Elizabeth Comes Back to a Sheriff--Chapter 2 Continued

  James was thinking about Liz a lot, so he decided to call her.  She didn't answer. But why would she?  He thought.  James kept going over everything that had happened between them and what he'd done to her.  It didn't look like he even had a chance of being an option for her.  James was chief of police, which meant he knew of every crime in his little town.
  He loved that everyone respected him now, even though they knew he had hurt Liz badly.  They didn't know exactly what he had done and he was glad, because no one would ever respect his authority anymore.  James grunted.  He'd thought that he'd be able to sneak his way into her heart easily.  But that isn't going to happen.  He snorted at the thought and shook his head.
     Well I'll take my time, make her want me and show her a real man wouldn't run from a child.  He        thought to himself.
  James smiled at the thought of Collin.  The boy looked a lot like Liz.  The same big brown eyes and dark skin tone.  Collin had sandy blonde hair, which was definitely not from his mother, but all the came you could tell that Liz was the boy's mother.
  Collin was easier to communicate with than Liz.  I'll be darn if I was just gonna give up now.  I'm sheriff for crists sake.  I need to get a grip.  James called Liz once more, but there was still no answer.

Elizabeth Comes Back to a Sheriff--Chapter 2

  The talk about the weather, ranching, and Collin lasted the rest of the time until they got to James's place.  Liz held her breath and waited.  "See ya later Richie.  Collin you take care of that pretty little thing that is your mom. Understand?" James said as he got out of the truck.
  Collin nodded and said "I will Mr. ...er..uh.. James." Liz smiled, she was glad she had taught her boy manners, unlike James.  Although it got tough raising a young boy alone she didn't want to share the responsibility with anyone else.  They pulled out of James's drive way and Richie headed towards what was once Liz's grandmother's place, but now is something she can call her's besides Collin.  Liz knew she'd have ranch hands waiting, but didn't think to have so many.
  "Hi Ms. Eversaw."  A tall blonde man said with his rough hand out.  The man looked worn out but friendly with kind Hazel eyes.  Liz took his hand and said "Please call me Liz."  The guy nodded.  "Well we'll let you and the little boy settle in."  And with the wave of his hand, the men headed back to work.  "Thank you um...I don't believe I caught your name."  Liz and the man smiled.  It's Hank"
  Liz thanked Hank again and then he was off to go work.  It was surprising to Liz how the working hands had stayed, even though grams had died about a year and a half ago.  Liz had wanted to come back earlier, to gram's ranch when she had died, but her Aunt Bella kept coming up with reasons for Liz to stay at their ranch.
  Liz hadn't forgotten how much she loved the sights and smells of the open, but it had been a while since she could relax and enjoy it.  She wouldn't and couldn't give up the ranch for anything, except her son.  Liz decided she was going to go for a ride on her horse Stardust around the ranch to become familiar with the surroundings again, the next day.  She ushered Collin inside and let him pick out a room other than gram's.  Collin chose the room with horses, cowboys, and Native Americans on the walls, which had been her dad's room when he was little.
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