Page 125 of Starcrossed Colorado

“I get it,” Ashford said.

Teller eyed Ayla again, and she returned his glare with equal force before sweeping her ponytail over her shoulder in a dramatic gesture. She spun and walked away.

Well, then.

Until now, Ayla had been extremely low key given her superstar reputation. But within seconds of appearing, the chief had brought out her inner diva.

Judson crossed his arms, eyes impossible to see beneath the brim of his hat. Piper looked like she was stifling a laugh. “Does Maisie have her bag packed?” she asked.

“Yep,” I said, welcoming the subject change. “Right, Ashford? I can grab it.”

Ayla was in Maisie’s room. When I walked in, Maisie ran over and hugged my legs. “I really have to go?”

“Yes, but we’ll be back together later tonight.”

“Can I stay up late and watch shows? And have extra dessert?”

Ayla snickered, meeting my eyes. “Girl knows what she wants. I love that.”

There were more hugs and kisses as we got Maisie ready to go. Ayla promised to FaceTime Maisie as soon as she could. “I’ll have to send you the new songs I’m working on.”

“Will you sing for me some more?”

“Of course. I would love to.”

Maisie glanced over at me. “Emma can play the music for you. She’s super good at violin and piano and guitar too. And Daddy’s also anexcellentsinger.” She shrugged. “For a boy.”

Ayla winked at her niece. “You’ve got a promising future as a talent agent, Maisie.”

“What’s that?”

“I will tell youallabout it next time I see you.”

Ashford came in and picked up his daughter, holding her tightly and whispering to her. It was time for her to go, and I felt how anxious he was. But Maisie would be in good hands.

He carried her to the entryway. Ashford handed Maisie over to Teller. “You’re going with Ollie’s uncle. You remember the chief, right?”

“I’ve heard from your dad how brave you are,” Teller said.

“I’m taking jiu-jitsu,” her tiny voice replied.

“Of course. Just like my nephew, right?”

“Is Ollie coming with us?”

“Ollie is at Dixie’s.” Piper leaned in to tickle her. “Maisie, you can protect us with your fancy fighting moves.”

Teller frowned at his sister. “No need for fighting moves. Everything’s going to be fine.”

Ashford draped a blanket over Maisie. “This is just until you’re in Teller’s police car, okay monkey?”

He reached for my hand as Teller carried Maisie out the door and Piper followed with Maisie’s bag. Then we both watched from a window as they made their way toward the waiting police SUV. Once the reporters realized it was the chief of police and a child, they stepped back. Only the most zealous kept shouting questions.

Everyone in the apartment seemed to breathe a collective exhale when Teller drove away.

Callum and Grace were up next. They didn’t wait long. Less than ten minutes after Maisie’s departure, they hurried out thedoor. Grace had a thick shawl draped around her face and a big pair of sunglasses, which Ayla had loaned her. It helped that they were a similar height. She’d also added Ayla’s signature bright pink lipstick, never mind the fact that Ayla herself hadn’t worn a swipe of makeup her whole time in Silver Ridge.

I held my breath, peering down from the window. Another police SUV had just pulled up, driven by another officer.

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