing. I think we Hennessys owe you more than a porch swing for all the trouble we’ve given you over the years.”

The sheriff nodded. “I can’t argue with that.” Huck laughed and started to leave, but the sheriff stopped him. “You gonna do right by Cadee . . . and your son?”

Huck whirled around. “You know?”

“Tully told me, but I had my suspicions long ago. You and Cadee were thick as thieves all the way up until you left town. It didn’t take much to put two and two together. And I don’t think I’m the only one in town who has. So answer the question. You gonna marry her?”

“Yes,” Huck said. “As soon as I prove I’m worthy to ask her.”

The sheriff sighed. “I certainly understand that. I have the same insecurities with Laurie. I always thought I wasn’t good enough for her. Which is why I worked day and night at my job to prove myself.” His gaze was direct. “But as it turned out, I didn’t need to prove anything to her except how much I love her. Don’t make the same mistake, son.”

Huck thought about the sheriff’s words all the way to the Stockton Ranch. He didn’t feel like he was worthy of Cadee, but he didn’t think he ever would. So maybe he should stop trying to prove his worth and just try to prove his love. And what better way to prove his love than asking her to spend the rest of her life with him.

Of course, he couldn’t just show up unannounced and ask her to marry him.

But he could ask her to come dancing with him tonight at Honky Tonk Heaven. After he swirled her around the floor, he’d take her out back and propose beneath The Kissing Tree.

It was a perfect plan.

Unfortunately, before he could get to the Stockton Ranch to ask her on a date, his truck broke down. Cadee’s house was within walking distance, but he wasn’t about to show up on foot, begging for help from her brothers.

So he called Dawson.

Since he’d worked in Austin restoring old trucks, Dawson knew everything there was to know about old trucks. Within minutes of arriving, he had Huck’s truck up and running. Just not without giving Huck a hard time.

“You traded your motorcycle for this piece of shit Dodge? I could have found you a much better truck with fewer miles if you’d just asked me.”

“I needed a truck fast and you’ve been a little busy with Magnolia and the bookstore.” Since he’d come back from California, Huck had only seen Dawson at Honky Tonk Heaven and there was no way to have a conversation when you were throwing out drunks.

Dawson wiped his hands on the bandana he’d pulled from his back pocket. “And why did you need a truck fast? You had your motorcycle for transportation.”

“A motorcycle doesn’t really work for transporting a family.”

“So now you’re a family?”