Page 134 of Let Me Love You

“You’re right, but I would’ve taken a bullet for you, Everleigh.”

Tears begin to fall down her cheeks. I reach over and pull her into my arms. “Don’t cry, sweetheart.”

“It’s just too much. All of this. I’ve constantly been looking over my shoulder, waiting for when she’d come after me again. The thought of losing you…”

“Baby, I’m not going anywhere. You’re safe. I’m safe. And we’re going home to snuggle for the rest of the day.”

“That sounds like heaven,” she says as I wipe away her tears.

I do a U-turn and drive us home.

When we get inside the house, Everleigh bends down and tightly hugs Sassy. The dog has no idea what’s going on and that she almost lost us.

“Babe, you know what sounds nice right now?” I ask, hoping to calm her.

“What’s that?”

“A hot bubble bath and a glass of wine.”

Her face breaks into a small smile. “I love you more than life itself, Archer Boone. You’re seriously my dream come true.”

“I could say the same about you, baby. Now go get undressed and start the water. I’ll grab the wine.”

She nods. “Sounds like a plan.”

CHAPTER THIRTY

EVERLEIGH

Besides winter, because Christmas is everything, summer is my favorite season. Alabama weather in early May is perfect, and everyone’s moods are brighter with the school year ending. Before it gets too hot, I open the boutique doors and bring sales racks of clothes onto the sidewalk. It’s the best.

This time, it’s even better knowing that Natasha is behind bars. I haven’t let my guard down because Krystal is still out there somewhere, but the woman who tried to kill me twice is no longer a threat.

After evidence and statements were provided and collected, there was enough to put her away for a while. She was charged with stalking in the first degree and attempted murder. I hope she can get some kind of psychological help since Eric’s murder essentially made her snap.

It’s been a few weeks since the incident, and besides the threatening messages from Krystal, life has gone back to normal. Archer and I have grown closer than ever, but a few women have still come into the boutique asking about him. But now, I get the pleasure of telling them he’s all mine. What’s even more exciting is attending Katie and Noah’s wedding as a couple next month.

Today I’ve stayed so busy with customers and keeping things stocked that hours pass before I realize what time it is.