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Ridge rested his back against the wall beside Blake. “I don’t know. I thought it was a girly drink, since Everly told me they always have it at bridal showers and stuff.”
Blake laughed, but the happiness in the sound died too soon. “I’m about to get sentimental.”
“Nope,” Ridge said, pushing off the wall.
Blake grabbed his friend’s arm and pulled him back. “Stop it. Weddings are for mushy feelings.”
Ridge huffed. “I don’t have those, so I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“You care about Everly,” Blake pointed out.
“I do, but I don’t go around talking about it.”
“Yeah, well, I do. I love her, and I just want to tell you that we’re both going to miss you when you go.”
Ridge stared out at the crowd. “I’m not going.”
Blake jerked his head to his friend. “Really?”
“It’s not the future I want.” Ridge shrugged.
“What kind of future do you want? Are you saying you want to be a ranch hand forever?” They hadn’t had this talk since Blake was the agent and Ridge was the star player who needed to decide which NFL team could best advance his career.
Now, Ridge had the lowest paying and most labor-intensive job at the ranch at his own request. If he wanted to hide away from the world and just live his life the way he wanted, he was doing a fine job of it right here.
The truth hit Blake in the chest. That’s exactly what Everly was trying to do. She wanted to live her life on her own terms without anyone interfering, and he’d brought that interference straight to her doorstep.
“I’ve been talking to Mr. Chambers about setting up a kids work ranch program.”
“What? Since when?” Blake asked.
“Since I realized it’s been good for me to work hard and appreciate everything. I’m not saying I didn’t work hard for my football career, but this work means more to me, and I want kids to feel that same sense of accomplishment when your hard work pays off.”
Blake glanced at the door. Everly still hadn’t come back in, and he shifted his weight from one side to the other. She should come back in any minute. “That sounds great. I kind of wish I’d thought of that.”
“Where’s Ev?” Ridge asked.
Blake took a deep breath. “I messed up.”
“What did you do?”
Blake ignored the bite in his friend’s question. Ridge had every right to be angry. This was exactly the scenario they’d all wanted to avoid when Blake and Everly’s relationship moved to the next level.
Upsetting the protective brother was grounds for war.
“I did something she told me she didn’t want me to do.”
“You’re going to have to be more specific before I assume the worst and gut you like a fish,” Ridge said slowly.
Blake’s shoulders tensed, despite knowing Ridge wouldn’t cause a scene at a wedding. “She shared something private with me, and I showed someone else.”
Ridge lifted his chin. “If you’re talking about nudes, we’re taking this chat outside.”
Blake burst into laughter, which did nothing to crack Ridge’s glare.
“Dude, never. You can relax that fist,” Blake said.
“What is it then?”
