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tugged Jackson along behind her. The newspaper publisher looked as though he’d follow her anywhere.
    “You coming?” Noah directed the question to his older brother.
    Darius shook his head. “No, but you and June go ahead.”
    Noah and his mother joined the rest of the group at the perimeter of the entertainment. The young man grabbed a handful of wrapped chocolates from one of several candy bowls around the store. The crystal dishes were shaped like decaying hands.
    Peyton surveyed the themed decorations hanging from the ceiling, affixed to the walls, and draped over the bookshelves. “Megan must love Halloween.”
    Darius eyed the decorations. “She loves all of the holidays.”
    Peyton nodded toward the story time area. “Stan looks amazed to have all those kids surrounding him.”
    Doreen hummed. “In the past, when they saw Stan, most people turned away.” She looked at Darius. “You did a wonderful thing, helping him pull his life together.”
    “That was very caring of you.” Peyton wondered at the blush rising up Darius’s neck.
    “Stan’s a good guy.” Darius’s voice was tight. “He just needed a nudge in the right direction.”
    Doreen’s eyes widened. “Look at him. You did more than nudge.”
    “OK, ladies, let’s change the subject.” Darius nodded toward the store’s entrance. “Doreen, you’ve got company.”
    Doreen looked toward the front of the store. Her body warmed as she watched Sheriff Alonzo Lopez stride toward her. His was tall and lean in his sheriff’s tan shirt, black tie, and spruce-green gabardine pants. He took off his brown felt campaign hat, revealing his still-dark, wavy brown hair. His coffee-brown gaze was intense; his chiseled café-au-lait features serious. As he drew closer, his gaze swept her from head to toe. The way he looked at her in her copper flapper’s dress made her want to take it off.
    Alonzo stopped in front of her. He greeted Simon, Peyton, and Darius before giving Doreen a quick kiss. It was a brief touch of lips that made her want more.
    “You stop my heart, mi amor .” His voice was low and rough.
    “Now you know how I feel when I look at you.”
    Alonzo’s eyes widened. How could her comment possibly surprise him? Even now she was struggling not to swoon at the handsome lawman’s feet. “I’m glad you stopped by.”
    “So am I.” His gaze dropped again to her dress.
    Doreen’s cheeks heated. “I wish you could stay.”
    “So do I. But it means a lot for the deputies with young children to attend the celebration with their families.”
    He’d said the same thing last year. She admired him for putting others’ needs before his own, but it would mean a lot to her to share this time with him, too. “Next year, maybe you could ask one of the other deputies without young children to mind the town while you attend our Halloween celebration.”
    Alonzo gave her a sexy smile. “That’s my intention.”
    Doreen’s lips parted in surprise. She hadn’t expected him to agree so quickly. “Great. In the meantime, I’m looking forward to your Day of the Dead celebration.”
    Day of the Dead, a rather daunting name for a holiday that brings family and friends together to pray for and remember loved ones who’ve died. Doreen was excited to experience this Mexican holiday with him and their friends: Ean, Megan, Ramona, Jackson, Audra, Darius, and Ms. Helen.
    “I’m glad you’re coming.” Alonzo took her hand. “It’s important to remember our loved ones. Our memories keep them alive.”
    Doreen squeezed his hand. “It sounds like a very special celebration. I’ll arrive a little early to help you get ready.”
    Alonzo was silent for several moments, holding her eyes. “Thank you. I’d better get back to work.” He gave her another kiss before straightening away from her.
    She leaned into him, breathing his scent, soap and shaving cream. “I’ll see you tonight.”
    Alonzo looked her over again. “Don’t change your