I slowly get to my feet, a little unsteady, and crawl into the tent. Ryder follows, zips it up and we each get into our own sleeping bags. Ryder gave me so much to think about, and it takes me a while before I can finally fall asleep. But when I do, it’s with his voice in my head, bringing me sweet dreams and so much hope.
I’ll love you more than anyone ever has or ever will.
The next morning arrives, and my eyes flutter open. Turning my head, I see Ryder on his back, breathing evenly and softly, still asleep. He stayed true to his word and didn’t even try to snuggle with me. I’m not sure how I can be relieved and disappointed at the same time.
Being as quiet as possible, I change into some fresh clothes and slip out of the tent. It’s bright out, and I cover my eyes as I wander over to where Linc leisurely sits on a folding chair. He has the fire roaring and sips coffee. “What time did you get up?” I ask, rummaging throughthe containers, searching for the Yorkshire tea I know I had with me.
“Dawn.”
“Bloody hell. And I thought I was an early riser.”
“When I was a fighter, I got up every morning at four to train.” He shrugs. “I don’t need much sleep, and I wanted to call Mer before she fell asleep.”
“She’s due soon?” I take the kettle from the fire and pour some hot water into my mug.
“Our little boy will be here in less than three weeks.” He sounds so proud, so excited, and I can’t help but smile.
“Congratulations.” Sitting down in the chair beside him, I blow on my steaming tea. “Did you guys, ah, plan having a baby or…” My question trails off awkwardly.
He shakes his head, a smile softening his rugged face. “No, definitely no planning involved. She told me while we were dancing at our wedding. Right before Cole arrested Addie.” He chuckles.
“I heard about that.” Everyone in the industry heard about that. It was quite the little scandal for a few ticks.
“Other than that mild inconvenience, it was the best day of my life. Hearing the woman you love tell you she’s carrying your baby—ourbaby—makes a man melt. And get really fucking protective, too.”
I wonder if Ryder feels the same way? Without thinking, I lay a hand over my flat belly. It’s way too early to know if I’m actually pregnant, but somehow the idea doesn’t seem quite as scary as it did the other day. In fact, aftereverything he confessed last night, and how sincere his words hit, it almost feels… nice.
When Linc’s gaze drops, I quickly move my hand back up to the mug and sip my tea. I have enough to focus on right now. The slim possibility that a baby might be on the horizon is something I’m going to have to deal with later.
Right now, I have a twenty-five thousand carat diamond to find.
Chapter Twenty: Ryder
Cracking my eyes open, I turn my head and see Delaney’s empty sleeping bag. As much as I wanted to pull her close last night, I didn’t want to send her running scared. Especially after practically telling her I’m in love with her.
“Christ.” I swipe a hand through my messy hair and down over my stubbled face. A part of me is afraid to peek outside, worried she stole a Jeep and is halfway back to the States by now.
“Knock, knock.” The zipper lowers, Delaney pops her head inside the tent and I breathe out a low sigh of relief. “Are you getting up any time today?” she playfully gripes.
“What time is it?” I squint against the sunlight streaming in through the slitted opening.
“Six a.m., Moneybags. C’mon, and get your pretty ass up. I’ve had two cups of tea already, Linc has had three cups of coffee, Brighton is making breakfast, and you’re in here lazing the day away. Chop-chop. We’ve got tunnels to search.” When I groan, she turns adorably threatening. “Don’t make me use my stun gun.”
I choke out a laugh and the tent flap flutters closed. With a smile, I change clothes and then amble over to the fire where everyone is gathered.
“Nice of you to join us,” Addie remarks with a smirk.
“Diamond Man needs his beauty sleep,” Linc teases, and I lift my middle finger.
“No, Diamond Man needs his coffee.” I reach for a mug and the jar of coffee grinds. “I thought you said Brighton was making breakfast. I don’t see anything.”
Brighton tosses me a small box of cereal. “Bon appétit!” she says brightly.
“Gee, thanks. I was hoping for bacon and eggs or—”
“Not out here,” Addie reminds me, sealing her trash in a ziplock bag. “The last thing we want is a pride of lions showing up because they smell bacon frying.”
“Can’t argue with that.” I munch on my raisin bran and gulp my coffee as we come up with a gameplan.
