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“Yeah. I figure we make a good team, and I like having you at my place. So, I’d already set things in motion. When you were sleeping, I spoke with child services, and they’ve agreed that you can go home with me when you’re released. I’ve been given emergency custody.”
“So, I’ll be your foster kid until I’m eighteen?”
Ryan looks down at his hands and then back at Jake. “If that’s how you want it, sure. We can do it that way. But I’d really rather officially adopt you. If you want to take my name, you can. If you want to keep your dad’s name, that’s cool with me, too. I want you to have a solid home with a good family, Jake.”
“Can I think about the name thing?” Jake asks quietly.
“You can think about all of it,” Ryan assures him. “For now, just know that you’ll be safe with me.”
“Thank you.” Jake’s lower lip quivers. “Really, thank you.”
“You’re very welcome.”
“I think the medicine is making me sleepy again,” Jake says, wiping at his tears. “I hope I didn’t dream this.”
“I’ll remind you when you wake up,” Ryan assures him, and then sighs when Jake falls back to sleep. “Well, that went pretty okay.”
“I’m really proud of you.”
Ryan’s head comes up at my words, and he nods. “Not surprised?”
“Oh, I’m surprised as hell. I was just hoping you’d give the kid a weekend job and keep him out of trouble. I had no idea that you’d fall for him and want to be his daddy.”
“I’m not—” He pauses the denial and then lets out a shaky laugh. “I guess that’s the short version of it. I know it won’t be easy or a walk in the park, but it’s a chance for him, you know?”
“Yeah. Not everyone gets the amazing life we had growing up, and the fact that you’re giving Jake one hell of a chance at that amazing life is pretty damn great. Mom and Dad are going to shit their pants. A new grandkid to fuss over? Mom will have his Christmas stocking made by the end of the week.”
Ryan’s grin is as bright as the sun. “Yeah. That’s pretty great, huh?”
“Pretty great. For everyone.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
SUMMER
Today has been a ton of work and so much fun. We’re all so excited about this cocktail party, and I have to say, the whole bar here at the resort looks amazing. I knew that they’d let us use the space, especially since the women gathered here aren’t shy about ordering drinks and food. I’ve set out little bouquets of pink, red, and yellow dahlias and ranunculus on all eighteen of the four-top tables scattered around the room and on the end of the bar. Twinkle lights are strung around the room, and we have an amazing view of the ski runs—still without snow—and a good part of Bitterroot Valley, since the bar sits up high.
“These flowers are gorgeous,” Charlie Lexington says with a grin. “So bright and fun. A great way to cheer up a dreary fall day.”
“Thanks. You know, it’s a misconception that fall flowers have to be drab and boring. I don’t know what I’ll do with them later. I hate to throw them away.”
She turns shrewd brown eyes my way. “I have an elopement tomorrow, and they didn’t plan for flowers. Could I buy these from you?”
“Of course. I’ll give you a steal of a deal, and I’ll even take them back to the shop tonight and put them in the cooler so they’re fresh for tomorrow.”
“Now you’re going to make me cry.” Charlie grins at me and nudges my shoulder with hers as we gaze around the full room. More women than we expected came out for our first party, and I’m relieved that so many people are excited. “I love this whole idea, by the way. The lifting up women in business idea. It’s not easy being a business owner, and I can’t wait to trade ideas with everyone.”
“Networking is highly underrated,” I reply with a nod. “There’s room for everyone to do well.”
“I’ll drink to that.” She lifts her flute of bubbly champagne and clinks it to mine just as Billie Blackwell joins us, a huge grin on her pretty face. “Hey, Billie.”
“Hi.” Billie shuffles self-consciously as Millie also walks over to join us. “I appreciate you including me tonight. I don’t own my own business. Yet.”
“Are you thinking of starting one?” Millie asks.
“Well, yeah. I was telling Brooks about it the other day, and he suggested I come to this tonight. I hadn’t even heard about it because I hate social media, and I’m so glad my brother mentioned it because you have London Ambrose speaking.”
“I can’t wait to hear her,” Millie agrees.
