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“Well, it’s a start. If nothing comes up, we’ll have to move on to Plan B.”
“What exactly is Plan B?”
“Right now, it doesn’t exist.” I keep my voice calm and in control, even though I’m nervous that we don’t have a Plan B.
“Ryder. We have to face the fact that this might not end how we hoped.”
“It ends with us being together. That’s how this ends. There is no other outcome. That may look different from how we hoped, but it’s still the same result.”
“I love you.” She turns to straddle my lap and places her soft hands against my cheeks. I wrap my arms around her waist, still hardly believing she’s here. “You’re my favorite person on the entire planet, but I won’t let you give up your life. I won’t let you give up your family, who loves you, for me. I love you too much.”
“I love you too much to lose you again. If the last two years have proven anything, it’s that our love is stronger than ever. I know I can’t and don’t want to live without you. We’ll figure out a way to still see my family. It won’t be as often as if we were living in Willow River, and more than likely not all of them at once, but we will find a way.” My tone is full of conviction.
“Ryder, listen to yourself. You can’t leave Willow River. I would have given anything to have a family like yours. Siblings who stand beside you no matter what. Two parents that love you, and show you affection. I won’t let you do it.”
There is a determination in her voice that scares me. I hold her a little tighter because I can see it in her eyes too. I don’t even want to think about what she might be planning in that beautiful head of hers.
“We’re staying present, right? Presently, I’m holding my girl in my arms, and she’s mine for the entire weekend. What do you want to do?”
“This.” She hugs me, wrapping her arms around my neck.
I run my hands beneath her shirt, tracing her spine. “Are you hungry?” I ask as her stomach growls.
She lifts her head and shrugs. “I was too excited to eat.”
“Well, we need to fix that.” Standing with her in my arms, she squeals in delight, locking her legs around my waist and her arms around my neck. I carry her to the kitchen and place her on the island. I kiss her swiftly before pulling away.
“What are we having?”
“Tacos.” My eyes find hers. “That okay with you?”
“Yep.”
“That’s what I was planning on making when the twins showed up.”
“What were you all planning to do tonight?”
“No plans. They’re the only two left who aren’t either married or in a relationship. Actually, I’m the only one in a relationship that isn’t married.” I hold her gaze. “We need to fix that.” I wink when her cheeks blush. “Anyway, they decided to come and keep me company. They knew I’d be holding down the couch.”
“Oh, you should call them and invite them over. I can go to a hotel for the night. I dropped by unannounced. I don’t mind. We can see each other tomorrow.” She gives me a huge, reassuring smile, and I know she’s speaking from a good place. She’s always thinking of everyone else.
“Like hell.” I step back between her legs, and on instinct, she wraps them around my waist. Resting my palms against her cheeks, I make sure I have her full attention. “You’re here until you have to leave on Sunday. You’re not leaving my sight, sweets.” I kiss the tip of her nose. “I love my brothers, but I’ve missed my girl, and they know that. They’re not mad that you showed up, and I sure as fuck am not mad about it.”
“They didn’t have to leave, but I understand why they did. I know I’m probably not their favorite person.”
“Hey, that’s not true. They know what happened. My family doesn’t hate you.”
“I put you through so much.”
I understand her guilt, but it’s misplaced. As far as I’m concerned, she has nothing to feel guilty for.
Do I wish she’d come to me earlier, before she left?
Absolutely.
But I’m not playing lip service when I tell her we have to stop living in the past.
“Jordyn, you did what you thought you had to do to protect us. Stay right here with me. Stay present, baby. That’s all in the past. We’re going to find a way to take care of your mother’s threats, and all of this will be behind us.”
She slides her arms around my neck. “No matter what happens, know that I love you, Ryder Kincaid. I’ll never love anyone the way I love you.”
“Good. Because we’re end game, sweets.” I kiss her. I take my time tasting her while exploring her mouth. “Now,” I say, forcing myself to step back. “I need to feed my girl.”
