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“That’s not going to happen.”
“If we can’t find any dirt on my mother, it will. I won’t let him give up his family, or the life he has in Willow River, to chase me across the country to hide from my mother. Besides, who’s to say she won’t figure it out and still go after them out of spite? It’s a risk I’m not willing to take.”
“Just take it all one day at a time. It will all work out.”
“Yeah, I’m sure my brother thought that, too, and look how that turned out.” My stomach hollows out at the thought.
“I’m so sorry, Jordyn. For what she’s putting you through, and all that you’ve been through. You don’t deserve this.”
“One day at a time.” I offer a smile I don’t feel.
“Come on, you. The guys are probably at Calvin’s by now. Our men are waiting.”
We stand and make our way out of the theater.
“Thank you for making tonight happen. And Calvin, please thank him for me, too, if I don’t get the chance.”
“Oh, don’t you worry. I’ll take care of Calvin.” She wags her eyebrows and the heaviness of the moment passes. We’re both laughing and enjoying life and I plan to hold on to that, onto this moment, and this feeling for as long as I can.
I don’t know what I did in this life to deserve a best friend like Gianna, but I will be forever grateful for her friendship. She could have kicked my ass to the curb, just as Ryder could have, but here we are and they’re still by my side. I’ll take genuine connections, genuine friendship and love over money and power all day long.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Ryder
It’s the last week of August and balls hot outside. It was also the only weekend that my brothers, Deacon, my dad, and I were all available to do our annual camping trip. It’s a rarity with the kids, wives, and day jobs that we’re all available at the same time.
Life is rapidly changing for the better.
I’m going to miss sneaking away to see my girl this weekend, but I’m also pumped for this time with my brothers and dad. And yeah, Deacon isn’t my brother by blood, but he’s married to Ramsey, my cousin, who is more like a sister, so he counts. He’s in for life.
My phone rings as I’m going over all the items I have by the front door, ready to take out to my truck. Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I smile when I see Jordyn’s name. “Hey, sweets.”
“Hi. Are you all packed up and ready to go?”
“I think so. I’m going over my mental checklist to make sure I didn’t forget anything. What are you up to? I didn’t expect to hear from you this soon.”
“I’m home alone, which is typical. I’m hiding away in my bathroom. Why, I’m not sure. I guess I just feel safer the more doors that are potentially between me and my mother.”
“I hate that you have to do that so that you can talk to me.”
“Small price to pay. Besides, my bathroom is huge. Nothing but the best for the Astor offspring. At least that’s what my mother would like for people to believe.”
“Are you still going to Gianna’s this weekend?”
“I am. I need a break from this house.”
“You know you’re welcome to come to mine. Park in the garage and hide away. Wait, if that’s going to happen, I’m not going camping.”
She laughs, and the sound brightens my day. Scratch that—my life.
“You can’t skip out on this trip. Besides, I can’t be there if you’re not there.”
“Yes, you can. Hell, if I had my way, you’d live there with me, or we can buy something different.”
“You want me to live with you?”
“Yes.”
“You’re something else, Ryder.”
“Yours. I’m yours. Honestly, if you need to get away, you know the code to get into the garage. The door to the house from the garage is unlocked. Make yourself at home.”
“I might snoop.”
“I have nothing to hide.” I’m an open book, especially where she’s concerned. You can’t share your life with someone without giving them an all-access pass to your life. Jordyn has that.
“I would be too lonely there without you.”
“I’ll stay home.” If I get to see my girl, my brothers and my dad will understand.
“No. It’s important for you to go. This is a Kincaid thing. I’m never going to stand in the way of that.”
“You wouldn’t be standing in the way. They all know what we’re going through. They would understand.”
“It’s only been a week since we’ve seen each other.”
“A lifetime,” I counter, making her giggle.
“Go. Have fun. Is it okay if I still call or text while you’re gone?”
“Hell, yes. We even made sure that where we’re going, we have good cell service. Brooks is freaking out because Palmer is pregnant, and the rest of my brothers want to make sure their wives—and Dad, too, with Mom—can get ahold of them if needed.”
