Page 233 of Shhh…It’s A Killer Story

"I smiled once."

"It counts."

I looked away, my jaw tightening. He wasn't wrong. I just wasn't ready to admit it.

"She's good for you," Mason said.

My eyes drifted toward the empty Sheriff's office.

"I know."

The words came easier than I expected. No argument. No denial. Just the truth. Mason's smile was small, but genuine.

"About damn time."

I looked over at him. There were more grey hairs in his beard than there had been last year. More lines around his eyes. Years in this job had taken pieces from both of us. He just carried his losses quieter.

"You should find someone too," I said.

"You're not getting any younger."

He barked out a laugh.

"That's your sales pitch?"

"You know what I mean."

His smile faded. Slowly. Almost imperceptibly.

"I had someone."

His voice was quieter now.

"I loved her."

He looked toward the station doors instead of at me.

"Life had other plans."

Silence settled between us again.

"I still think about her."

There wasn't self-pity in his voice. Just acceptance.

"I always will but you..."

He nodded once.

"You've still got your chance."

His eyes softened.

"Don't waste it."

"Mason."

"I had mine, Elias," he interrupted gently, his voice carrying an old, heavy sorrow. He didn't look back at me as he spoke. "Sometimes you only get one and mine is gone."