“Ah, there they are now.”
I turn, following Paps’ gaze to the truck coming down the dirt drive. As suspected, there’s a horse trailer hitched up to it. I watch as Ryder’s truck grows closer to the barn, noting there is definitely somethinginthat trailer.Twosomethings.
“They found the girls,” Paps says, relief in his tone as a giant grin breaks across his face.
“The girls?”
“Karen and Penelope.”
“Birdie’s pack,” I say, understanding dawning. “But why wouldn’t Everleigh have told me—” I don’t have to finish that question, because I suspect I know the answer. Her note makes a lot more sense now. She didn’t want to risk me getting in trouble. Fuck, shedoeslove me. Even if she hasn’t spoken the words, I’m sure of it now.
My heart leaps into my throat at the sight of Everleigh behind the wheel. I’m so fucking thankful she’s still here. That she didn’t leave Emerald Creek without saying goodbye. I’d have driven all the fucking way to Oklahoma if she had, but I’m really thankful I don’t have to.
Thor whines some more, but I don’t dare try to let him out, even on a leash. He’ll bolt right for Everleigh, quite possibly startling the alpacas. The pup will just have to wait.
Everleigh hops out of the truck, spotting me and winking before turning away.
I go to her, catching her by the hips before she can make it to the back of the horse trailer. She squeals in delight as I pull her back against my chest, nuzzling my face in her neck. “Please tell me you didn’tstealthem.”
She looks over her shoulder, meeting my gaze. “Luckily, I didn’t have to.”
I spin her around, dragging her mouth to mine. I kiss her deeply, sensually. As though I’ve waited a lifetime to reclaim her lips. All the panic and fear of the morning vanishes instantly.
“Wow, what was that for?”
“I thought you left.”
Realization dawns in her eyes. “You thought I left to go back to Oklahoma?”
I nod.
Everleigh snakes her hands around my neck, pressing those perfect tits into my chest as she looks up at me. “I have news for you, Sheriff.”
“Oh?”
“I’m not leaving Emerald Creek. Not today. Not ever again. This is home.”
“Good.”
“That’s all you have to say?” she asks, swatting my chest playfully.
I lean closer, lowering my mouth to the shell of her ear. “Goodgirl.”
“I can’t believe I told you about that,” she says, laughing quietly.
“I’m never going to let you forget you did.”
I drag her lips back to mine, taking my time kissing her despite the commotion around us. Thor barks, annoyed that I’ve kept him captive when the love of his life is in my arms and out of his reach. Ryder appears with Birdie on a lead, and all three alpacas start to hum loudly in excitement. Gertie lets out abaaaahthat is thankfully not her screamer mode as Gina brings her closer on a lead of her own. Probably only fair to break Penelope and Karen in slowly.
“Hey, how did you convince Ryder to let you bring more animals to the ranch?”
“Well, they’re technicallymyanimals. Birdie included.”
“You bought them?”
“I didn’t want Bart or anyone else causing trouble, so I figured an honest deal was the best way to go.”
“God I love you, Everleigh James.”
