AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Ryan pulls away, his eyes searching mine. "I don't know what I did to deserve you," he says, his voice cracking. "You're amazing, Sophia."
I smile, feeling my cheeks turn pink. "I'm just doing what anyone in love would do," I say, leaning in to kiss him softly. "I love you, Ryan."
I think it's the first time either of us has said the words since that impulsive night two weeks ago...but I still mean it.
Ryan's lips linger on mine for a few moments before he pulls away, his eyes searching mine. "I love you too, Sophia," he says, his voice filled with emotion. "And I couldn't do this without you."
I smile softly, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes. "We'll get through this together," I say, taking his hand in mine. "No matter what happens, we'll face it together."
Ryan nods, his grip on my hand tightening. "Thank you," he says. "For everything."
We stand there for a few more moments, holding each other close, before Ryan pulls away and begins to pack his bag again. I do the same, my heart heavy with emotion as I try to stay strong for Ryan.
But as I pack my things into my bag, I can't help but wonder what the future holds for us. Will Ryan's father pull through? Will Ryan be okay? And most of all...will we weather this storm when I'm starting to gain more certainty that I'm pregnant…?
Chapter nineteen
Ryan
We hit the road at the crack of dawn, Sophia letting out a big yawn as we settle into the truck. Tex sits in her lap, his chin resting on the edge of the open window as we make our way through the city streets as Sophia makes some calls to ensure everything is covered at the White Oak.
"Hey, Bryn," she says. "Yeah...I need you and Trip to organize everything tonight, get the staff in order, that kind of thing. Mmhm. Yeah, everything's fine. I'm just going out of town on an unexpected trip."
I hear Bryn's voice on the other end of the call, and Sophia rolls her eyes and smirks as she looks over at me.
"Yes...yes, I'm with Ryan, and no, you do not have permission to give me shit or to tell on me," she says, then laughs at whatever Bryn said in response. "I promise I'll come clean to the staff when we get back. Yeah. Mmhm. Bye, Bryn."
She sighs and rolls her neck as she hangs up the phone, her hand immediately falling to scratch Tex's ears. He lets out a little sigh of his own, happy to be in his person's lap, somewherewarm and safe. I'm so glad I have them both with me—that I decided to ask Sophia to come with me instead of staying behind to watch Tex.
Now, I just have to figure out how to talk to my parents about what's happening between us amidst all this chaos.
The truth is, I haven't told my folks about Sophia yet. Things have been fast and heated between us, and it never felt like the right time when our relationship was even a secret from her co-workers.
"Ryan," she says quietly, as if reading my mind. "Do they know?"
"About us?"
"Yeah."
"Not yet," I shake my head. "But they're going to love you, Sophia. They have to—just as much as I do."
She smiles, though she still looks a little apprehensive. This has all moved so fast that I'm sure she's nervous.
"Ryan, I..."
She trails off, and I frown as I glance over at her. I need to focus on the road, but something is definitely up. "You okay?"
She bites her lip. "Yeah, I'm fine. I just—I'm nervous about meeting your parents, I guess. Do you mind telling me what they're like?"
I hum to myself, not sure how to find the words to describe the people who raised me and I've known my whole life. "Well, they're both in their seventies—so, you know, they're getting up there. But they're healthy. They live on a ranch, keep horses...and they both still ride on a regular basis."
"Oh," Sophia smiles. "I love that. Do you think...do you think maybe we could go? I've never been on a horse."
I reach over to squeeze her hand. "Absolutely. But yeah...they're old but spry, healthy."
"Have your family always been ranchers?"
I shake my head. "Nah. My mother was a public school teacher when I was growing up, and my dad was in real estate. They've always lived in the same town, but they bought the ranch and relocated out to the country after they retired."
