“Jaris, tell us what happened in the kennels.”
He recounted the events, leaving out the part about his sight returning. Kaylyn had wanted to be the one to tell that little detail.
“Hold on, Jaris Lee Simmons.” Nicole stood up and left her seat, running to him. She wrapped her arms around him, tears in her eyes.
“What’s the matter, Deputy?” the sheriff asked.
“He saw I was wearing a dress.”
The sheriff’s eyebrows shot up. “And? You ran down here crying for that?”
“Yes.” Nicole looked him in the eye. “You can see. Your sight is back, isn’t it?”
He smiled. “Yes. It is. Sure took you a while to figure it out, Deputy.”
Everyone in the courtroom roared with joy.
Nicole hugged him again and then Kaylyn. “I’m so happy for you.”
“I’m happy for all of us,” Kaylyn said.
Chance leaned over. “I guess Nicole ruined your surprise, sweetheart.”
“If anyone else had spilled the beans I would’ve been disappointed.” Kaylyn grabbed Nicole’s hands. “I know you have been carrying a ton of guilt, so I’m thrilled you were the one to let everyone know our good news. Besides, isn’t that what’s the most important thing? Jaris has his sight back.”
Chance slapped him on the back. “You lucky devil.”
Jaris had been so wrapped up in all the excitement, he hadn’t thought about how Chance would feel. His best friend was still blind.
I’ve got to talk to Chance.
* * * *
Chance finished his beer. “How about another?”
“I’m empty, too,” Jaris said. “I’ll get us a couple more.”
Kaylyn was in the bathroom getting ready for tonight’s final performance.
“Here you go.” Jaris placed a can in his hand. “You know, Chance, you’re a handsome motherfucker.”
He laughed. “So I’ve been told a million times. But thanks anyway.” The can was nice and cold. He popped the top, and took a swig. “God, that’s good.”
Jaris opened his can. “We deserve some beers, buddy.”
“Yes, we do. I still can’t believe Kaylyn was able to convince Dr. Strong and Sheriff Wolfe to not put down Bayless’s dogs. They were both concerned about the safety of the boys.”
“She can be convincing, as you and I both know.”
“I think we better take Dylan’s advice and get trained as Doms.”
Jaris chuckled. “Agreed. Plus, our girl has made it very clear she wants to experience that lifestyle. Truthfully, it has an appeal to me, too.”
“Same here. How long do you think it’ll take us to rehabilitate Bayless’s dogs?”
“Not sure, but with Lyle and Kaylyn working with them, I’m betting it won’t be long. We’re going to have to be very careful until then.”
Chance recalled how Bayless had provided them all the commands for his dogs, which were all Russian words, after some friendly persuasion. “I don’t speak Russian. And I don’t know anyone else that does. Do you?”