Picnic in Someday Valley (Honey Creek #2)(29)

Pecos circled back to his wife. When people began to worry about the mother-to-be, Pecos assured them that this was nothing. She cried all during Frozen.

When everyone settled down around the long formal dining table, stories and laughter flowed as always at Mr. Winston’s place. Piper couldn’t stop smiling. She’d set something right that had bothered her for months. She’d been in a media storm during the trial, and that had kept her from speaking to Marcie. Piper knew if she had talked to Marcie, the press would have made something about them being friends and added another layer of drama to the court scene.

But all that was over and Piper had fences that needed mending. She’d had the support of the town and all her family. Marcie had no one. Piper knew she should have found a way to talk to her and let her know that what happened shouldn’t break their friendship, but there had been no time.

When Pecos mentioned that Marcie was in town looking for a job, Miss Alice announced, “Let’s all put our heads together and think of something. What are you good at, dear?”

Marcie shyly said, “I can sing and play a guitar. My teachers always said I was good with numbers.”

“She’s kind,” Mr. Winston added. “I can see it in her eyes. That’s a great quality to have in this world.”

Everyone agreed.

As they were having dessert, three cells went off at once. Pecos. Colby. Piper. All three stood and moved away from the table to answer. The other guests remained silent, listening for a word or two that might explain the calls.

Pecos stepped back first and announced, “Sorry, folks, I’ve been called back to work. We’ve got a severe weather alert. The sheriff wants me to help man the 911 calls.” He looked at Mr. Winston. “This morning Kerrie’s folks were worried this might happen and I’d be called in to work. They want you, Mr. Winston, and Kerrie to go to their house if this storm seems to be coming toward us. They’ve got a safe room where you’ll be comfortable.”

Kerrie started crying again. “They want you to come too, Pecos. I don’t want to go without you.”

“I know, but I’ll be safe at the sheriff’s office, and I’m needed.” He took both her hands in his as if silently saying he was sorry. “You’ll be safe with your folks, and people might die if I’m not at my post.”

Colby, looking very much like the Texas Ranger he was, walked back into the dining room. “I’ll keep an eye on your daddy-to-be, Kerrie. Sam and I will be next door at the fire station, and Pecos will be the first to know if trouble comes.” He stared at the mayor. “Piper, I’ll get you home before I report in.”

“You won’t have to. I’m going with you. The mayor needs to be on-site. If it gets bad, I’ll be the one to call for outside help.”

The people from the flea market all started talking at once. All said their homes were on high ground and they’d ride this storm out playing cards. Digger mentioned his cabins were on low ground, so they invited him to shelter with them and join the card game.

The old cabin owner was far more excited about the game than worried about the storm.

Marcie was the only one who wasn’t moving.

“Where will you go, dear?” Winston asked.

“The only place I can go is back to my trailer, and everyone knows storms hate trailer parks. The trees behind me might offer some protection, if one of them doesn’t fall on me.” She must have seen his concern. “I’ll be fine.”

Kerrie turned to her. “You’re welcome to come with me and Mr. Winston. We’ll have room at my folks’ house.”

Marcie shook her head. “I’ve got plenty of time to drive home. The flood won’t reach Someday Valley. No one needs to worry about me. I just wish there was some way I could help.” She glanced from Colby to Pecos. “Is there something I can do?”

Pecos spoke first. “Come with me. I’m in a solid building and I could use another dispatcher. All the other dispatchers will want to be home with their kids. I’ll give you the crash course in answering 911 calls. You can handle the overflow if there is any. The sheriff always says he will, but he gets too excited and starts yelling at the callers.”

Piper couldn’t tell if Marcie was nodding or simply shaking. “We’ll get through this,” the mayor whispered to her friend. “I’ll be near. It’s just a storm. This town’s made it through trouble a hundred times. Tonight, we’ll stand ready if someone, somewhere needs help.”

Marcie smiled. “The sheriff’s office is bound to be a safer place for me tonight than home. I truly do want to help.”

“If the alert lasts very long, you can help me pass out coffee. That’s my main job in times like these.” Piper’s calming voice seemed to settle the room.

All of Mr. Winston’s guests from the market headed out.

Pecos kissed his wife and left with Marcie in a run.

Kerrie waddled upstairs to get a few things and Mr. Winston asked if Colby and Piper could drop them off at Kerrie’s parents’. While they waited for Kerrie, he packed up the desserts.

“If this takes all night, we’re going to need food.” The old man showed no fear. “Take half to the sheriff’s office and I’ll take the other half to the safe room, whatever that is.”

It took all four to get Kerrie’s bags and the food to the car. Rain seemed to be spitting at them in short blasts caught in the wind.