Page 28 of Layla

“A mere misdemeanor,” Clyde said.

“Well if it doesn’t bother you, I’ll just arrest you now.”

“Hey, hey, I’m going. You’ll never see me again. Geez.” He trotted away, going the opposite direction, having ascended the small mountain from the other side.

Only when he was gone did Sheriff Stone pick up the envelope and shove it into his pocket.

Kirk already had Layla in his arms, hugging her tightly and showering her with kisses.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “I just needed a jog to clear my head.”

“We’ll deal with that later, baby girl. Right now, I’m just glad you’re okay. I’m not sure I’m going to let you out of my sight for a while.”

“Kirk, I think Courtney is here.”

He took her hand.

“Then we’ll go talk to her, baby girl.

“Together.”

Chapter Fifteen

“I’m sorry to just show up like this,” Courtney said. “I know y’all are newlyweds and I don’t want to intrude.”

She was standing in their living room, unable to stop fidgeting with her hands.

“You’re welcome in our home anytime,” Kirk said. “But we ask that you respect our lifestyle and—”

“Oh my gosh,” Courtney said. “I’m so sorry. You think I’m here to try and talk you out of this.” She was looking at Layla.

Layla nodded.

“No. No. I’m sorry. You see, I’ve talked myself into this. Layla, I want to move to Brennan County. I have to!”

“Oh my gosh!” Layla said as she ran to her friend.

The women hugged tightly as they both started laughing.

“Are you moving here for Peyton?” Layla asked.

“Well,” Courtney said, blushing hard. “We’ve sorta been talking since your wedding…”

Kirk laughed, too. “This is great! I knew he had his sights set on you.”

“We’re going to have so much fun!” Layla said. “This is going to be amazing.”

The women hugged again.

“Peyton and I haven’t known each other long. But things are moving quickly. I think it might last,” Courtney said.

Kirk was glad for the happy ending.

At least to this problem.

The other problem—the private investigator and who had hired him—was far from over.

And something told him things were going to get mighty interesting around there.

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