Free Becoming Three by Cameron Dane Page B

discovered, but Sarah knew a few of the particulars already due to her job at the station and the many calls that had come and gone through the place yesterday. She was technically only the receptionist and dispatcher, but with a law-enforcement staff as small as Quinten's, she made a lot of the phone calls, did a lot of the grunt work, and assisted the sheriff and deputies in a thousand little ways that hopefully made it easier for them to do their jobs.
Sarah's heart tugged at Jace's sincerity and determination. “At least eat something before you leave,” she told him. “Otherwise, I know you're going to go all day without stopping for food.”
“Yes, Mother.” Jace pulled a face at her. “I was actually just looking to see if we had any eggs and bacon to go with the two piddly heels of bread we have left.” He shot her a pointed look.
“Uh-uh.” Sarah raised a brow right back at him. “It's your turn to go to the store, not mine.”
“No way,” Jace said. “I went last week.” He spun and strode for the calendar hanging from the side of the cabinets.
“No, you didn't. Go ahead and take a look.” Sarah smiled against the rim of her coffee cup. “That was two weeks ago already. If you don't trust the name and date on the calendar, all you have to do is remember we had nice meals all last week, not nachos and pizza.”
“Fine.” Jace grumbled some more under his breath as he moved back to the fridge. “I'll get to the store by tomorrow night. But just for knocking my nacho-making skills, I'm not going to make you any breakfast.” He looked over the door of the fridge and past Sarah. “Jasper, do you want some eggs and bacon”—Jace flashed a quick glare at Sarah—“and one heel of toast? I'm cooking.”
Jasper darted his focus back and forth between Sarah and Jace; to Sarah it looked like he ran a thousand responses through his head. “Um, sure,” he finally said. “I could eat. Thanks.”
“ You are welcome.”
Sarah just shook her head. She was surprised Jace hadn't stuck his tongue out; he had been known to do it with her. Sarah smiled to herself. In fairness, she'd probably done it as many times to him. Right now, she breathed easier just seeing him sober and in good spirits this morning. This case with the dead woman had the potential to escalate stress levels, as well as test the patience and skills of every law-enforcement officer in Quinten. Sarah knew she would worry about Jace and his issues with alcohol even more these next couple of days, weeks, months, perhaps longer, until they solved this case.
Jasper squeezed Sarah's hand. He put his mouth to her ear and whispered, “Don't worry. I'll share my breakfast with you.”
“Hey!” Jace pointed with a spatula as he threw bacon into a frying pan. “I heard that.”
The doorbell rang right then, chiming through the house.
Jace swung in the direction of the hallway. “Who the hell is visiting us this early on a Sunday morning?”
“That would be my date for the day.” Sarah finished her coffee and walked her cup to the sink. “You guys will have to enjoy your meal without me. I have plans.”
“What?” Jace asked.
“Plans?” Jasper shot to his feet.
“Yes, plans.” Sarah grabbed a lightweight sweater off the back of her chair, slipped it on over her sundress, and looked up at Jasper. “I mentioned the guy I met at the youth center a few days ago. He's thinking about buying Mr. Compton's stretch of land and would like to get to know the area and meet some of the community. Remember? I met him through Ty, and I volunteered to show him around and introduce him to people?”
“Right.” Looking down to the floor, Jasper shuffled backward a few steps. “I guess with everythin' going on, I forgot about it.”
“I'm sorry.” Sarah stepped into Jasper and laid her hands on his stomach. He had a shirt on, but she could still feel his hard, bare skin under her fingers as if no fabric existed between them. “I should have reminded