Chapter 23
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
S tewart held the door open for Aurora. Having spoken with the sheriff for an eternity, they finally arrived at the ranch. During the ride, she hadn’t spoken much. Her mind might just be whirling with so much happening.
Flora gave Aurora a great big hug and ended up holding her for a few minutes. Aurora eventually broke the embrace.
“I have your room ready, and I unpacked your clothes for you. I?—”
“You did? How’d you get into my apartment?”
“Gus. He was done giving his information to the sheriff before you, and he gave the key to me. I hope I didn’t step on your toes.”
“No, Flora, I’m glad you did it for me. I’m exhausted.”
“Have either of you eaten? I have my famous corn soufflé casserole ready.”
“Thanks, Flora,” he said.
“Why don’t we take a seat at the table?” He waited for Aurora to nod before he pulled a chair out for her.
She looked surprised but didn’t say a word as she sat down.
He settled in a chair across from her, wondering what to say.
“Are you glad to be in this house again?” she asked.
“We did grow up in this house. Me, Reilly, McKenna, and Katie.”
“Who is Reilly? I’ve never heard anyone mention him before.”
“He’s a lawyer in Billings. He was supposed to be married years ago, but he was jilted at the altar. I’ve seen him three times since, but never here at the ranch.”
“That sounds sad for him,” she remarked.
“I invite him for all the holidays, but he always declines. I did call him to get the name of a lawyer for McKenna.”
“You’re not mad at McKenna anymore?” she asked, as she tilted her head and looked into his eyes.
“I’m still mad, but I’m working on forgiveness. This whole mess has been a journey of sorts for me. After all, I ended up in church.” He smiled.
“Faith is powerful. I would have gone crazy this past year if not for my faith in God.” A smile gently curved her lips upward. “There was much talk about us sitting in the same pew. We’d never been so busy at The Morning Glory Café.”
“Is that right?”
Flora poured coffee for them. “It’s as close to being engaged as one gets in this town.” Chuckling, she scurried out of the room.
“Oh,” Aurora uttered.
“The older generation.” Chuckling himself, Stewart shook his head. “If I had known it would have people gossiping about you, I would have sat…” He caught her gaze. “Actually, I would have still sat with you. Their assumptions are ridiculous and antiquated. I could have sat on the other side of the church and sent you a text. If people text while in church.”
Flora laughed as she served their lunch. “The last time you were in church, cellphones weren’t a thing.”
Aurora laughed. “Just how old are you, Mr. Stewart McKeegan?”
“Old enough to know when I’m beat. I am sorry you were the subject of gossip, but I’m not sorry I sat with you.” Hopefully, the answer would end the conversation.
“You said you went to college?” Stewart asked, changing the subject.
“Yes, St. Catherine’s University in Minnesota. It’s an all-girl university. I majored in accounting.”
“That’s great. Did you get to let your hair down?”
Aurora shook her head. “No, I had looked forward to going to parties, but I had a watchdog of a woman in my apartment. I went to class and back. I wanted to rebel in the worst way, but I couldn’t find a way to ditch Ernie.”
“Ernie? I thought you said a woman.”
“Ernie is short for Ernestine. She would have lost her job.” A wry smile that didn’t make it to her eyes twisted her lips. “I learned a long time ago that my actions have consequences for others. It’s a lovely school.”
She must have been lonely.
“This corn soufflé is delicious. I had my doubts. What kind of casserole can you make with corn?”
Flora came in to refill their iced tea. “It’s always requested when we have a church potluck dinner. It always wins over doubters.”
She started to leave but turned back around. “You look tired, Aurora. I hope you get some rest.” With that, she left.
“She’s sweet. What are you doing?”
“I’m just pulling your chair out for you.”
His phone rang. He didn’t recognize the number, but he answered it.
The caller’s voice was male but seemed distorted somehow. “Think you’re smart, do ya?”
Stewart glanced at the phone screen, but the number still didn’t seem familiar. “What are you referring to?”
A harsh laugh came over the line. ‘You handed the drugs over to the police. McKenna’s debt just became yours.”
“What—”
But the caller had hung up.
“You look worried,” she told him.
“No, just confused. I have a few calls to make. Why don’t you take a nap?”
She nodded as she gave him a weary smile.