by Ava Winters
“Something will. I’m telling you. Something will come up, and then we’ll get him and his boys. The whole lot of them make me unsettled.”
“Me too,” Bill agreed. “I didn’t like them from the minute they came to town. Your gut feeling was just a confirmation for me.” Bill met his eye. “I’m with you, Peter. No matter what, I’m with you.”
He grinned. “So, does that mean I have the job?”
Bill chuckled. “Yes, Sheriff Jones. You have the job. We’ll have to follow through with the necessary formalities, but we can settle that in time.”
“Thank you,” Peter said, getting to his feet. He walked over to Bill and shook his hand. “Thank you.”
Peter felt as if he could fly as he left the sheriff’s office. He rushed back to the saloon to tell Layla. The smile was large on his face as he walked into the room and strode boldly across the floor to where she was standing behind the bar. Jacob was there, but Peter ignored him.
“Layla,” he said as he reached her.
“Peter, you’re back.”
“Yes, and I have some news,” he told her proudly.
Layla looked at him, confused. “News?”
“I’m the new sheriff of Richstone. I just talked to Bill Dawson, and he’s given me the job, full-time, once he retires.”
Layla smiled and immediately hugged him. “That’s wonderful! This town could use a sheriff like you. Congratulations!” She stepped back from him. “What about the saloon?”
“That’s where you come in,” Peter replied. “I’ve watched you work. You are so tenacious and on top of things. I want to ask you to be the new manager.”
“Full-time?” Layla asked.
“Full-time,” Peter confirmed. “If you plan to stay here, you need something more than a part-time job, and I know you have big plans.” He could feel Jacob’s eyes boring into him, but Peter refused to look over.
“Peter, I don’t know what to say.” Layla gazed at him with glistening eyes. “I’ve never had anyone put so much trust in me before.”
He laid his hand gently on her arm. “I trust you. I want you to manage my business for me. I know you’ll do a great job. Will you accept my offer?”
Layla smiled brightly. “Of course! Thank you for believing in me,” she said with a grin. “I really can’t believe it.”
“Don’t mention it. After this place clears out tonight, I’ll make the announcement to the rest of the staff.”
“I can’t believe it. This is like a dream come true,” Layla squealed with excitement. “I’ve always wanted to have this kind of responsibility.”
“You deserve the job,” Peter continued. “I’ve had people work for me before, but none of them were as industrious as you. I couldn’t think of anyone more suitable for the position.”
“Thank you,” Layla repeated as she pursed her lips and then sighed.
“I’ll let you get back to work.” He turned and looked around the room that was slowly filling with customers. “I can see it’s going to be one of those nights. I’ll give you a hand for a bit.”
“Thank you,” Layla answered, still smiling at him.
Peter felt joy rise up inside of him. He’d done it. He’d asked and she had agreed. He turned to Jacob, who sat scowling in his seat. “Do you need another?” he asked, somewhat smugly.
“I’m fine for now,” Jacob answered.
Peter smiled. “You just let me know if you need anything.”
Chapter Nineteen
Days passed, and Peter spent as much time as he could checking in on Layla. Each time he came, she was determined to make him realize how unnecessary it was. Layla did her best to be the manager she’d seen him be. She focused all of her energy on completing every task she was assigned to. She knew most things already from her time working at the saloon, but there were a few new responsibilities he had to train her for. Thankfully, she was a quick learner, and it only took a few examples for her to understand. She wanted him to see that, despite everything he’d once believed, she wasn’t the fragile flower who needed help to get things done. She was more than capable.
Layla couldn’t help but feel more independent and at home in her new role as each day passed. She maintained her cheerful demeanor with patrons while simultaneously managing the matters that went on behind the scenes. She was able to handle deliveries, the bookkeeping, and managing the roster. The other employees were glad to have her as their new boss; here wasn’t a protest from anyone over her appointment.
She tried to suppress a smirk and keep her eyes from the window. Peter had been out there a long time, watching her, but she was happy to pretend she didn’t see him. He liked to watch her, and she liked him doing so.
Her hair was swept up in a neat bun that accentuated the curve of her neck. Having Peter watch her made her feel desirable, and it gave her even more confidence as she moved from one task to another. She didn’t stop and she never once felt stressed or overwhelmed by any of it, despite the number of people who were gathered at the saloon that evening.
After several long minutes, it seemed Peter grew tired of watching her from afar. Layla was thankful for it. She was tired of the distance. She wanted him nearby, and when he turned from the window and walked into the saloon, she greeted him with a broad smile.
Patrons greeted Peter as he passed, and some congratulated him on his promotion to sheriff. The mayor had performed the official ceremony the day before, and more than half the town had come out to see it. Layla wanted to do something special for him afterward, but Peter didn’t want a fuss. He convinced her to let things be normal, and she’d agreed.
“Congratulations, Peter,” one man called from across the room.
Peter raised his hand and acknowledged him. “Thank you!” he called as he continued across the room. His eyes met hers and his smile grew.
“Good evening, Sheriff,” Layla said teasingly as she wiped down the bar. “What brings you in here on such a lovely evening?”
“I was wondering what was good on the menu today?” he asked, leaning over the bar top.
Layla grinned. “I could make some suggestions,” she replied, and leaned closer.
“I’m listening.” Peter smiled at her.
Layla blushed. “There’s brisket, pork chops, boiled potato, baked vegetables, grits, and apple pie,” she listed. “I suggest the brisket and potatoes with vegetables, and definitely the apple pie.”
“Why ‘definitely the apple pie’?” Peter questioned.
“Because I made it,” she said as she raised her chin slightly. “I decided that I’d make my hobby beneficial to me,” she added. “I have an idea for a number of sweets for after dinner. I think it will boost sales. People like dessert, and not everyone wants the same thing every week.”
“Are you sure about this?” Peter asked. “It sounds like a lot to do for the manager of a saloon.”
She shook her head lightly. “It’s fine. I have plenty of time at home, and Annabelle is willing to help me.”
Peter smiled. “Sounds like you have everything organized,” he said. “I’m really proud of you.”
“Are you?” Layla asked doubtfully.
Peter frowned. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
“No, it’s not that,” Layla answered. “It’s just, I haven’t heard those words much.” He had no idea how much it meant to her to hear him say them. All her life, she’d wanted someone to be proud of her. It was only in Richstone that she’d found those people.
“I see,” Peter replied. “Well, I’ll make sure you hear them a lot more from now on.”
Layla smiled, her cheeks reddening. “I’d like that.”
“So would I,” Peter replied. “Layla, can I talk to you for a minute?”
Layla felt a twinge of anxiety, but she quickly brushed it aside. It was a feeling that came to her whenever she heard those words. They didn’t usually precede anything good, at least in her experience. “Yes,” she replied. “Here or in the office?”
“I think the office would be better,” Peter suggested.
“Follow me.” Layla set her bar rag aside and walked toward the office.
The pair entered, and Peter took the liberty of locking the door behind them. Layla turned to face him. “What’s this about?” she asked.
Peter swallowed, and Layla watched the lump in his throat as it moved. He seemed as anxious as she was, though she was doing her best to hide it. What did he have to say to her? Had she done something wrong? Had Jacob done something or said something? Had he gone to Peter about their past? She folded her hands in front of her tightly to stop from fidgeting.
Peter stepped toward her. “Layla,” he said gently. “There is something I want to talk to you about. Something I’ve wanted to talk to you about for a long time.”
“What, Peter?” she asked as she took a hesitant step closer. Had Jacob said something, or had Peter found out on his own?
Her heart was thundering in his ears as she watched Peter swallow once more. His beard had been recently trimmed and lined his chiselled jaw perfectly. His slightly tanned skin seemed darker in the dim light of the office, but he was still as handsome as ever.
He took her hand gently. “Have I told you how glad I am that you came into my life?”
Layla blinked rapidly. That was not what she had expected to hear. “No,” she whispered.
“I am,” Peter continued. “I’m very happy to have you in my life.”
“Peter—”
“Layla, I know this isn’t the simplest circumstances,” he said, cutting her off. “You’re another man’s wife and I shouldn’t feel this way, but I do.”
Layla looked up at him. “How do you feel, Peter?” she asked expectantly. All this time, they had never truly said was deep in their hearts. She knew the circumstances prevented it, but that didn’t mean the feelings weren’t there. They had to uphold what was right and act accordingly, especially with Jacob in town. They had to be careful with their feelings.
Peter looked at her with his dazzling light brown eyes. “I care about you, Layla. I care about you very much,” he continued. “I think about you every day. I worry about you. I look forward to seeing your face.” He lowered his eyes sheepishly, which Layla found charming. She felt like a girl again, being approached for the first time by a boy she liked. She felt her cheeks grow hot, and they would grow hotter still as Peter’s words finally slipped from his lips when he met her gaze once more. “I love you.”
Layla was silent for a long time as her heart raced in her chest. Had she heard him correctly? Did he say that he loved her? Elation filled ever part of her being. The feeling overwhelmed her so quickly that she hardly had to react. She could only stare for the longest while. Finally, she regained her composure.
“Peter,” she said softly, reaching her hand up to touch his cheek. She smiled. “You’re right. Things aren’t ideal, but I’m glad to have you in my life. You’ve been the best part of my life.” She shook her head gently. “You know what my life was like before Richstone, before you. It was one disappointment after another, but you… you give me hope. Your trust, your kindness, all of it helped me to become some new. Someone I always wanted to be.”
Peter listened intently. He uttered not a word as she spoke and did not interrupt her, either. He stood there, listening quietly, his eyes steadfast on her face as she poured out her heart to him. There was so much to say. So much she had wanted to say for a long time but couldn’t.
“I’m going to deal with Jacob, I promise. That part of my life is over. I don’t want him, but I don’t want to hurt him, either. He and I know each other well, and he can be ugly. I don’t want him to make a fuss about all of this and turn our divorce into a spectacle. He’d encourage people to think badly of you and I won’t have that. You have been so good to me. You don’t deserve that.”
Peter’s lips trembled as if he wanted to say something, but he didn’t. Layla knew he wanted to protect her, and Jacob wasn’t a subject he liked to discuss, but he was still a big hindrance to them being together. A hindrance she was going to take care of herself.
“Peter, you are such a good man,” Layla added. “I don’t deserve you.”
“Don’t say that,” he interrupted, taking a gentle hold of her arms. “Never say that. You deserve the very best. You deserve everything that life can give you.” His hands moved from her arms to her face, and he cupped her cheeks. “Layla, don’t you understand how special you are? How beautiful and unique?”
There were so many things going through her mind as she looked at Peter’s handsome face. His true appeal wasn’t something easily described. It wasn’t his face or her hair or dress. It was what was shone out from inside him that made him attractive. She wanted to tell him, but the words wouldn’t come for the feelings she wanted to express. Then, Peter did something that only made her more speechless. He leaned in and kissed her.
The kiss lingered forever, or at least that was how it felt to Layla. Even so, it didn’t seem long enough. He had the warmest lips and Layla found herself wanting to stay there for as long as she could, but she knew she couldn’t.
Finally, Peter stepped back. He stared at her, speechless. She stood before him, staring back, trying to bring her mind back to reality. She could hardly believe he’d kissed her. She wished he would do it again.
“Layla, I’m sorry—” Peter began, but his words were silenced before he could complete his sentence. Layla reached up on her tiptoes and kissed him back. He had made the first move, now it was her turn to show him she felt the same.
Once again, Layla found herself melting against his lips. His arms wound around her waist and pulled her close. It had been so long since she’d been held like that, like a woman should be by the man who loved her, and she felt at home in his arms. She wanted to stay there forever. However, forever wasn’t then.
Peter released her and stepped back once more. A huge grin was on her face, and she was pleased to find that Peter was also smiling.
“I love you, Peter,” she said sweetly. “I want us to have a chance,” she continued as she took both of his hands in hers. “I know that I need to clear things with Jacob. I know it isn’t right to have you waiting and wondering what’s happening. It isn’t fair to you. Believe me, I am going to divorce him. I know he will resist and it won’t make him happy one bit, but he will have no choice.”
“I’ll protect you,” Peter insisted. “I won’t let him hurt you.”
Layla smiled. “I know.”
“Layla, I hear him talking to you, and I get afraid. I get afraid that you’re starting to believe him. That he’s swaying you with words,” he admitted.
She shook her head. “Once upon a time, Jacob’s charms would’ve worked on me. And later, fear of him would’ve worked, but not anymore. The old Layla is gone. I’m not going back and he can’t make me,” she insisted. “He can’t.”
Peter reached up and cupped her cheek. “I believe you.”
“I have a new life,” she continued. “A new life here in Richstone. I have Annabelle, and you,” she said with a hint of glee. “I want a future with you, Peter. I look at you and I see my future. I see everything I’ve ever wanted, and the fact that you want me, too… is unbelievable.”
“Why?” Peter asked softly. “Everyone loves you.”
“Not like you. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who cares about me the way you do. Annabelle loves me like a daughter, but you—you love me more than that. More than anyone.”
Peter pulled her into his arms and hugged her. “I never thought I would love anyone again,” he admitted. “I thought that after Celia, there would never be another love for me. Then you came and changed everything in my life. It was as if I was sleeping, and you woke me up. You made me realize there was more to life than what I’d settled for. That I could be the person I wanted to be, and have the things I wanted to have, and have someone love me again.”
“Lots of people love you, Peter. The whole town
loves and admires you,” Layla pointed out as she hugged him tighter. “I didn’t think a man like you could ever feel for a woman like me,” she admitted. “I didn’t think I was good enough.”
She looked up to see Peter smiling at her. “You don’t see yourself, but you will,” he assured her. “A little more time in Richstone and you’ll see what we all see: a beautiful, caring, industrious and charming woman.”
“You make me sound so wonderful.” Layla giggled.
“That’s because you are,” Peter insisted. He released her. “You’re going to see exactly who you are. Not the woman you want to be, the woman you already are. You’ve already made a mark on the lives of the people in this town. I haven’t seen Annabelle so happy and alive in years. The customers adore you, as do the staff. Not a single person had any grievance with you becoming the new manager.”
