Tumbleweed Weddings Read Free

six-inch frame would allow him. Placing his left hand over his patrolman’s badge and his right hand on the gun holster residing on his hip, he bowed slightly. “I sincerely hope you will accept my most humble apology, ma’am.”
    “Oh, Murray.” Mrs. Nielsen laughed. “I’m all right. Really.”
    Callie took her elbow. “Let me walk you home.”
    “No, dear. You have work to do.” She exited through the doorway. “No harm done.”
    Murray closed the door, and a puff of warm air wafted the strong scent of his Stetson aftershave toward Callie. He brushed a hand over his reddish-brown crew cut. “Whew! Every time I come to the library, I run into someone I know. This time I literally ran into someone.”
    “You need to be more careful, Murray.” Callie walked back to the checkout desk, away from his overpowering fragrance. “The last place a person expects to be injured is at a library.” She pulled a book from the Reserved shelf. “Your reservation came in from Casper.
A History of Gunfights in America
by Herbert Dreyfuss.” She shook her head as she laid the book on the counter. “Well, if that’s what you want to read …”
    “Hey, this is going to be interesting.” Murray picked it up. “Have you ever read anything by Dreyfuss?”
    “Of course. I’ve read all his books except this one. It was just published. I’ll read it because I love history, but gunfights are not my favorite subject.”
    “His research is amazing.” He pointed the book at her. “When you read history by Herbert Dreyfuss, you know this is not some piece of fiction. It really happened.”
    “True.” She held out her hand. “Your library card, please.”
    Murray unfastened the brass button on his uniform shirt pocket. “Why do you need my card? You know who I am.”
    “I know
everyone
in this town, but it’s one of Miss Penwell’s rules. ‘All patrons must present their library card at time of checkout.’ ”
    “Oh, brother.” Murray fished the card from his pocket and handed it to her. “By the way, Callie …” He lowered his voice. “I have some business over in Lusk this evening. Thought maybe you and me could have dinner and catch a movie.” He raised his reddish eyebrows then jiggled them up and down.
    Callie looked straight across the counter into his blue eyes. She had always thought Murray Twichell looked like a leprechaun. All he needed was a green suit. “Not this week, Murray, but thanks for asking.” She scanned his book.
    “Come on, Callie. It’s Saturday night. We need an evening in the big city.”
    In Lusk?
“I have to work until six o’clock.”
    “So? I’ll pick you up at six. I’m so busy with my highway duties, you hardly ever see me. When was the last time you saw my handsome face at this library? Three weeks ago?” He placed his right hand over his badge. “My heart yearns within me for time spent alone with you, my darling, and only you.”
    Callie rolled her eyes. “You’ve been reading those poetry books again, haven’t you?”
    “I don’t read poetry,” he scoffed. “I check those books out for my mother in the nursing home. Now come on, Callie. Let’s make it an evening on the town.”
    She pushed his library card across the counter. Murray Twichell was the only guy who ever asked her out. They had grown up together, and when they were twelve years old, he declared he was going to marry her someday. But Murray was not
the one
, and she was tired of dating him every three or four weeks. “Sorry, not this weekend. I don’t …”
    Her words died as the front door opened and a man walked in. Lane Hutchins? He was here yesterday—and the day before.
    Callie smiled. “Hi, Mr. Hutchins. Back at the library so soon?”
    “I’m returning these.” He set down the five books she had checked out yesterday. “I also need to research something and was wondering if you could help me.”
    “I’d be glad to.” She motioned to Murray. “This is one of Wyoming’s