by Holly Jaymes
He merged from the freeway onto the highway heading toward Eden Lake.
“We don’t have to stay in Eden Lake if you don’t want to,” he said. “If your work requires you to go somewhere else.”
“I love Eden Lake, Wyatt. I really do. It’s beautiful. And you’re there. I want to learn to ski and water ski—”
“After the baby.”
“Right.” But I knew there were other activities I could do, like hiking and swimming.
“What about your business?” he asked.
“I can outsource the manufacturing and delivery. I figure I’ll sell online, so I don’t even need a store.” I thought about the stores I’d seen in Eden Lake. “Maybe I could sell through local stores, though. Or the resorts.”
“You know Mason McLean and Allie could probably help too. He’s got an online empire with instructors who might like your clothes, and Allie could wear your items in her classes. Knowing her, she’d want Emma to create some sort of art design—”
“Oh my God, Wyatt. You’re right.” All of a sudden, my head was filled with ideas. “I wonder how you can make your own fabric designs. There must be a way. I could have Emma make designs, and people could choose them and the style they wanted.”
He grinned. “I helped?”
“You did. I might have to hire you away from my father.”
“Well, since I’m currently unemployed, I’m all yours. Unless I’m in jail.”
I waved his comment away. “My dad will hire you back. I’ll make sure of it.” I pulled out my sketchbook from my purse. “I’m going to write all this down.”
Together we brainstormed more from fabric ideas to clothing designs and distribution ideas.
We’d just passed the Welcome to Eden Lake sign when another sheriff’s SUV pulled up behind us.
“Looks like we’ve got company,” Wyatt said, looking in his rearview mirror.
“No! He wouldn’t,” I said, looking back at the vehicle flashing its light.
“I broke the law, Lily.” He pulled over.
“But it was for me.”
“And it was worth it.” He grinned as he rolled down the window and then rested his hands on the steering wheel.
“Hey Kip,” Wyatt said.
“Wyatt.” The young deputy looked over at me.
“I’m Lily Maddox. Sheriff Maddox’s daughter and I insist you let us go.”
Kip’s brow rose, while Wyatt kept smiling.
“Sheriff says to bring you in,” Kip said.
“I know. Can I drive us there?” Wyatt asked.
“I’m supposed to arrest you and bring you in handcuffs.” Kip’s expression suggested he didn’t like that idea.
“Okay—”
“No! I won’t let you,” I balked.
“Listen, I can drive us back to the station, and then you can cuff me there. That way, you don’t have to leave this vehicle out on the road,” Wyatt offered.
“Maddox won’t like that.”
“He won’t like that Lily is left on the side of the road either,” Wyatt argued.
“Yeah, okay. But I’m trusting you, Wyatt. Don’t fuck up my career.”
“I wouldn’t think of it, Kip. Thanks.”
Kip headed back to his vehicle.
“He’s not really going to cuff you, is he?”
Wyatt nodded. “Yep. And I’m going to let him.”
“Why? You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“Well, I quit and then stole a sheriff’s car.”
“Come on, Wyatt. We all know that it was just a crazy situation.”
“Yes, but your father deserves to see me have a consequence. I hurt him too, Lily, and if this gives him some satisfaction, then okay. Even if I have to spend a night in jail.”
“Well, that’s not happening.” I crossed my arms as Wyatt drove us through town to the Sheriff’s office.
“I don’t know if you can stop it.”
“Watch me.”
He looked at me with humor. “What will you do?”
“I’ll tell my father we need to make up, and if you’re in jail, then I want a conjugal visit.”
Wyatt barked out a laugh. “He might kill me, but I’d be willing, baby.”
We pulled into the parking lot at the Sheriff’s station, and Wyatt got out of the vehicle.
“Can I help her out first?” Wyatt asked as Kip made his way over.
He gave a nod.
Wyatt came to the passenger side and opened the door. He held out his hand, which I took as I jumped out.
He pulled me close. “One last kiss before I’m arrested.”
I gripped his shirt. “This is wrong. I’ll make sure my father fixes it.”
“Come on, Wyatt,” Kip said, dangling his handcuffs in his finger.
Wyatt dipped his head and kissed me. “I love you, Lily.”
I held his face in my hands as Kip pulled Wyatt’s arms behind his back. “I love you, Wyatt.” Then I held my hands out to Kip. “Arrest me too.”
Wyatt laughed while Kip blanched.
“You’re not under arrest,” Kip said.
“I was in the stolen vehicle with Wyatt. That makes me an accomplice, right?”
“Lily, you’re going to give poor Kip a heart attack.”
“Why?”
“Because if I think I’m going to get it bad from your father, Kip will get it worse if he handcuffs and arrests the Sheriff’s daughter. Don’t put him through that.”
“Please don’t,” Kip confirmed.
I made a face. “Then I’ll tell my dad to arrest me.” I turned on my heel and started toward the entrance.
“She’s something, isn’t she?” Wyatt said from behind me.
I walked into the front lobby of the station. There was a waiting area and an enclosed office area with a woman sitting at the window.
I walked up to it. “I demand to see Sheriff Maddox.”
Her eyes narrowed at seeing me, then widened as Kip escorted a handcuffed Wyatt in. “No. He didn’t?” she said to Wyatt.
“He did. This is Lily Maddox—”
“I know who she is. I read the fashion magazines,” the woman said.
“She’s the Sheriff’s daughter.”
Kip used some sort of key card and opened the door to lead Wyatt away.
“I’m going with you,” I said.
“You can’t. Wait for your dad.” Wyatt started through the door and then stopped short. “Sheriff Maddox.”
“Did you read him his rights, Deputy Larson,” my father asked Kip.
I didn’t wait for an answer as I barged over and held my hands out. “Arrest me too, dad.”
My father jerked back. “Lily. What are you doing here?” He looked at Kip. “You didn’t tell me she was with him when you called this in.”
“I didn’t know I was supposed to, sir.”
“I’m not kidding, dad. If you arrest Wyatt, then you have to arrest me. Is that what you want? To put your daughter in jail. The daughter that is carrying your grandchild.”
I heard gasps around me and noted that other people in the building had gathered and were watching.
“He broke the law, Lily.”
“He did it for our baby and me.”
My father glowered at Wyatt, who smiled at him. “I told you I’d find her and make it right.”
“And now you’re going to jail.”
This was ridiculous. “I’ll get you out, Wyatt. And when this is done, we’ll leave Eden Lake. If my father won’t accept us, we’ll go somewhere else.”
My father’s expression was pained, and I hated doing it, but he needed to know that I wasn’t going to let him hassle Wyatt. There was no way I was going to let my father arrest the man that I loved.
“Or, dad, you could give Wyatt back his badge and job, and thank him for bringing me back,” I finished.
My father’s jaw tensed. “Take him to my office,” he said to Kip.
I started to follow them in, but my father took
my arm and led me to another room. “I don’t appreciate you embarrassing me in front of my people.”
“And I don’t appreciate your taking out a petty grievance on the man I love.”
“He hurt you, Lily. I’m your father. I’m not going to put up with that.”
“He did more for me than you did for mom.”
He jerked back, and again, I felt guilty at being so hurtful. “I’m sorry. That was uncalled for. But he risked his job. He’s willing to leave his home and family to be with me. If you do this, we won’t be able to stay here to raise this baby. It will put a permanent wedge between all of us.”
He leaned against a table and crossed his arms. “The law is the law, Lily.”
“I’ll fight for him, dad. I’ll hire him the best lawyer. Do you think the people above you will be okay when it gets out the reason Wyatt and I were together was that you used your position to have him guard me?”
“Why are you protecting him? He hurt you. He doubted you.”
“I love him, and he loves me. Yes, he made a mistake, but I forgive him. If I can do it, so can you.” I huffed out a breath. “Why are you being such a jerk about this? If you thought so much of him to protect me, there must be something about him that you respect or admire. Surely that’s the type of man you want for me. One who’s honest and hardworking. Willing to own up to his failings. To stand up for what is right?”
My father released his arms and looked down. “I’m trying to do the right thing by you, Lily.”
“Jailing the father of my child isn’t the right thing.”
“He drove off with a sheriff’s vehicle. That’s against the law.”
“Not if you give him his job back. Give him a ticket or something. I just got him back, dad, don’t make this hard for us.”
He blew out a long breath. “Fine. But you need to know, Lily, that love isn’t the be all that you’re fantasizing about. If he hurt you once, he can hurt you again.”
“First, that’s true of everyone. Second, we’re not you and mom. And third, even if we were, you can’t control us. We have to forge our own way. You have to let us do it.”
He nodded. “Does this mean you’re staying here?”
“I don’t know. Does Wyatt have a job?”
He shook his head in defeat, but I knew I’d won. So, I hugged him. “Thank you, dad.”
I followed him out of the room and to his office. Wyatt was standing in the middle of the room, still handcuffed talking to Kip like they were shooting the breeze.
“Uncuff him,” my father told Kip as he went to his desk. “Then you’re dismissed.”
Kip took his cuffs off and patted Wyatt on the back. “Thanks for being so cool about this.”
“You’re just doing your job.” Wyatt rubbed his wrists as he looked over at me and winked.
I stepped up next to him, threading my arm through his as we waited for my father.
He sat at his desk and scowled. “You hurt my daughter again, Dalton and I will jail you.”
“Yes sir.”
My father opened his desk drawer and pulled out a badge tossing it on the desk. “Your gun was checked in, so you’ll need to check it out again.”
Wyatt smiled as he picked up his badge. “Yes, sir.”
My father stood. “You better make her happy. And that baby of hers too.”
“Ours, dad. The baby is ours.”
“Right. You do right by them, Dalton.”
“I will, Sir. I promise.” Wyatt looked at me and smiled. I saw so much love in his blue eyes. Had it been there before and I missed it? Or had he been like me, afraid to show it?
“Would you like me to call the Minor’s about the cabin?” my father asked.
“She can stay with me,” Wyatt said. Then as if he realized that he hadn’t checked with me first, he said, “If you want.”
I nodded. “I want.”
My father grimaced but didn’t respond. “Take the day off, Dalton. Be back here first thing tomorrow.”
Wyatt grinned. “Yes, sir.”
I took his hand. “Let’s go before he changes his mind.”
“I have to wait until I’m dismissed,” Wyatt said.
“Get out of here.” My father waved his arm, shooing us out.
Wyatt took my hand, and we hurried through the Sheriff’s office.
“Not going to jail?” someone called out.
“Not today,” Wyatt responded. When we got outside, he opened the passenger side of his SUV and helped me in.
“You know, you’re very sexy in your deputy uniform,” I said, running my hand over his chest.
He grinned. “Would you like me to investigate you, Ms. Maddox? I might have to cuff you.”
All my girly parts flared to life. “We better get to your place soon, as I might jump you here, and I’m sure I’d be arrested for lewd behavior.”
His eyes gleamed with wicked heat. “Yes, ma’am.”
Chapter 26: My Life Begins
Wyatt
When Josh first got together with Allie, I was happy for him, but I’d also thought he’d gone a little off the deep end on the mushy love scale. With Lily sitting by my side, I began to understand that. I was so filled with love and happiness, and all I wanted to do was spend every waking moment expressing it. Starting by talking with my parents.
“Do you mind if we stop by my parents’ house for a minute? I haven’t told them about the baby, and I’d rather they hear it from me first, assuming Josh hasn’t spilled the beans.”
Lily smiled at me. “Of course.”
“Plus, you can meet them.”
She bit her lower lip like meeting my parents worried her. “I hope they like me.”
“They’ll love you, just like I do.”
We pulled up to my parents’ house, an average two-story family home that backed up to the national forest. The coolest part of the building was the attic that ran the full length of the house. My dad finished it into a playroom that Josh and I spent many hours in. I began to think that maybe I’d need to get us a bigger home. I wanted my kid to have all the wonderful childhood experiences that I’d had.
I parked and got out, helping Lily out on her side. Holding her hand, I walked up the front walkway.
“Ready?” I asked as I turned the knob.
“I hope so.”
To help alleviate her nerves, I gave her a quick kiss. Then I pushed the door open. “Mom? Dad?”
My mom appeared from the kitchen, which smelled like cookies. We arrived at the right time, I decided.
“Wyatt. I wasn’t expecting you. Oh—” She stopped short when she saw Lily with me.
“Mom this is Lily Maddox—”
“Yes. I’ve seen you in magazines. You’re so much prettier in real life.”
Lily held out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Dalton.”
“Is that Wyatt’s car out front?” my father said, entering from the garage. “Hey, son, how are you?”
“Good dad. This is Lily Maddox.”
My dad quickly glanced at my mom like he was trying to figure out why I was there and what Lily was to me.
“Nice to meet you, Lily,” my father said, taking her hand.
“You too, Mr. Dalton.”
“Would you like some coffee? I just finished taking some cookies out of the oven, too,” my mother said.
I looked at Lily, wondering if she could drink coffee. Was it safe for babies?
“Or I have tea or juice. I suppose it’s late enough for wine,” my mother added.
“I’ll have coffee. Lily?”
“Tea if it’s not too much trouble.” She squeezed my hand like she was nervous. My mother’s eyes drifted to where our hands were clasped.
“Have a seat,” my father said, motioning to the kitchen table. “Are you working, Wy?”
I realized I was still in my uniform. “I’m off now.”
My mother put water on to boil and poured me some coffee. She handed me a mug and put the plate
of cookies on the table.
“You have to have one of these. My mom makes the best cookies,” I said, holding the plate to Lily.
“Can you eat cookies, honey?” my mother asked. “I have fruit or something.”
Lily’s eyes widened, and even I flinched, wondering if my parents already knew about the baby. If so, I’d have to metaphorically kick Josh’s ass for telling them.
“I know that in your job, you have to watch your figure,” my mother finished.
Lily and I both let out a sigh of relief.
“I’m not modeling anymore. I’m actually looking at starting my own business.”
“How fascinating,” my mother said.
“What sort of business?” my father asked, sitting at the table with his own coffee cup.
“An activewear clothing line.”
“Like sweats?” my father asked.
“Well, yes, and exercise clothes for women.”
“I bet Allie would be interested in hearing all about that,” my mother said, pouring the hot water over a tea bag and then bringing the mug to Lily. “She owns a yoga studio.”
“I took a class from her when she was out at Pine Rest,” Lily said.
“Why don’t you sit down, mom.” I wanted to get this news out.
She had that look in her eyes like she knew that news was coming but was trying to be coy about it.
She sat next to my dad.
I took Lily’s hand again. “I’m in love with Lily.”
“And I love Wyatt,” Lily added.
“Well, isn’t that wonderful,” my mother smiled.
“Is the Sheriff alright with that? He’s your boss, Wy.” My father frowned in concern.
“My father doesn’t have a say in who I love,” Lily said.
“I think he’ll be okay. He didn’t put me in jail.”
My mother flinched. “Was that a possibility?”
I decided to hold back, on the whole, stealing a sheriff’s car until later. “There’s one more thing.” I looked at Lily to make sure she was okay. She bit her lip again, and I was eager to get this done, so I could take her home and kiss that lip.
“Lily and I are having a baby.”
My parents frowned and looked at each other.
When my mother turned back to me, I saw tears in her eyes. “So…you can have babies?”
