I looked at her, surprised. “How come?”
She scrunched up her nose and said, “For some reason, knowing my big ole cowboy knows how to crochet, knit, and darn…well, it just turns a girl on.”
I let out a laugh and said, “Oh yeah? Maybe I should crochet, knit, and darn in the nude for you.”
Courtney let out a laugh. “That might be fun!”
When we pulled up to the house, I wasn’t surprised to see Layton and Whitley sitting on our porch swing. Courtney had called Whitley before we left New York and filled her in on everything that had happened. Courtney jumped out of the truck and ran up to Whitley. The next thing I knew, they were making their way over to the tree house and climbing the steps. I glanced over toward Layton, and he gave me a weak smile.
I walked up to him and stuck out my hand.
“Welcome home, dude.”
I shook my head and let out a sigh as I ran my hand through my hair. “Thanks. Nothing like being on Texas soil.”
Layton grabbed two suitcases, and I took the other two, and then we made our way into the house.
“Just set them in the living room. I’ll grab us some beers, and let’s head out back.”
Layton and I sat down on the rockers and looked out over the garden Courtney and I had been working on.
He let out a small chuckle and nodded in the direction of the garden. “It amazes me how these two have just melted right into country life.”
I smiled and nodded my head. “Shit, Courtney’s parents’ house, I swear, is bigger than yours, dude. I got fucking lost in it twice.”
Layton threw his head back and laughed. “Did you like New York?”
I tipped my beer back and got a long drink. “Nope. Hated it. I mean, it was pretty and all, and it had its moments, but…”
Neither one of us said anything for a few moments before Layton cleared his throat and said, “Are y’all okay, Reed? I mean, I know you are okay as a couple, but…are you okay?”
I looked down at the ground and then back out over the countryside. “I had this one moment when I wanted to kill him. I mean, I really wanted to kill him, Layton. I know you know what I mean with what you and Whit went through with Roger.” I shook my head as I thought back to seeing Layton shot and how scared Whitley was.
“What made you stop?” Layton asked.
“Courtney, the baby, and the future I promised her. I felt so much anger—not only at him, but at myself for not protecting her from him in the first place. I promised her I would never let him hurt her, and I failed her. I knew something felt wrong in my gut, but I didn’t listen to it. I let him get close to her, and I feel like I let her down. I can’t shake that guilt.” I peered over at the tree house and then looked at Layton. “I can’t ever hurt her, Layton. I’d rather die than hurt her.”
He nodded his head and looked back over at the tree house before turning back and looking at me. “Reed, you’re not your father.”
I nodded my head and said, “I know I’m not.”
Layton leaned forward and grabbed my shoulder. “I see how much you love Courtney. I’ve seen a change in you these last few months. You’re happy and content, and hell, dude, you even seem peaceful, if that makes sense. As much as we want to protect both those girls, we need to understand that we just can’t protect them from everything. We can try like hell, and I know you do as much as I do. You’re a good guy, Reed. You’re a good husband, and I know y
ou’ll make one hell of a good father.”
I cracked a smile and said, “Thanks, Layton. You know I’ve always looked up to you, and that means a lot to me for you to say that.” I glanced up when I heard the girls laughing as they were coming down from the tree house. “Layton, I’m really happy for you, too. I’m really glad Whit’s car broke down that day.”
Layton let out a chuckle and looked over at Whitley and Courtney as they headed our way. “So am I, dude. So. Am. I.”
Courtney smiled at me, and I couldn’t help but smile at the stupid, crazy feeling that happened in my stomach every time she looked at me.
She walked up, sat down on my lap, and gave me a quick kiss. “I missed you,” she whispered.
I let out a small laugh and said, “You were only up there a few minutes.”
She shrugged her shoulders and said, “I missed your touch.”
Whitley walked up and gave Layton a quick kiss. “I have to go potty.”