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“No. It has to go through an inspection and then closing. Lydia will get it shoved through faster, so I have a place to live.”
“I told you; you can stay here. We have room. The basement has a bedroom.”
“Is that where you get banished when you misbehave?”
“It’s for when Idon’tmisbehave.” Riley grinned.
“Too much information, Riley. I appreciate the offer, but I don’t think so. The hotel is fine for now.”
“Are you doing all right?”
Brett gave an abrupt nod. “Yep. I’m fine.”
“I hope so.”
“I am. Trust me. It’s been two years. When she got the divorce papers, she called and said I filed quick—”
“What? She’s the one who wanted out.”
“Riley, for the longest time, I tried to figure out what I’d done, and I realized I didn’t do anything except take care of her and love her. She said I was too busy, even after I quit flying.” He shrugged. “Home every weekend, vacations twice a year, but I was too busy.”
“Too Busy? But it was fine when she traveled with you every time you flew.”
“Well, I think she was fake about many things.” Brett yawned again. “Man, I’m sorry, but I need to get going. Hopefully, I’ll fall asleep once my head hits the pillow.”
“All right. Let me walk you out.”
“Thanks. Please tell Katie thanks for dinner. It was great. I’m sorry I missed the kids, though.” Brett took his hat off the peg and put it on his head.
“Katie’s parents love having them stay on the weekends.”
“It gives you two a break.”
Riley nodded. They walked onto the porch. Brett put his hand out to him, and Riley shook it.
“Let me know when you’re moving. We can help if you need us.”
“I hired a moving company for my items, but I’m leaving the furniture.”
“Keep in touch, and congrats on the house. I’m sure you’ll love Clifton.”
Brett nodded, walked down the steps, moved to his truck, and climbed into it. After starting it, he touched the brim of his hat and saw Riley wave.
As he drove down the driveway, he glanced in the rearview mirror and saw the porch light go out.
Riley had a good life now. It hadn’t always been that way. When he was a small child, his stepfather used to beat him. Roscoe Madison discovered he wasn’t Riley’s biological father, which set him off.
Brett couldn’t understand that. It wasn’t Riley’s fault that Roscoe wasn’t his father. Brett was glad that Riley got away from him. When Roscoe died, he left the land he owned for Riley. But it was the last thing Riley wanted from Roscoe. He hated the man, so nothing he left him meant a damn thing.
Riley leveled the old house and built a new one to sell, along with the land. A place Brett had designed. It was a long story, but Riley returned to Clifton, married Katie, and was happier now than ever.
Brett wanted that again, but needed it to last this time, so he didn’t lose faith in love.
He pulled into the hotel parking lot and drove into the spot in front of his room. It was a nice place, but he wanted to get into his new home.
Once inside his room, he pulled back the bedclothes, stripped down to his boxer briefs, and crawled into bed. He closed his eyes and drifted off.
Chapter Two
