33. Colton

Chapter 33

Colton

The second Pecker answered the phone, I knew something was wrong. I knew Jimmy had found Leslie and he was going to stop at nothing to get her.

I've always been able to stay calm and clear headed in emergency situations and that made me great at my job… but today I lost it. I had a hard time staying focused on anything other than how terrified Leslie must've been.

I almost made countless stupid errors, but Pecker jumped in each time and stopped me. He had my back and I won't forget that any time soon.

When Leslie's car came into view, I wanted to jump for joy. Those feelings didn't last long. As soon as I saw Jimmy get out of the car and stomp over to Leslie, I felt like I was going to be sick. My heart ached so much at the thought of something happening to her. I'm not sure I would've survived that.

But the sound of those cuffs clicking into place and Jimmy's muffled curses once he was stuffed into the back of the squad car was the best thing I've ever heard.

Having my girl in my arms and knowing she's finally safe and free to live her life is the greatest gift I could get this Christmas.

"Pecker called Jared. He's going to come get Jimmy and take him to the county lockup for me."

"You don't need to do that." Leslie swipes at her cheeks with her sleeve and sniffles.

"If you think I'm leaving you in the next twelve hours, you're crazy. I might even take off tomorrow and let the town be without a sheriff. Jimmy's the worst trouble we've seen in decades in Maple Springs. With him behind bars, the town will be fine for a few hours."

"I'm so sorry I'm the reason he came here."

"Nah, don't be sorry. You're not at fault for anything. Plus, he didn't seem to do any damage other than freaking you out and admitting to his future plans. It could've gone badly, but it didn't. We're all fine and we're going to continue being fine."

"What if he doesn't stay in prison?" Leslie whispers as we're lying on the couch at home a few hours later.

"According to Mason, I don't think Jimmy will be able to sweet talk his way out of this again. Mason was recording him while he was threatening you and Sophia too. He's been stalking your family members for months, trying to figure out where you are. I'm shocked he didn't try to make contact with any of them… Exactly how scary looking are your uncles?"

She grins up at me as she grabs her phone off the coffee table and pulls up a photo. She holds the phone out to me and my eyes widen.

"Who are these guys?"

"Uncle Wes…" She points to a massive man with more muscle than I could ever dream of having. "Uncle Mason…" She points to another large man who I wouldn't want to mess with. He looks like he could tear you in two with his bare hands. "My dad and Uncle Steve…" She motions to two normal sized men who don't look particularly intimidating. "And the rest are Sophia's Uncles. Well, pseudo-uncles."

"Yeah, I'm kinda glad you live so far away from home." I chuckle and shake my head. "Some of those guys are scary looking."

"They're all harmless teddy bears." She smiles.

"Now that Jimmy's not a threat, are you going to keep your name Leslie or go back to Zoey?" I press a soft kiss to her head and snuggle a little closer.

Snow's sleeping at my feet. She hasn't left our side since we got home. I'm sure she senses something, which is why I love this dog.

"I'd really like to go back to Zoey. I've always hated the name Leslie."

"Then why did you pick that name?"

"Well, Jimmy knew I hated it. I figured it was best for me to use it and he might not think it's really me." She lifts her shoulder in a shrug.

"I really like Zoey." I emphasize her name, loving how a soft smile spreads across her cheeks.

"I've always loved how you say Zoey. It makes me feel special." She kisses my forearm that's wrapped around her shoulders. She's resting with her back against my side and her head leaning against my shoulder.

"What do you want to do the rest of the night?"

"I want to check on Sophia and make sure she's ok. She was really freaked out."

"I think you should give her some space tonight." As soon as the words are out of my mouth, I know she's going to argue with me. I hold up a hand and stop her. "I know you care, but she's with Pecker. He said she's still scared and shaking. He's taking care of her and I think you need to let her find comfort in him."

"Why?"

"Because he really cares about her. At first it was a harmless crush, but I think things are developing between them. I'd like to see what's going to happen and I think tonight will either move their relationship along or stop it."

"Ok," she whispers.

"What else do you want to do?"

She stares into my eyes for several long seconds before she moves onto her knees and straddles my lap. She kisses me hard and demanding, surprising the hell out of me.

"You."

"You don't have to tell me twice!" I stand, taking her with me.

She giggles as she wraps her arms around my neck and her legs around my waist. I take off at a jog towards our room with Snow barking behind us.

"I'm ok, Snow!" Zoey laughs even harder.