Page 67 of Spurred On

“Even then.”

Shit.

“But later, when you met again . . . How did you know she was the one?”

“Because it hurt so bad when I wasn’t with her, I guess. When she smiled, my whole world lit up. When I realized I wanted her to be happy, even if it meant I would lose her. That’s real love, I think.”

“I’m glad you didn’t have to go that far to make her happy.”

Cade chuckled. “Me too. But it wasn’t an easy road. I doubt it ever is. The key is, don’t give up.”

Don’t give up. Great advice.He didn’t intend to.

“Do you think you love Sidney?” Cade asked.

Something sizzled through Cody’s bowels. “I know I do,” he said, but he said it so softly he doubted his brother heard.

All he had to do was convince her of that fact.

It would probably be even more difficult than he imagined.

***

It was hard as hell walking into the Double Stud ranch house and seeing Cody there, standing next to Cade, Lisa, and Claire, welcoming all the guests. Ben’s hand on her arm helped immensely, as did the expression on Cody’s face when he noticed that.

Of course, when they arrived, all together as they did, there was such a cacophony that no one else saw Cody pale.

The Wilders by themselves were like a whirlwind crowding into the foyer. Sam, Diane, Louisa, Hanna, Logan, Rafe, and Brandon—who wore an outfit that matched Ben’s, with the exception of their black and white Stetsons. But Dad and Mom arrived at the same time, as well as Ford McCoy, Crystal, and Porsche, who was dressed to kill and had eyes for Cody. Grabby-hands eyes, if that were at all possible, but with Porsche it was.

It was a zoo.

If Sidney hadn’t been so wired, she would have truly enjoyed the reunion with everyone. As it was, one annoying fly in the ointment buzzed in the periphery of her consciousness. She longed to swat him.

While they were all enjoying catching up, a tall, gorgeous hunk in a cop outfit stepped into the foyer, and Sidney blinked. She hadn’t realized there would be strippers at this party. But, to her surprise, the hottie headed over and kissed Claire.

Kissed. Claire.

Sidney’s jaw dropped.

Claire had a boyfriend.

Holy crap.

She shot a look around the crowd, but no one else seemed shocked, which meant this was hardly a new development. How annoying that Claire hadn’t let her know. She shot her friend a glower, which had the unfortunate effect of making Claire laugh. She hooked arms with her hottie cop and dragged him over.

“Hey Sidney,” she said with a hug. “Long time.”

Sidney flicked a glance at Hottie McHotterson. “I guess.”

Claire laughed again. Apparently she was happy about something. “Meet Charlie. He’s the new sheriff in town.”

“Nice to meet you,” she said, holding out her hand. “This is Ben Wilder. My date.”

It was Claire’s turn to boggle. “Your . . . date?” Why she flicked a glance at Cody was a mystery. Or not. “How, ah, how long have you been dating?”

“Not long enough,” Ben said with a glimmer in his eye. He pulled Sidney closer and kissed her brow.

“How long have you been dating?” Sidney asked Claire, with only a slight bite to her tone. Her expression added, And why the hell didn’t you tell me you had a honey?