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“It’s still a lot to take in, knowing I have so many people in my corner. Sometimes it gets the best of me. This is one of those times.”
I pull into my spot in the parking garage and turn off the engine. Removing my seat belt, I turn to face her. My hand cradles her cheek. “You are the most important person in my life. I will always be in your corner. There is nothing in this world that can keep me from being by your side.” Her eyes well with tears, and my anxiety piques. I hate to see her cry. “I love you, Layla. You know that, right?”
She nods. “I love you too.” She smiles and wipes at her tears. “We should go in. I have a lot to get done today, and you’re all supposed to be leaving in twenty minutes.”
“I can stay,” I offer, but she waves me off.
“I’m fine, Owen. Thank you for worrying about me and taking care of me. I don’t know what I would do without you.”
“Good thing we’re never going to find out.” I kiss her one more time on the corner of her mouth and pull the keys from the ignition, exiting the car.
I leave Layla at her desk with the promise to stop by before we leave to check on her again. She rolled those beautiful blue eyes of hers but didn’t argue. She knows it wouldn’t do a bit of good. Instead of going to my office, I stop by Marshall’s. He’s the only one of us in the office today. I would have gone to Sawyer, but girl code and all that. I’m afraid she might not tell me if Layla needs me. I know I can count on my brother.
“What’s up?” Marshall asks, sitting up straighter in his chair.
“I need a favor.”
“Anything.” For all of the goofiness that comes from my brothers, the younger two especially, I know that I can always count on them. “Layla’s not feeling well. Can you check in on her for me today?”
“Got it.” He nods.
“Call me if she needs me. She won’t ask,” I say, running my hand over my beard.
“I’ll check on her,” he assures me.
“Can you also make sure she eats lunch? She didn’t eat much for breakfast.” It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell him to forget it, and that I’m staying.
“Owen, I promise you I’ll look after her. I’ll make sure she eats, and if she needs you, even if she won’t admit it, I’ll call you.”
My shoulders relax at his assurance. “Thanks, Marsh.”
“Anytime, brother. She’s family.”
His easy acceptance of the woman I love has me feeling a little choked up myself. I know that my emotions are feeding off hers, but my brothers, they’re my best friends, and Marshall, although six years younger than me, he’s got my back.
“Thank you.” My words are sincere.
“Go on, do what you’ve got to do. I’ve got her.”
With that knowledge, I nod and leave his office. I stop by mine to grab a file I’m going to need for today and then make my way back to the front office to see Layla. She’s sitting at her desk, looking at something on her computer. “Babe, why don’t you at least take it easy today? That computer can’t be good on your headache.”
“I will. I was just checking my emails to see if there is anything that needed my immediate attention.”
“Promise you’ll take it easy?”
“Yes.”
“Ready?” Royce asks, coming out of his office.
I look at Layla, and she gives me another one of those smiles that doesn’t reach her eyes. “Do what you need to do. I’ll have my phone on my desk all day. You can check in with me.”
“What’s going on?” Royce asks, and I can hear the concern in his voice.
“Nothing is wrong,” Layla assures him. “I have a headache, a migraine, and Owen wants to cancel the day. I’ll be fine.”
“You sure? We can move this if we need to.”
“Yes, I’m sure. It’s Friday. I’ll have all weekend to rest up. Besides, I took some headache medicine, and I’m already starting to feel better.”
“Layla,” I try again, but she gives me a look that tells me I’m pushing my luck.
“Owen, I’m fine. I promise you, I’m fine. If I need you, I’ll call you. Marshall and Sawyer are both here with me today. It’s not like I’m going to be alone. Go do your job so I can do mine.”
“Get Sawyer or Marshall to drive you home if you feel like you’re done for the day,” Royce tells her. “Don’t worry about missing work.”
“I appreciate that. Thank you. I’m fine.” She stands from her chair and walks to where I’m standing next to her desk. Her arms wrap around me, and she hugs me tight. “I love you, Owen Riggins.”
