Page 112 of Forgotten Desires

“Yes, I am.”

He extends his hand. “I’m Doctor Payne and I’ve been monitoring her since she arrived. Layla had no serious injuries that we could see. Her vitals all look good and thankfully, she was restrained during the accident. I’d like to go ahead and release her into your care.”

“That’s wonderful, yes, I’d love to take her home and get her settled.”

“I’ll get the paperwork drawn up and we’ll have you out of here soon.”

“Thank you.”

The doctor leaves and Ms. Banks grabs her briefcase. “I’m going to head to the office and get everything in order. Tell your husband I’ll send him an email with some options on how to proceed.”

“I will.”

She looks into Layla’s room and sighs. “I hate that this had to happen this way, but it’s truly a blessing for our case. Layla may just be living with you and your husband in a matter of a few days instead of weeks.”

And with that, she leaves, and I head back to Layla, hoping Ms. Banks is right and we’ll have Layla safe with us sooner rather than later.

twenty-six

CARSON

“Brynn? Layla?” I call out the moment the elevator door opens.

Not even a second later, Layla is running to me, arms wide, and I pull her to me. My heart is mended just a little as I hold her close. She’s okay.

I knew she was, but having her like this is completely different.

She loosens her hold and I take a second to look at her. “Hi, Ladybug.”

“Hi, Daddy.”

I give her a kiss on her nose and lift her up, walking toward the kitchen, where Brynn is leaning against the door. “Hey.”

“Hey.”

I kiss her lips and then her forehead. “Thank you.”

She smiles with a shake of her head. “We had fun. Layla and I watched television, did some coloring, then we had Cliff go get us some canvas and we did paintings.”

“Paintings?” I say to Layla.

Her blue eyes are bright, and she giggles. “We made silly paintings, Daddy.”

“Of what?”

“Rin made a cow, but it doesn’t look like a cow.” Layla ducks her head when Brynn gasps.

“Hey! It does too.”

“No it doesn’t!”

Brynlee purses her lips. “I think it does. Yours is the silliest.”

“Nuh uh!” Layla protests. “Mine is a chicken!”

“A chicken with a smile? I’ve never seen one of those.”

“I’ll show you, Daddy!” Layla wiggles so I put her down and she rushes out of the room.

---