Chapter 34
Chapter Thirty-Four
Nash
Three weeks later
L ayla crossed the yard with Rocky the second I stepped out of my truck. It was perfect timing, because she was the only person I wanted to see right then. The trip to Texas had been good, but I was glad to be back. Layla hurried over and jumped into my arms. We kissed and hugged long enough to cause Rocky to try and wiggle his head between our legs.
We finally managed to come up for air. I grabbed my bag with one hand and Layla’s hand with the other. “How was Rocky? Did he behave?”
“There might have been a few too many treat sessions, but that’s on me. I just can’t turn down those big brown eyes.”
“Yeah, he does know how to work that pleading puppy look.”
We stepped into the house. The beautiful cove came instantly into view, and I realized I’d really missed the place.
I set down my bag and walked over to look out at the beach. “It’s official. I love Whisper Cove. At home, I wake up to a view of the neighbor’s brick garage. This is so much nicer.”
“How is your mom?” Layla asked.
“She’s improved a lot. The drastic change is hard to believe. And she’s smiling again. My mom was always one of those people who found humor in everything, but the pain she was suffering—it brought her really low. This specialist was a genius. He knew exactly what her problem was, and he took care of it. Now she’ll have some months of physical therapy, but he doesn’t see why she couldn’t get back to her normal life by the end of the year. She was already making big plans for Christmas baking. She makes these chocolate-dipped brown sugar shortbread cookies that melt in your mouth.”
“That’s sounds yummy. And your sister?”
“Becky is making plans to go back to college. She’ll still work part-time, and I’ll help with the rest of the bills. Which brings me to something else.” We sat on the couch, and Rocky planted himself at my feet. “I’ve spoken to Audrey. She’s letting me lease this place through the winter for a good price. While I was in Texas, I had a few video chats with a man named Aaron Sumner. He’s a master carpenter who lives in Fairview, and he’s looking for an apprentice. I’ve always wanted to learn carpentry and to learn it from someone like him is a one in a million opportunity. I start after this construction job is finished. He’ll pay me, not quite as well as the construction company, but I’ve got enough coming in from music downloads to fill in the gaps.”
Layla sat up excitedly. “So, you’re staying?”
“You didn’t think I’d be able to walk away from you, did you?” I took her hand in mine.
“Well, I was hoping to make it impossible for you.”
“And you have. Rocky feels the same way.”
Layla laughed. “The two of you were talking behind my back, eh?”
“We have our guy chats, and you’re one of our favorite topics. What happened with Dustin’s hearing?”
“He’s going to do some jail time and pay for all the damages, and Aria insisted I ask for a restraining order. I still can’t believe it got that far.” Layla scooted closer to me and rested her head against my shoulder. “I’m glad you’re back, and I’m really glad you’re staying.”
“I’m not going anywhere, Layla. For the longest time I felt like something was missing in my life, and it turned out she was right here in Whisper Cove just waiting for me to find her.”
“I’m really glad you found me, Nash.”