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“Tell who what?” Ryder is back, holding a beer for each of us.
23
AVA
Ispin around and stare at Ryder like a deer caught in the headlights.
“I’m in love with your sister. For real,” Travis says.
I turn my head and stare at Travis like a deer in the headlights. Did he just say in love??? Everything stops. The entire party is silent. My heart stops beating. I’m not even breathing.
“You’re in love with my sister? For real?” Ryder repeats.
“Yes,” Travis says.
I say nothing–I just continue looking back and forth between them. I cannot read either one’s face. Travis is looking straight into Ryder’s eyes, not blinking, and Ryder is staring back at Travis, also not blinking.
“Ahem!” Mia pops up next to her dad. “I love Ava, too!”
“She is pretty great, isn’t she?” Ryder finally breaks the silence.
“Yeah, she is. The best,” Travis agrees.
“Well, come here, bro!” Ryder pulls him in by the hand and gives him a man hug. “Welcome to the family. I couldn’t have picked a better guy for my sister.”
“What?” I finally manage to spit out.
“Travis has been my best buddy for decades. He’s seen me at my worst, best, and worst again, and his friendship has never faltered. Whenever I need something, he’s right there. When I need advice, I always know he’ll tell it to me straight. I’ve never met a more genuine, honest, hardworking, and caring man. If given the chance to build a man for my little sister from scratch, I couldn’t even come close to making someone as good as Travis. So, of course, I’m happy he’s in love with you.” Ryder is getting choked up!
“Wow, thanks, man. That means a lot to me.” Travis is getting choked up, too.
“Also, you two did a terrible job hiding it. Anyone who doesn’t see that you are madly in love is blind or in denial.” Ryder laughed.
“Excuse me,” I say, still in shock.
“Yes?” Both men turn to look at me.
“Did you say–in–in love?”
“Yes, he did,” Ryder answers first.
“Yes, I did.” Travis turned toward me and took my hands in his. “Ava, this last week has been incredible. I know it’s only been a short time, but I feel like I’ve known you forever. You fit in here. You light me up. I’m sorry I was a jerk earlier. I was stupid when I said we couldn’t be together. I thought Ryder would be mad, but today, without you by my side all day, I realized I don’t care what he thinks. No offense, man. I love you, Ava. I’m so in love with you. I knew he’d come around even if he were furious. I know he loves us and wants the best for both of us. And what’s best for me is to be with you. I hope you feel the same.”
“I do. I do feel the same.” I turn my face up to look into his eyes, and his lips meet mine.
“Just this kiss…forever,” he whispers to me. I melt into him.
“Yes! Yes! Yes! I was so hoping this would happen!” Mia is jumping up and down next to us. “I love Ava, too! She makes everything here at the ranch so much better!”
“I knew it was all a sham!” Barb walks away in disgust. “They may have fooled you, but I knew it all along.”
The rest of the ladies were dancing, clapping, and cheering for us. Travis leaned down and kissed me once more, and then we joined the party.
EPILOGUE
Ava
Six months later
