Page 39 of Everything I Desire

“Have it your way, Maura.” I say and walk away.

Sheriff Miller looks at me with a hint of sadness. I think he honestly hoped this would have gone differently. I shrug my shoulders and give him anI tried my bestlook.

He nods, knowing I really did.

He pats me on the back and escorts me back to the front of the station where Addy is waiting for us. She jumps up at the sight of me, and immediately notices the defeat in my face.

“Oh, Porter. I’m so sorry.” She hugs me fiercely.

“It’s fine. She knows the score now. I told her I’m filing for full and permanent custody of Kayla. She still chose to play victim to me.” My shoulders drop.

“You did good, Son. I’ll be releasing her about lunch time when she calms down, give you time to get home to that girl. It might be best if you can get her out of town today. You never know if Maura will find out where you live, and she’s mad as a hen right now.” He stands just beyond the waist high door that separates the waiting area and office area.

“That’s a good idea, Sheriff. Thanks. Maybe I’ll take her to the city for a movie and dinner.” We shake hands and I thank him for all he’s done for me recently.

Addy and I walk out hand in hand, same as we came, united.

“You know, it might be nice if you let her invite Emily. They could go shopping at the mall, then the movie, and then we could all meet for dinner. Maybe even a hotel room in case Maura waits until it’s dark,” she suggests. Almost immediately she adds, “I mean you could. I wasn’t inviting myself.” The blush takes over her cheeks.

“Of course you’re coming, baby. I wouldn’t want to do this with anyone else.” I place a kiss on her cheek as I close her door.

Chapter Fifteen

Adelaide

I have never packed as fast as I did when I got home from the station.

My bedroom is a mess with drawers ripped open, hangers on the floor, and don’t even get me started on what the bathroom looks like. But I was ready to go in a matter of twenty minutes. A record for packing, especially not knowing what we will be doing.

I am walking across the lawn to Porter’s house, when Kayla comes running out the door to hug me. She knocks into me and I wobble. “Wow, what do I owe for this?” I ask her.

“Convincing Uncle Porter to let me bring Emily!” She says running back in the house. “Sorry I gotta finish packing!”

“It’s only one night!” I hear Porter yelling up the stairs.

“It might be only one night but I can promise you don’t want to see my bedroom.” I wink at him, handing him my overnight bag to put in the truck next to his.

“Women.” He shakes his head. He loops an arm around my waist and pulls me flush against him. “I’d always love to see your bedroom though,” he whispers.

“Stop it. We’re about to be sharing a room and it’s not fair to make promises you can’t keep tonight.” I say swatting at him.

“Oh, baby, you really think I’d take you away with us and make us share a room? No way, we have our own room that can connect to the girl’s room, but only if they need to.” He runs his finger gently along my jawline, sending shivers down my body.

“I’m ready!” Kayla comes barreling out the front door, and I jump away from Porter like I’ve done something wrong.

Luckily we are hidden by the truck since we are at the tailgate. My face is red, and probably going to give me away. I tuck my head down and get in the truck.

“Ok, let’s hope Emily doesn’t pack like you two.” Porter says closing the tailgate.

After we get Emily, we drive to the city and check into our hotel. As promised we have adjoining rooms.

Porter walks from our room into the girl’s room, “Ok, so what do you girls want to do first?”

Kayla and Emily look at each other with big grins on their face, “Shopping!”

“Of course.” Porter pulls his wallet out. He hands Kayla and Emily each a hundred dollar bill.

“Uncle Porter. This is too much.” Kayla says handing him the money back.

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