Two deputies step out of the cruiser—Harris and Boyd, both locals and men I’ve known since high school. Good men. They glance at Brian and exchange a silent question.
Harris steps onto the porch, his voice calm yet firm. “Evenin’, Reed.”
“Evenin’,” I say, crossing my arms. “He showed up screamin’ and tried to force his way in.”
Boyd crouches next to Brian, checking him over. “Looks like he didn’t get far.”
“No,” I say flatly. “He didn’t.”
Harris glances at me, then at Layla, who’s partially hidden behind Catalina near the door. He sees her crouched behind Catalina and notices the faint bruise on her neck. “You the one he hurt?” he asks softly.
Layla nods once. “Yeah.” Her voice cracks. “He followed me here.”
Harris’s jaw tightens. “We’ll make sure he doesn’t again.”
They lift Brian upright. He groans, blinking sluggishly, then his eyes focus on me, on Maverick, and on the woman he can no longer reach.
He spits, his voice hoarse. “You think this fixes anything? You think she’ll stay with you?”
Maverick takes a step forward, but Carter grabs his arm. “Shut the fuck up. Have fun being someone’s bitch,” he mutters.
I step close enough that Brian has to tilt his head to meet my gaze. “You’re done,” I tell him. “If you come nearher again or say her name again, I’ll make sure you don’t walk away next time.”
His lip curls, but Harris pulls him back toward the cruiser. “That’s enough, Brian,” he says. “You’re under arrest for trespassing, harassment, and domestic violence.”
Brian stumbles, cursing under his breath as they cuff him.
Before they shut the door, I call out to Harris. “Make sure the report includes everything—what he did to her, the messages, and tonight. I want it in writing that he’s not allowed in this state.”
Harris nods in agreement. “You got my word, Reed. We’ll take care of it.”
Boyd gives a quick nod, too, his eyes flicking toward Layla. “She’s safe here. We’ll make sure of it.”
The cruiser’s doors slam shut. The gravel crunches beneath the car as it pulls away, its taillights fading down the long driveway.
The moment they’re gone, the silence returns.
Maverick exhales sharply, rubbing his hands over his face. “Phew! What a fucking adrenaline rush!” he yells, running toward the door as he calls out to Amelia. “Baby! Did you see Daddy fucking that guy up?!”
Amelia rolls her eyes as she jumps, looping her arms around his neck as Maverick holds her with one arm, giving her steady kisses.
Carter grunts, walking back towards his wife as he pulls her close to his chest.
I linger on the porch a little longer, watching the dust settle on the empty road. My fists still ache, and my heartbeat is finally slowing.
Stepping back inside, Layla is waiting for me in the doorway. Her eyes are red, but her hands are steady.
“He’s really gone?” she asks softly.
“For good this time, baby,” I promise.
She nods, moving closer, as she wraps her arms around my waist.
I pull her in, burying my face in the crook of her neck, peppering kisses.
Inside, the family’s laughter begins again. Catalina hums a tune while caressing Carter’s face. Maverick and Amelia run down the hall, giggling, talking about how he brought her favorite mask.
Normal. Safe.Home.
