Page 188 of Lost Trust

“You’re getting pretty damn good at this.”

He giggles.

“I wanna do it again.”

“Not today.”

“Aww.”

“Three rides is plenty. We don’t want to push our luck with your momma.”

He pouts.

I toss him onto my shoulders, and he squeals, grabbing the top of my hat.

“Hold on.”

I straighten and start toward the bleachers.

Marina is already coming down to meet us, relief and pride written all over her face.

“Mommy! I stayed on the whole eight seconds!”

She laughs.

“I saw you, baby!”

I keep walking, Ryder perched across my shoulders, and when I look up at Marina, I can’t stop smiling.

The kid has got fire.

No doubt about it.

She reaches over the railing and takes him from me, settling him on her hip before leaning in and pressing her lips to mine.

Ryder giggles between us.

I pull back and meet Marina’s bright eyes.

“You ready to go home?” she asks.

“Yeah.”

I nod toward the stands behind her, where the students are still sprawled across the benches.

“Just gotta get the animals put away and dismiss these heathens.”

A chorus of groans, laughter, and shouted insults comes from the stands.

I grin.

Marina laughs, glancing over her shoulder at the students before looking back at me.

“We’ll be waiting.”

She turns, Ryder tucked securely against her hip, and starts toward the exit.

I watch them go.