Free The Sheriff's Christmas Twins by Karen Kirst

George,” Shane inserted. “She oversees the hiring and termination process and ensures the employees have proper working conditions. In addition to all that, she’s in charge of payroll.”
    â€œI didn’t realize my brother outlined my duties for you,” she said.
    â€œGeorge likes to talk business. You’re part of that world.”
    â€œWhat was Shane like as an adolescent?” Caleb asked, his keen gaze studying them both. She would’ve liked to ask what he saw that was so interesting.
    She gave Shane a sideways glance. “A lot like he is today, actually. Reserved. Determined to do everything on his own. Convinced his opinion is the only right one.”
    â€œSounds about right.” Josh snorted. “You must’ve been terrified.”
    â€œAllison isn’t terrified of anything.” Shane’s sardonic reply evoked laughter from the group.
    Her smile felt forced. He clearly didn’t know her well. He was the one who’d intimidated her from the start, the one whose good opinion she’d craved.
    â€œMy turn.” Crossing her arms, she met Caleb’s stare with her own. “I want to hear about Shane the lawman.”
    Shane hung his head and groaned. “There’s really not much to tell.”
    â€œStop being so modest.” Josh socked his arm.
    â€œIf anyone has a right to boast, it’s him,” Jessica said with conviction.
    Shane shot Allison a help me look. He despised being the center of attention. Not about to miss their recounting of his exploits, she shrugged. Displeasure twisted his mouth.
    â€œShane’s the type of man who’ll help anyone without thought to his own personal comfort or safety,” Josh said. “He’s got a will of iron and nerves of steel.”
    Josh listed the ways Shane had impacted their lives. He’d once hunted and captured a criminal who’d taken Nathan captive. He’d rounded up a gang of outlaws whose female leader had almost killed Caleb and his wife, Rebecca. When a series of crimes had been committed at Quinn’s store and Nicole had been attacked, Shane worked with Quinn to bring the perpetrators to justice.
    Grant spoke up at the end, his expression one of earnest respect. “Not so long ago, I woke up on Jessica’s property with no memory of who I was. Shane could’ve thrown me in jail that first day. Even after I discovered evidence that pointed to a sordid past, he believed in my innocence. Things could’ve gone very differently if not for him.”
    The adults fell silent. Allison nudged Shane. “Sounds like the contents of an adventure book to me.”
    He kicked up a shoulder. “It’s my job. I do what’s required of my position, the same as any other lawman in this nation is expected to do.”
    â€œHandsome and humble...” Jessica huffed a dramatic sigh. “If only we could convince one of the single ladies around here that he’s worth the effort.”
    Kate shot Allison a significant look. “What about you, Allison? Are you involved with anyone?”
    Her cheeks blazed with heat at the implication. “Not at the moment.”
    Nathan elbowed Josh. Someone let loose a low whistle.
    â€œIsn’t that convenient. Shane’s not courting anyone.”
    â€œWhen has he ever?” Nathan’s young brother-in-law, Will, observed with a hearty laugh.
    Shane threw up his hands. “That’s enough punishment for one night.”
    Threading his fingers through hers, he pushed past Josh, guiding her away from their group.
    â€œYou don’t have to go,” Caleb called after them. “We’ll promise to behave.”
    He lifted a hand in acknowledgment. Still, he didn’t slow his pace until they’d left his friends behind and were on the opposite side of the church near the cemetery. He dropped her hand the moment they stopped.
    â€œIt wasn’t that bad, was it?”