“True, but I was here as a friend, not an employee.”
Laylee crossed her arms.“Fine, but I’m keeping the harness.”
Paul grinned.“It’s a gift, too.I knew once I put it on River, I couldn’t take it back.”
“But—”
He put a finger to her lips, silencing her.“This is where you say, ‘Thank you, Paul.Friends like you are a blessing.’”
Dutifully, she said, “Thank you, Paul.A friend like you is the very, very best blessing a girl could ever have.”
“I know.”
Laughing, they all turned their attention to the animals.May-belline and Tank were running around the yard, constantly finding things to bring to River—a twig, a dandelion, or one of their many toys.From a lawn chair, River regally watched over them.He wore his harness as if it had always been on him.The attached leash was secured to the arm of the chair.If the cat decided to escape, he wouldn’t get far, but this way he could enjoy the yard with the dogs.
“I’ll need to set up a lead for him,” Knox said.“Maybe something hooked to that biggest tree so he can lounge in the grass when he wants.”
“We took a test walk,” Paul explained.“Just around the perimeter of the combined backyards.It was hilarious.Maybelline kept checking that River was still there, and Tank ran circles around us.The dogs loved it, but we’d only finished half of the walk when River decided he’d rather be carried.”
“He looks happy,” Laylee said softly.
“So do you.”Paul drew her in for a tight hug.“You’ve quickly become one of my favorite people, now more than ever.”He put a loud smooch on her forehead.“Thank you for being awesome.”
Knox saw the expressions shifting over her face, pleasure and modesty, a touch of embarrassment over the praise.
“Thanks, but I’m not—”
Before she could reject the compliment, Knox said, “Yes, you are.And then some.”
It struck him that she truly didn’t realize how others valued her.This drop-dead gorgeous woman who would do anything for her sister would also risk herself during a robbery to protect a youth she didn’t know.She was polished and manicured but hadn’t hesitated to wade into a muddy creek to rescue a stray cat.She mingled easily with his friends and family, while also being a high-demand local model who easily supported herself and an independent lifestyle.
She had all that going for her and yet she compared herself to her twin sister and somehow found herself lacking.Remarkable.
Of course he’d fallen in love with her.How could he not?
This time, Paul shoved Knox, interrupting his deep thoughts.“She’s a catch, and don’t you forget it or you’ll answer to me.”
“Yeah, she is.”
“You’re the whole package too, Knox.Rugged, handsome, and smart.”He winked at Laylee.“Treat him right.”
She nodded and said far too seriously, “I’ll try,” which had both men laughing.
After that ridiculous exchange, Paul announced that it was time for him to go.
Once he’d disappeared around the gate, Laylee said to Knox, “He endorsed us both.”
“Paul likes to play fair.”He put his arm around her and after another fifteen minutes, they brought the animals inside and fed them.Knox considered putting the pets outside again while he showed Laylee, once more, just how perfect they were together, but he knew she’d worry.And honestly, so would he.
The backyards were securely fenced, but Tank could be tricky, and it was still hot enough that neither of them wanted to leave the animals outside unattended for more than a few minutes.
And he didn’t plan to be quick.
Instead, they went for another long walk to visit the park, where everyone was fascinated by the cat walking along with two dogs.The pets got a lot of attention and, hopefully, enough exercise to make them sleep soundly that night.
After dinner, he and Laylee played with the animals in the yard.River chased lightning bugs and the dogs chased River.By the time they called it a night, all three were ready to sleep.
In Knox’s view, it had been a long, productive day with plenty of insights and more than enough reason for him to cement his relationship with Laylee.Did she feel the same?
