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I turned to look at the disaster they had left.

Dave Draper, third-generation owner of Draper’s Hardware, was almost done reloading the spinner display. I smiled. Handling whatever was necessary. It was one of the many reasons the town loved him.

I leaned against the counter, watching him set the last pair of sunglasses in place.

“That was quite the show,” Dave said, nodding toward the door.

“Yeah, wasn’t it? I’ve dealt with shoplifters before but can’t say I’ve dealt with three-year-old thieves before.”

“I’ve got a favor to ask,” Dave said with a half-smile.

“Name it.”

“If I ever behave like Fred with my kids, shoot me.”

I chuckled. “I won’t have to. Ruth will take care of it,” I said, referring to his wife.

“True,” Dave nodded, his half-smile turning into a full grin.

“So, is there anything I can do for you?” I asked. “Do you need me to unload what you picked up from Nashville?”

“I’ve got that handled. I’m just here to shoot the shit.”

Hmm. Gossip was more like it. They might say that women gossiped a lot, but they had nothing on the men in this town.

“Whatcha been hearing?” I asked.

“I’ve been hearing you’ve been having a lot of lunches over at Miss Laverne’s. Do I have that right?” He looked down at my stomach. “Have you gained a little weight? Could be you’re indulging in too many baked goods.”

I patted my hard abs. “I might have had to do a few more workouts than normal, but it’s been worth it. Miss Laverne’s new tenant sure knows her way around an oven.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard about her. Joy, right?”

“Are you going to pretend you haven’t met her?” I raised my eyebrow.

Dave chuckled. “Pretty blue eyes. Blonde hair down to her waist. I might have met her. Mom and Ruth had her over for lunch last week. She was still there when I got home.”

“I hope you didn’t look too closely. Ruth might have you sleeping on the couch,” I teased.

“Nope, my wife knows that she’s always number one in my book.”

I gave him an assessing look. “So, what do you know about Joy Magill?” I asked. “Besides the blonde hair and blue eyes, that is.”

“Ruth really likes her. She talked to Roxie Laramie, apparently she’s a hard worker. Better yet, all the animals love her. That’s Roxie’s real yardstick.”

I chuckled. I could totally see that.

“So, how serious are you about her?” Dave asked.

“She’s the first woman who’s really turned my head in years,” I admitted. “But I shouldn’t let her. She’s too nice.”

“What’s wrong with nice? Ruth’s nice. My mom’s nice. Nice is good.”

I squeezed the bridge of my nose. Then opened my eyes and looked directly at the man I respected and trusted more than any other. “You know my story. Do you really think I deserve a Ruth? A Joy?”

“Yes. Yes, I really do.” Dave sighed. “A lot of the men at Onyx have been where you’ve been. If you need to talk to them, talk to them. Hell, Graham, I might never have done time in the service, but I’m always willing to listen.”

“That means a lot, Dave.” And it did. But he was right, he’d never been in the service, and he wouldn’t understand what it meant to lose men under your command. He continued to look at me. I scratched my beard. “Maybe you’re right. Maybe talking to Simon or Roan might help, but I’m okay right now.”