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A tree? He hadn t thought of something as boring as a tree.
Tyler nodded and motioned for Shep to follow him. Shep stepped up to the counter and
waited while Tyler dug out a book from the shelf behind him. There are two varieties that I
think you should consider. First is the American Linden, which has dark green heart-shaped
leaves and grows up to around forty feet. In the early summer it has fragrant yellow
blossoms. My second choice would be the Sensation Boxelder. It s a male variety so it won t
attract the boxelder bugs. It s a very hardy tree and grows up to forty-feet as well.
Tyler turned the book around to show him the pictures. In my opinion, nothing says
longevity like a tree.
Shep studied the pictures. He thought of the side yard of the ranch house and the big
empty space where lightning had struck the Bur Oak several years earlier. He could easily
picture a new tree planted for Jeremy. Do you have these here?
No, but I can either order you one, or you could run into Sheridan. I m sure one of the
greenhouses would carry them.
While Shep was trying to decide if he had time to run to Sheridan, the bell over the door
announced another customer. Tyler leaned forward, whispering, Can you hold on? Hearn s
here for the weekly bouquet he puts on Mitch s grave.
Shep nodded and waved at Hearn. The man looked absolutely miserable. Shep, along
with most of the people in town, thought Mitch Lanham was an ass. Mitch had had a good
man in Hearn, but the jerk was forever catting around with anyone who d have him.
OUT OF THE SHADOW Carol Lynne
59
Regardless, the man didn t deserve to die like he did, especially with both Hearn and Tyler in
the car when it happened.
Deciding to give the two friends a bit of privacy, he went back to studying the book. He
tried to imagine each tree in the spot he d already picked out. A picture of him and Jeremy
popped into his mind and his decision was made.
He turned towards Tyler to give him his decision and stopped. The look of love on
Tyler s face as he handed the bouquet of white, yellow and pink daisies to Hearn was
heartbreaking.
Hearn said something quietly and left the shop. Tyler stood, watching the door for
several moments before turning back towards the counter. Shep flushed, knowing he d just
witnessed something extremely personal.
Have you made a decision? Tyler asked.
Yeah. I really appreciate your help, but I think I ll run into Sheridan and pick up the
American Linden if I can find it.
Tyler did his best to smile. No problem. Your Jeremy is a very lucky man to have
someone like you.
No. Shep shook his head. I m the lucky one.
* * * *
By the time Shep pulled up to the ranch house, it was getting close to supper. He
decided he d wait until afterwards to surprise Jeremy with his gift. He got out and walked
towards the bunkhouse.
Before he got there, Rance met him at the bottom of the steps and held up his hands. I
need to talk to you before you go in.
Shep looked over Rance s shoulder to the door and then back to his foreman. Did
something happen? he asked, feeling his heart begin to beat faster.
Yes and no. It s nothing serious, but I wanted you to know from me before you saw it
for yourself.
What? Shep asked impatiently, trying to sidestep his friend.
Jeremy landed hard on his hip earlier. Nothing s broken. It looks like it could just be a
deep bruise, but he may have pulled a muscle.
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60
Shep pushed Rance out of his way and burst through the door. Where is he?
He insisted we take him to your house, Rance said from behind him. Bo s with him,
although Jeremy is putting up a fuss about it. He claims he s fine, but I noticed he was
limping quite a bit.
Thanks, Shep said, as he turned and sprinted towards the house.
He stepped inside the cool interior and looked in the living room. Jeremy, he called
out.
Up here, Jeremy answered.
Shep ran up the stairs and into his bedroom. Jeremy was leaning against the headboard,
playing cards with Bo. His lover looked to be in fairly good spirits, although his lower half
was covered by a sheet.
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