Free Leaving Liberty by Virginia Carmichael Page B

wondered if
the hardest part about her summer plans wasn’t going to be convincing the town
to save the library, but trying to fill Marie’s shoes.
    Lane stacked the last of the returns on
the counter and tucked his books under one arm. “Have a good morning, you two.”
He half-turned to the stairs and paused, flashing that mega-watt grin at Daisy
one last time. “And be sure to let me know if you need any help.”
    She watched him all the way down the
foyer landing, motion to the big golden lab, and head out the door before any
coherent responses came to mind. None of them were very nice.
    Life in this town was always painfully complicated,
never went smoothly, and occasionally drove her to tears. But Lane Bennett was
a whole new side to Liberty. He made her angry in a way she hadn’t felt before.
It was a good sort of angry that ended in laughter. Then there was the way he
brought out her determination to keep going, no matter what he thought of her
plans. Daisy couldn’t deny the blatant curiosity she felt about this small
town, run-of-the-mill police officer. He was more than a walking, talking
portrait of Liberty. That quick wit, easy generosity and the way he kept a
respectful distance spoke volumes about the man inside. He wasn’t some pushy
gossip, ready to slap a sign on her back that told the world what he thought of
her.
    Standing there, watching him walk down
the library’s front walk and head toward the station with his hands stuffed in
his pockets, Daisy felt a shift somewhere near her heart. The picture of a
handsome cop and his loyal dog would have made her roll her eyes just a few
days ago. Like a Norman Rockwell painting, except life never really imitated
art. There were secrets and gossip and hard feelings. But Lane seemed to be
just what he said he was, a policeman determined to serve his home town.
    Maybe this town wasn’t all bad. Maybe
there was more value here than just the kids and the library. Lane was
definitely the exception to her rule about this town, and if there was one,
there just might be more.
                                                               
     
     
     
                                                                            Chapter Eight
    Lane left the library with a smile on
his face. Bright sun, damp earth, and a blue sky that announced a perfect early
summer day. Life didn’t get any better. He inhaled deeply and said a quick prayer
of thanks. The sound of Sammy’s light panting punctuated his contented
thoughts. Snapping the leash on his collar, he wrapped the leather around one
fist, just in case his pal decided to chase a semi or two. He was growing out
of the impetuous puppy stage but Sammy still had his moments.
    He was glad he’d left his cruiser at the
station and walked to Rocky’s for the morning doughnut delivery. Trees were
fully robed in leaves and sidewalks edged in thick grass. Stately homes sat
side by side with turn of the century brick buildings that housed local
businesses. He picked up the pace, feeling the strength in his body as a
blessing. The walk was good for him, a run would be better, for both man and
dog. Maybe after his shift he’d put in a few miles before he stopped by Jamie’s
for dinner.
    Minutes later he walked up his own front
steps and led Sammy around the back to the fence. Giant brown golden retriever
eyes spoke of his absolute need to stay in the wide world, but Lane ignored
him. Jerking his head to the side, he opened the gate. “Go on, buddy. Catch you
later. No chasing the squirrels. No barking.” One last rub down, double check
on the fence latch and he headed back toward the station.
    Poplar Street was quiet, sleepy, nothing
like what he was feeling inside. Irrationally optimistic would be a good
description. He tugged on the brim of his hat and felt a huge smile crease his
face. Hot cop.