Page 110 of Sweet Home Louisiana

Maddie sighed.Owen grabbed her hand and lifted it to his lips for a kiss.“Think of how boring life was without police paperwork.”

She laughed and they followed George up the wooden slats.

“Of course we’re pressing charges,” she overheard Bennett saying to the state trooper.

“And you are?”the trooper asked.

“Bennett Baxter.Co-owner.”

He said it with absolute confidence and it gave Maddie a strange sense of security.Bennett was used to dealing with high-powered people in high-powered positions.They could use a little of his experience and poise.Poise was definitely something lacking around here.

“Baxter’s kind of impressive,” Owen commented.

Suddenly she stopped, jerking Owen to a stop with her.“Oh my God, I still didn’t tell you.”

“Tell me what?”he asked with a concerned look.

“I only sold Bennettpartof my portion,” she said.

Owen stopped and stared down at her.“What?”

“I’m staying but we need his money.And—” She glanced in Bennett’s direction.“I think maybe we need him, too.”

Owen gave a single nod.“Maybe.So, he’s got how much?”

“Seventeen and a half percent.Half of mine.”

Owen seemed to be thinking about that.

“And that means that Sawyer, with his thirty-five percent, is the only majority owner.He’ll be the main decision maker.The big boss.”

Slowly Owen smiled.“I like that.”

She nodded.“Me, too.”

“Things are going to be so good.”

“Yeah.”Maddie again looked up at the sign over the front of the building, then out over the group of people who were here, involved, driving her nuts,makingher crazy, but loving her no matter what.

Owen kissed the top of her head.“I love you.”

She looked up at him and smiled, her heart full.“I love you, too.This is definitely where I belong.”

He gave a little groan.

“What?”she asked.

“I’ve never wanted to throw you over my shoulder and take you straight to bed as much as I do, hearing you say that.”

She stepped in and snaked her arms around his waist.“I’m not too crazy for you?”

“Just crazy enough.”

He bent to kiss her, George stopped him.

“Oh, no you don’t.Statements.Now.”

Owen stared down at her.“Come on, George.I’ve been waiting twelve years to have this woman back.”

---