Letters From Al by Pieper, Kathleen (ebook audio reader TXT) 📕

“Yes, but only if you let me make up all those years to you while you’re here.”

"I don’t think so, not enough time. I’m not here for long."

He threw back his head, laughing a deep, tumultuous laugh that made her want to smile immediately at the sound. Then, unexpectedly, she found herself in a big hug, being twirled around. She struggled, surprised at how her heart still lurched around her long-distance, fickle, first love.

"For goodness sakes, put me down."

"Still the same little wild cat. And you do look and act like you did when we were kids. Maybe the hair is shorter. But I like short."

He finally let her go and stood back, hands on hips, a satisfied look on his face "Now that introductions are over, I have to say, you look great. That red hair, how I loved running my fingers through it, it was so soft and long."

Maddy was breathless from the hug as well as shock of finding Alec seemingly as unchanged as when she last saw him.

"Well, I hardly know what to say to a greeting like

that." She brushed non-existent dust from her clothes, trying to catch her breath from the exuberant welcome as well as her surprisingly excited response.

"You'll have to excuse me; I don't usually hug people I stop. But, you are a sight for sore eyes." He looked down at her, as if truly appreciative at her presence.

"So, you're a cop now. That's really ironic as ornery as you used to be to poor old Sheriff Maxwell when we were kids." Maddy, leaned against the car for support, hoping he didn't notice.

He waved her off. "We were angels compared to what I run into nowadays with these kids."

"Oh, so there is poetic justice after all." She couldn't hide the grin and he shrugged in sheepish agreement.

"I guess so. We were ornery, but we weren't dangerous." He stepped back and took another thoughtful look at her. "So, what are you doing back here in Nebraska?"

“My Aunt passed away.”

"Oh, Maddy, I heard about your aunt. I'm so sorry."

Gently he put a hand gently on her forearm. "She was a great lady, always helping someone."

Surprised by his warmth and sympathy she stared back.

His touch was genuine, as true as his sensitive eyes, now darker and inquiring. There was nothing fake about this man. His caring was etched on his face as he looked intently at her.

"Maddy. I can't believe you're standing here. I hope

things have been good for you."

“Good enough, I guess. Just look at you though.”

“I know. Remember History class with Mrs. Warren? She never thought I'd amount to much, but I passed thanks to you. Still owe you for that." Maddy shrugged again and looked away.

"Hey, Maddy, I'm sorry about not writing much, losing touch. But, well, I tried to write. I did write a couple times. You got them, didn't you? I wasn't exactly a devoted writer, much less boyfriend, huh? I should have called more."

She looked away, not wanting him to know how much it had meant then.

"It was a long time ago, forget it. I only lived here six months, one semester. Life went on, for both of us. So, you're a cop now, and still in this one-horse town?"

“Oh but it’s a two-horse town now, and yes, I love it here. Can’t beat it. How about you? Married?”

"Married? Oh, no, at least not yet. My life is the usual. Went to school, got a job in Chicago. My parents are both gone now." She tried to sound casual but his look said how sorry he was and her voice broke a little.

"I only wish I'd have known sooner about Aunt Madeline. When the letter came, well, I decided to come back myself. It's why I need to see this Leland Lancaster."

"I guess I forgot Miss Madeline was your kin. Sure I can’t show you his office," he offered but she shook her head. It was time to put some space between him and the memories.

“Thanks. I'm sure I can find it from here, deputy." She hoped he noted the self-assurance more than the sadness in her voice. All these regrets were silly. It was water under the bridge. Looking at that face, hearing that laugh reminded her how important he had been to her once.

"Yes, I should get back on patrol, too. Can I call you Maddy? Better yet, can I just call you?"

Just like a scene out of a movie, and an old one at that. Maddy stood there thrilled but not sure if she should take the chance. What is wrong with you, Girl? Her instincts were at war with her self-pity after Larry's betrayal. Did that even matter now? She stared.

Deputy McKay gave her, urged her to take the chance. She didn't care, not when he looked at her like that.

His light hair was still short, wavy against deeply suntanned features with blue eyes that changed hues. Crinkle lines around his eyes from squinting in the sun only made him look more dashing.

"Alec, I'd better take your number since I don't know where I'm staying yet. I forgot my cell phone. This whole trip might have been for nothing. I mean, I don't know if I'll even be here very long. But thanks for the walk down memory lane. I'm glad I did get to see you again."

Flustered, she moved back from his lean, muscular body that seemed to draw her like a magnet. It had been way too long that since she'd been held in his strong arms, or anyone's for that matter. What in the world was wrong with her, why was she fantasizing about a guy who hadn't bothered to keep in touch? Okay, so they were practically strangers now. But, one look at that big Cornhusker and her heart took off again.

His saucy grin was still lopsided as he wrote something on the back of a business card and handed it to her. "Here, my work