BIG SKY SECRETS 01: Final Exposure by Roxanne Rustand Page A

her.
    “You know what, I think it’s time to go find that pony and have some fun,” Jack said. “What do you think, pal? We can always talk later.”
    Max gave a single nod.
    “And when we get back, maybe we can do some more thinking when things are a little calmer.” Jack stroked the boy’s hair, then glanced at Erin as he stood up and fished his car keys out of his pocket. “Believe me, I want answers as much as you do.”
     
    Erin swept the store, then dragged in a ladder from the storage shed in back and began working on the inventory.
    Thick dust still covered the more inaccessible merchandise, some of which appeared to have been in place for decades. Oh, Gramps…you hung on to this place way too long.
    Sentiment over his late wife had probably kept him here, coupled with dread at the prospect of living alone with nothing to do. But the long hours hadtaken their toll on him, and the weariness in his stooped posture when Erin had kissed him goodbye at the airport was enough to break her heart.
    The bell over the door tinkled.
    Charlie, who followed her everywhere and tended to lie down within inches of her feet, rose slowly, his tail thumping against the ladder as she climbed down.
    “Goodness gracious, you’re going to land in the hospital, climbing all over the rafters like that!”
    Erin laughed. Without looking, she knew exactly who it was, from the voice and the lemony scent of Jean Naté wafting into the store. “Now, Isabelle, it’s not as bad as all that. I was only on a ladder.”
    “Humph.”
    A good eighty if she was a day, Isabelle Swanson was a short, rotund woman with a flair for clothes in outrageous color combinations, but she was sharp as a tack and one of the kindest women Erin had ever met.
    Erin dusted her hands against her jeans and headed to the front of the store to give her a hug. “You look wonderful, as always.” And she did, with her silver curls perfectly coiffed and her bright red coat and lilac dress. “I totally love the silver shoes.”
    “Never did think pretties had to be saved for evening. My kiddies love them.”
    “You’re still babysitting?”
     
    “Third generation, some of them, bless their little hearts. Not full-time anymore, but it helps fill my days.” She waggled a snowy eyebrow. “I saw you in church, but didn’t get a chance to say howdy.”
    “I’m sorry I missed you.” Erin gestured toward the café. “I’m ready for a break. Would you like some coffee, on the house?”
    “With a chance to visit? My, yes.” Isabelle followed her to one of the tables. “It’s good to see you back after all these years.”
    Erin brought out a tray with cups, some cookies and a pot of fresh coffee. “I’m glad to be here. I stayed away far too long.”
    Isabelle gave her a knowing look. “Sometimes a fresh start is best, when there’s been so much sorrow.”
    “And then sometimes it’s best to finally face it all head-on and let go of the past.”
    “So, do you have a special fella?”
    “Nope, and no plans to, either.”
    “You’re too young to be saying that.” Isabelle’s eyes twinkled. “You might just change your mind when the right one comes along. Like that handsome man renting Pete’s house, for instance.”
    Erin choked on her sip of coffee.
    “I’ve seen him with that boy of his,” Isabelle continued. “He seems like a really good daddy.”
    “He’ll just be here for a few months, and then they’re going back to Texas.”
     
    “Maybe he’ll decide differently. He could fall in love with this town. Settle down.”
    “He’s a nice guy and all, but I learned my lessons early on. You might think you can change someone, but that doesn’t mean you can.”
    Isabelle chuckled. “I can’t see a lot I’d change about that man.”
    “I think he and I are poles apart in our faith beliefs, though. Such different life views just don’t work in the long run.”
    “I wouldn’t jump to any conclusions just yet. He hasn’t been up