Town Darling.

Holly Copella.

To Linda and Dave Werner--.

More fondly known as "Mom" and "Dad"

Chapter One.

The small, quiet town of Darwood Falls seemed the perfect little town with which to live and raise a family. It was a friendly town where neighbors greeted one another as they pa.s.sed on the streets. A banner proudly displayed across Main Street read, 'Darwood Falls 98th Annual Fair'. The town fair was an important part of life in Darwood Falls. It was when the entire town got together and showed their unity, and, in some cases, their talents with crafts, baked goods, and contests. A dark-haired, ravishing young woman, Casey Remington, rode her large, gray horse through the streets of town at a leisurely walk. It was a common sight. Casey had been riding her horses into town since she was old enough to ride. Now a grown woman of twenty-one, Casey still used her horse as her preferred mode of transportation on her limited trips to town or just about anywhere. Several people greeted her as she pa.s.sed and young children ran along the sidewalks waving at her, hoping to gain a free pony ride on the large horse. Casey enjoyed encouraging young children to take an interest in horses. Horses were her pa.s.sion and her part-time job. She trained horses for pleasure riding and show. She also gave riding lessons on weekends. She especially liked engaging young boys into the world of horses, since most seemed to think it was a 'girl thing'.

Two young boys rode their bikes along the sidewalk, keeping pace with her while waving and shouting to her. She knew what they wanted to see. Casey sent the horse into an amazingly slow canter, which made the horse look like a rocking horse prancing along the street. The clopping of the steel shoes striking the pavement made a rhythmic sound. The boys cheered excitedly. Casey almost certainly established a new, future riding lesson. Casey was certain it was her ability to engage youngster in the world of horses that brought business to her riding lessons. Little did she know it was her girl-next-door beauty that attracted young boys to the world of riding. Casey was the ultimate tom girl, and the thought that young boys or men taking an interest in her never actually crossed her mind. Her world was perfect the way it was, and she didn't need men complicating it for her. She rode into a parking s.p.a.ce between two pick-up trucks, dismounted, and tied the horse to a parking meter. She inserted her quarter into the meter and headed for the nearby antique store. The antique store was iconic and charming with beautiful displays beyond large, gla.s.s windows.

As Casey entered, she looked at the checkout desk not far from the door. A forty-something year old woman of considerable wealth, indicated by the fur she wore, stood before the desk. Abby Ridgeway stood out in Darwood Falls. Her expensive city clothes, professionally manicured nails, and eye-catching jewelry kept her widely out of touch with everyone else in town. It was amazing she had as many friends as she did. Abby talked with Casey's mother, who stood behind the desk. Casey paused by some trinkets and eavesdropped on their conversation. There was no denying Catherine Remington was Casey's mother. Their features were almost identical. Catherine's youthful appearance sometimes allowed her to be mistaken for Casey's older sister. Casey actually wished she had a sister some days. Her older brother, Grey, was a bit of a pain. As she listened to the conversation between the two women, Casey couldn't help but feel hostility toward Abby Ridgeway. Abby was the mayor's wife, or Mrs. Mayor, as Casey liked to call her. She was a demanding, clinging, sn.o.b of a woman, and despite her outward friendliness, she was actually a barracuda.

"Melanie volunteered for the kissing booth this year, and I'm sure she'll win the talent show again," Abby announced cheerfully. "Naturally, Lance will be judging pies and sharing the dunking booth with Sheriff Wiley."

Bragging about her daughter and husband was a daily if not hourly occurrence. With the way she raved continuously about her family and her wonderful life, she wanted the entire town to know she was the woman who had it all. The thought actually made Casey ill. Her daughter, Melanie, was as stuck up as Mrs. Mayor, and her husband was a true politician. He was a snake charmer wrapped in delusions of grandeur and smothered with a 'holier than thou' att.i.tude.

"I'm in charge of the bachelor auction. That's always fun," Abby continued. "And, of course, Melanie's handsome boyfriend, Deputy Tucker, is one of our more popular bachelors again this year. My Melanie has excellent taste in men, don't you think?"

It was almost as if her boasting would continue on forever. Casey wondered how long she had been raving about her daughter, husband, and wonderful life prior to her arrival at the store. Catherine smiled and nodded, almost as if she was actually interested in everything Mrs. Mayor had to say. Casey couldn't believe her mother's level of tolerance for the woman. She wished her mother would tell her off just once. She wasn't sure when her mother decided she needed to start acting like a lady, but Casey found it annoying. She knew her mother had claws, but she rarely used them anymore.

"I didn't see your family on the fair sign-up sheet," Abby continued on with her endless conversation.

Abby seemed to indicate that they should be actively taking part in the fair. Catherine tensed and appeared uncomfortable by the comment. Her claws still didn't unsheathe.

"Things have been a little crazy around here--" Catherine began and was immediately interrupted.

"It's true, isn't it?" Abby gasped while staring at her with a look of surprise. "Brandon's running for mayor."

Catherine appeared surprised by her candor. She fumbled for something to say. "He hasn't mentioned anything to me," she announced then continued with her earlier thought before the interruption. "Grey's been working a lot of hours at the tavern, but I can guarantee Casey will be entering a few events at the horse show. Naturally, Brandon and I will be donating a few antiques for the raffle. We'll definitely do our part for the fair and the community."

Casey realized her mother was beginning to ramble, which would create suspicion. It was time to bail her out. Casey casually approached the desk and touched Abby's fur shawl while staring at it with great interest.

"What sort of animal did they kill to make this?" Casey asked and blinked several times almost innocently.

Abby glanced at Casey and fidgeted. "I'm, uh, not sure."

Casey suddenly gasped with surprise. "Is that--baby seal?"

Abby again glanced at Casey, fidgeted, and attempted a polite smile at Catherine. It was probably the longest Abby had been silent since she entered the shop. "I should go. I have a ton of things to do," she announced while seeming tense. "Tell my husband I went to City Hall. I'll talk to you later."

Abby quickly hurried from the shop. Casey was proud of herself. She'd chased Mrs. Mayor out in under a minute. It had to be a town record. Despite Casey's pleased smile, her mother gave her a disapproving glare.

"That wasn't very nice, Casey," her mother scolded.

"Neither is she," Casey bluntly informed her. "All she does is brag about how amazing her life is, how wonderful her daughter is, and how great her husband is." She rolled her eyes with disgust. "I can't wait to see what she brags about after Dad becomes mayor."

Catherine fidgeted. "Your father's intention to run for mayor needs to remain a secret a little while longer, so let's just be civilized, okay?" Catherine sighed softly while staring at the shop door. She looked back at Casey and frowned. "I hate to agree with Abby, but you and Grey should volunteer at the fair this year," she remarked. "We need to show our support."

"Cleaning up corruption in this town should be enough."

"Be polite," she said in a hushed tone. "Lance is in the office with your father."

"Oh, I forgot. We're supposed to keep his corruption a secret from him," Casey teased and flashed a grin.

Catherine attempted to hide her smile so Casey wouldn't be encouraged. "You are a terrible young lady. Didn't they teach you anything in college?"

"Yes, I learned college boys are immature," Casey announced firmly with conviction. "I prefer Dad's old Army buddies."

Her mother's expression dropped into a scowl. "Stay away from your father's old Army buddies."

"Why? They adore me." She grinned while reflecting dreamily. "Remember how I'd sit on their laps, and they'd tell me about their adventures?"

Her mother maintained her frown. "Yes, and it was cute when you were little. The last few years--not so cute," Catherine scolded lowly. "I think you and I need to have 'the talk'."

Casey rolled her eyes. "Mom, please, I've been friends with Dina since forever. She's told me more than I ever wanted to know about s.e.x. I'm repulsed as it is. I certainly don't need to hear more about it from you."

Her mother rolled her eyes and shook her head. She subconsciously looked at the many antique clocks on the wall. Not one had the same time. "Would you rescue your father? It's lunchtime."

Casey nodded and headed for the back office. Her father's office was tastefully decorated with an antique desk and several old lamps. Her father, Brandon Remington, was a ruggedly handsome man in his late forties. He sat behind the hand-carved desk with a false smile plastered on his face. A stocky man also in his late forties, Mayor Lance Ridgeway, sat before the desk and talked endlessly. Casey stopped in the doorway to listen a moment. The mayor was a talker, but he never really said much.

"We're pulling out all the stops for the fair this year," Mayor Lance said. "The talent show is going to be spectacular, and I'm not just saying that because my Melanie is in it. Everyone in town loves the talent show."

"I think it's the legs and cleavage they love," Brandon replied dryly with a matter-of-fact grin.

"Who doesn't?" Lance said with a chuckle.

Casey rolled her eyes at the comment. She hated to think her father thought about such things. Men with their l.u.s.tful ideas were a big reason why she didn't date. Most men got on her nerves. As she looked at Mayor Lance, it wasn't hard to see why. She knocked on the open door. Brandon saw her, smiled, and motioned her in.

Casey looked at Lance as she entered. "Mrs. Mayor is waiting for you at City Hall."

Lance appeared surprised and quickly stood. "Oh, then I'd better get going." He gave a polite nod to Brandon then Casey and left the office.

Casey watched him leave and appeared pleased with herself. She was getting good at clearing rooms.

Brandon studied Casey and smirked almost knowingly. "Did she really say that?"

Casey shrugged while grinning. "Close enough."

Brandon chuckled softly and shook his head. "I don't know whether I should be disappointed with you or proud."

"It's too close to call," she teased. Her look turned serious. "Mom thinks Grey and I should partic.i.p.ate more in this year's fair."

"And that's a good idea."

She rolled her eyes at the thought. "Couldn't I just buy extra tickets to dunk the mayor a few more times?"

Her father had a devious grin on his face as he seriously considered it, brushed it aside, and then smiled uncomfortably. "As much as I appreciate the sentiment, you may want to go the extra mile this year."

Casey was suddenly horrified. "If you're suggesting the kissing booth--"

Brandon appeared alarmed and leaned forward in his chair. "Over my dead body! Leave smooching with guys to Dina." He sank back in his chair and relaxed. "Why don't you and Grey get a couple of friends together and give pony rides to the kids?"

"Pony rides?" she gasped. "They're horses, Dad. Very big horses."

"I know you'll think of something." He suddenly grinned. "You know what would really be amazing?"

"Drowning the mayor in the dunking booth?"

Brandon's smile faded into a scowl. "No," he retorted. His smile once again returned. "I'd love to see you and Grey in the talent show."

"What?" she exclaimed. "No!"

"Remember all those skits you'd put on for the guys when they came to visit?" he asked while grinning. "You and your brother were a hit."

"Dad, we were six and ten," she remarked. "Of course the guys were going to love us."

He shrugged. "It was a thought."

It was time to change the subject. Entering the talent show just wasn't happening. "Mom says it's lunchtime."

"Then we should probably head for the diner," he announced. "Word on the street is they're serving strawberry pie today."

"No wonder she's in a hurry," Casey muttered.

Chapter Two.

The Boxcar Diner was always busy at lunchtime with dine-in customers as well as business owners stopping by for take-out. It was one of the most chosen places among locals to meet and even conduct business. The restaurant was an old train dining car from the 1920's, which was retired to Darwood Falls in the late 1940's. The wheels and windows were all original, although it had been painted and looked new, in an old-fashioned sort of way. The Boxcar Diner had an addition built out the back to accommodate the ma.s.ses flooding the diner at lunchtime, but the old train car still remained the main draw for most. Casey, Catherine, and Brandon sat at a booth next to the window in the dining car portion. Most of the seats were the original bench seats from one of the retired pa.s.senger cars. The galley had long since been converted into additional seating, with the modern kitchen now operating from the addition. Framed photos of the train in its working condition from decades past hung on the walls, providing decoration as well as conversation pieces. An attractive, blonde waitress in her early twenties, Dina Crawford, approached their table with coffee and iced tea.

"The usual, Mom--Dad?" Dina asked.

Brandon eyed Catherine and raised a curious brow. "Did we have another child I don't know about?"

Catherine ignored his comment and smiled at Dina. "Yes, we'll have the usual."

Dina then looked at Casey and grinned. "Are we on for tonight?"

"First round is on Grey."

"Always good to hear," Dina announced, spun with a lively bounce, and walked away from their table.

Dina had been Casey's best friend since the day they'd met in kindergarten. Their childhood years were never-ending days of games on horseback, trail rides, and playing cowboys and robbers, which sometimes involved Casey's brother, when he had time for his little sister. All that changed when Dina's father took off, supposedly with the mayor's secretary. He was never heard from again, and her mother drank herself senseless. Dina's life crashed after that, and she'd spent most of her free time hanging out at the Remington's farm with Casey. Her mother never abused her; she just resigned from being her mother. At a young age, Dina took on the responsibilities of not only cleaning the house and taking care of herself, but she was burdened with paying the bills and being the only responsible adult in the house. It was too much to ask from a fourteen-year-old. She stuck it out through high school but moved out before the ink was dry on her diploma.

"The tavern again?" Brandon asked while shaking his head.

It was obvious he didn't approve of his daughter hanging out at the local bar, but with limited entertainment in town, there was little else to do most evenings.

"We considered going cow tipping, but Dina prefers cowboy tipping," Casey teased. "What else is there to do in this town?"

Her father frowned his displeasure. "We need to have a serious talk about that place."

"I know what sort of place it is, Dad."

Although Darwood Falls was filled with mostly law-abiding, wonderful people, it had a dark, seedy underbelly most refused to talk about. As if on cue, a wealthy man in his late forties, Ernest Harford, approached their table. Ernest was part of that seedy underbelly. He was the richest man in town and imposed his wishes upon everyone like some schoolyard bully. His brother-in-law being the mayor certainly didn't help the town escape his clutches. Catherine and Casey avoided looking at Ernest. Both shared the same opinion of him. They were repulsed by the sight of him. Not that he was physically repulsive, but his arrogance and iron-fisted tactics made him unappealing. Despite his wife and daughter, Brandon attempted to remain polite to the retched man.

"Good afternoon, Remington clan," Ernest announced cheerfully and paid special attention to Catherine, who didn't bother looking at him. Although obviously captivated by her beauty, he didn't seem fazed by her disinterest.

"Hey, Ernest," Brandon replied, being the only one to even acknowledge him.

"I heard a rumor that you might be running for mayor," Ernest announced with a smile that almost mocked him. His directness was a form of control. He liked catching people off guard, believing they would show their true feelings.

Brandon faked a look of surprise. "Oh?" he said with a laugh. "That's news to me."

Casey's father wasn't easily played. He knew how to handle men like Ernest. He'd spent enough time in the military to learn how to deal with all types of att.i.tudes. Ernest was no different from higher-ranking officers who enjoyed pushing around enlisted men. He enjoyed the power.

"I sort of figured," Ernest remarked and laughed. "You'd find that job tedious and boring."

"I don't know," Brandon teased while casually reclining in his seat. "Pie judging sounds like one h.e.l.l of a perk."

Casey's father was just playing with Ernest now, and, sadly, he had no idea. Ernest may have been wealthy, but he wasn't very smart.

"Probably the only perk as mayor in this hick town," Ernest announced with a chuckle. He appeared pleased with Brandon's response and was ready to move on to things of more importance. "You guys have a nice day." Ernest continued toward the cashier in the main dining area with his check from lunch.

Catherine glared at Brandon with her loathe for Ernest evident in her eyes. "That man makes my blood run cold." Her mother's claws were finally coming out.

Just once, Casey wanted to see her mother verbally hand Ernest his head. She could do it too. She wasn't as sweet and innocent as she'd have people believe.

"He thinks he owns the town because he owns the mayor and the local law," Casey said with a sneer while adding her two cents. She couldn't let her mother have all the fun.

Brandon appeared uncomfortable and shifted in his seat. "Let's be civil. There are big changes coming," he announced. Her father was oddly non-confrontational for a former military man. "Sheriff Wiley's about to retire and our young deputies have more enthusiasm for upholding the law."