“I must say, you boys have done an amazing job while I was gone.” Barbara returned with bags in hand, not looking the least bit sorry for ditching them.

“It was all Caeden’s doing, we just followed his directions.” Rook grabbed the bags from her and carried them to the kitchen.

“Leave those there, dear, I’ll worry about them tomorrow.” Barbara set down her purse and turned to the stranger standing behind her.

Nerves danced in Caeden’s stomach as the town matriarch approached him and circled while studying him. He knew of her and knew enough to stay away till he was ready to be thrown into the marriage market. Her reputation was well-known and while he could concede all of her success stories appeared to be living their dream, he was not ready for such a commitment.

“I heard a lot about you but they were not accurate on how handsome you are.” She stepped closer and smiled devilishly, “I love dogs, I don’t suppose you would shift and let me see your animal?”

Caeden didn’t know how to respond, she had a completely straight face so she was serious. Part of him felt like she was cataloging his attributes and scoring him. He suddenly understood why so many women were against beauty pageants.

“We’ll bring him by next time we go on a pack run.” Rook winked at Caeden who was grateful to him for distracting her. “How about he shows you what he’s done so far.”

“I’m sure you already noticed the rubber mat starting at the door, we have it running through all of the main walkways. At each door entrance, there is a second thicker mat so she will know she has reached the next room.” Barbara followed along as he took her from room to room. She was impressed to see the mats did run everywhere, including to the bathroom. Occasionally she noticed he would put a sticky note on a wall but never said anything. Curiosity was killing her but she was willing to be patient and let him explain it.

“I picked up several different types of material and we’re covering the cabinets with each one so she can connect a material to the contents inside. I’m looking into how to make braille labels but this is the best I could figure out with a few hours’ notice.”

“The rumor mill seriously understated your attributes, I should have met you as soon as you arrived. What a waste to have you alone all this time. Are you into blondes, brunettes, or maybe fiery redheads?” Caeden could see the gleam in her eyes and knew he was in trouble. He had a bad feeling he was going to start getting a lot more visitors.

“The sticky notes aren’t on your list, what are those for?” West could see his deputy needed rescuing and knew exactly how he felt.

“I read about this technique called trailing, apparently visually impaired people run the back of their hand along walls as they walk to help them avoid obstacles. The article said we should move any shelves or cabinets that would be in her way. I knew we were all too tall so I used Mrs. Wolfe as a gauge to guess roughly where Ms. Scott’s hands will be. I didn’t see much we need to move so we can save that for tomorrow.”

“That will be perfect, I’ll bring along some friends with me to stock the kitchen and make everything homier for her. I’ll pack lunch for us all.”

“Sounds wonderful.” Caeden’s words dripped with sarcasm.

“Before you go, I do have something awkward to talk to you about.” Caeden had never seen the sheriff look so nervous. He nodded and waited for him to continue. “Constance got it in her head that I was asking you to watch over her niece as a seeing eye dog and not as a deputy. She ran out of my office before I could correct her. I know I can’t make you do it so if you are uncomfortable, I will call her and set her straight before she gets here. If you do agree to do it, I will owe you one.”

“West Graelin, that is so demeaning!” Barbara gasped in shock.

For a long moment Caeden said nothing, everyone held their breath waiting to see what his reaction would be.

After a heavy sigh, he finally spoke up, “If you order me to do it I will but otherwise, I’d like time to think on it. Can I let you know tomorrow?”

“I would never force you to do something you are uncomfortable with. This is your decision to make.” West struggled to make eye contact with Barbara, he knew he asked a lot of his newest deputy. Shifters were completely new to him and he knew he had asked a favor most wouldn’t have agreed to.

“If you do this, can I pick out your collar?” Three stunned faces turned on Rook who was holding his side because he was laughing so hard.

“Only if I can buy you one.” Rook sobered instantly at West’s threat.

“Now now, boys, we all know collars are for the bedroom. I can recommend a lovely shop the next town over if you all need some more toys to play with.”

“No, thank you, we’re all set.” West grabbed Rook’s hand and dragged him toward the door. “See you both tomorrow.”

As the door slammed shut, Barbara burst into laughter, “I swear that boy can be such a prude sometimes.” She grabbed her purse from the table and headed for the door, “Have a good night, dear. I’ll see you tomorrow and look sharp, I’ll have friends with me.”

Caeden dropped onto the couch as the door closed behind her. He always heard the saying no good deed goes unpunished. He finally understood exactly what that meant. He had a lot of thinking to do before his new charge got in town.