Yeah, she didn’t like this table-turned thing. She longed for a relationship like her parents had had, a relationship like Charlie and Ruby still had—but her own relationships had never even come close.

“There were a couple of guys I dated for a short time during junior college, none serious until I met Richard.”

“That’s the last guy?” The corner of Bodie’s jaw gave a visible twitch, as if he’d fought clenching his teeth and his muscles had protested.

She nodded. “I shouldn’t say we were serious, because he never was. Leaving Pine Hill was always his goal, not a life with me.”

Just as leaving was Bodie’s goal.

“He never even asked me to go with him, which was just as well since I wouldn’t have left.” Not for Richard. Now where had that thought come from? She wouldn’t leave Pine Hill for anyone. Her life was here—the people she loved, the places she loved. She couldn’t imagine ever willingly walking away from her beloved hometown. “Anyway, Aunt Jean died, Richard left, I inherited Hamilton House, and I’ve been too busy to think about dating since.”

His brows rose. “And yet you claim the Butterflies want you married off to the first willing man.”

Sarah’s cheeks heated at the memory of having told him that. A group of baton twirlers walked past them as the parade progressed.

“Not giving in to them isn’t always easy, but that particular issue hasn’t really been a problem all that often. I never meet anyone who catches my eye, and I’ve been busy this past year.”

She had been busy. No one had caught her eye.

Except for the man standing next to her.

The twirlers moved on and several floats with scouts and various kids’ groups passed.

“Look, there’s the sheriff’s department float.” She pointed toward the upcoming float, then waved at Sheriff Roscoe and the deputies as they passed. “I was afraid we’d missed it.”

“What’s this Sheriff Roscoe was saying about you getting a ticket?”

Sarah narrowed her gaze and gave the meanest look she could muster. “Don’t go there.”

He laughed.

“Okay, I won’t.” He hesitated, then added, “Speedy.”

Sarah rolled her eyes.

Bodie’s gaze went back to the parade. “How about we find Lou’s booth and grab a bite to eat before the parade ends and there’s a rush?”

She didn’t really want to miss the rest of the parade, but she was starving, and the booths would get busier and busier as the parade participants returned to the square, so Sarah nodded. Maybe they could get their food and find somewhere to eat where they could still watch the parade.

If not, then maybe Bodie would check out the other booths with her, play a few games, and sample some of the homemade goodies being sold.