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Tears flowed down her cheeks as she nodded. “I love you, too. You’ve been my rock for years. All three of you have. And for the record, I don’t regret any of it. Even the fucked-up parts.” She wiped her face and gave me a brave smile. “Just so you know. I plan on kicking the cancer’s pathetic ass, so tell River I’ll see her soon.”
“I will.” A lump lodged itself in my throat. “You say the word, and I’ll be with you too.”
Brynn shook her head. “You find River. The second she’s in your arms, please text. Or even better, call.”
“I promise. I should go. Chance said to keep it short.” We stared at each other, my brain imprinting this moment in my mind for the rest of my life. I leaned over and gently touched my lips to hers and tried to tell her all the things I couldn’t say. This kiss wasn’t like any I’d ever had before. The desperation, the passion, the drive that fueled all of the previous kisses we shared, all of that was gone, and what was left in its place was the purest kind of love. “I love you, Brynn.”
“I love you too. See you soon.” She gave my hand one last squeeze, then let me go.
Reaching the door, I glanced over my shoulder and silently told her goodbye. I kept my head down as I left her room. I cleared my throat, then looked at Jace and Chance. Tears streamed down my cheeks. “You take good care of her, man.” I pulled Chance in for a huge hug. “Say the word and we’ll be in Oregon in a few hours.” I smacked him on the shoulder.
“I will. I’ll FaceTime you guys as soon as she gets settled in.” Chance dropped his arms, then embraced Jace. “You guys are my family. I can’t make it through this without you.”
Jace sniffled. “Same.” He stepped back and sucked in a breath. “Talk to you later.”
I gave Chance a small wave as I walked away.
“We’re going to fucking see her again goddammit.” Jace hunched over, staring at the floor as we trudged down the hall.
“Fuck yeah, we are.” I wished I could have believed my own words. Deep down, I realized I was leaving a part of my heart with Brynn. A piece that I might never get back.
Chapter Twenty-Six
I had time to shower and change into fresh clothes before meeting Tim for lunch. One look at me and he’d know something else was wrong. I’d struggled with the idea of telling him about Brynn, but I was on the fence, flopping back and forth like a fish on dry land. Tim had known her since we were in sixth grade when her family moved into the neighborhood. My mom had warmed up to her immediately, which Brynn needed since her parents were gone more than mine. Even with two daughters, Mom had taken Brynn under her wing, nurtured her, loved her, and guided her. That was the reason I knew she’d take to River, too.
It was always Mom, Mallory, and Hannah who took Brynn shopping for school clothes. My mom attended parent-teacher conferences and made sure she was keeping her grades up. Sometimes she’d stay at our house, but her parents were weird and wanted her to be at home with the nanny most of the time. Brynn got along with her, but said we felt more like her real family. I understood that feeling all too well.
I grabbed my wallet and cell phone, mentally preparing myself to meet Tim. Jace had planned on heading to his place after I returned to Chance’s and updated him. Even though we’d not said it out loud, I think we both needed some space. Grief was strange. It pulled you in so many different directions. It was difficult to know what you wanted from minute to minute.
It had been a long time since I’d been to Riverfront Park. If shit weren’t so fucking serious, it would have been a perfect day for it. There wasn’t a single cloud in the sky, and the water was calmer than usual.
An hour later, Zayne drove into an empty parking lot a few blocks away from where Tim and I would meet. The FBI didn’t want Zayne to go in with me, so he’d drop me off, and I’d walk the rest of the way. I needed to give Tim the impression that I trusted him enough to be alone with him.
“Are you ready?” Zayne asked.
“I’m ready to end this bullshit. Once the FBI has River in custody, I’m done with this son of a bitch.”
“Hang in there. We’re getting closer. I’m sure it doesn’t feel like it, but we are.” Zayne rolled up the sleeves of his white button-down, revealing his muscular forearms. “Don’t forget to keep your phone on the table and start the recording. You won’t see me, but I’ll be close and so will Michelle.”
I groaned. “Better watch out. She’ll be all over you next.” I quirked an eyebrow at him.
Zayne rubbed his chin, his gaze hiding behind his Ray-Bans. “She’s not my type. Brynn is.”
My mouth gaped slightly. “I’ll keep that in mind if you join the lower-level club when we reopen. I might have someone for you to release some of that stress.” I grinned. My man was human, after all.
“Good luck. We’ll have eyes on you the entire time.”
“Thanks. I have a feeling I’m going to need all the help I can get.” I climbed out of the car and adjusted my Ray-Ban sunglasses, still squinting against the early afternoon sunshine. I reached the sidewalk, and two pretty girls stopped and stared as I walked by. Their giggles floated through the summer air. I was glad River wasn’t flirty and giggly. I loved hearing her laugh, but it was genuine, not a ploy to get me into her bed. It was funny. Once I’d spent some time with her, I’d realized how much the immature behavior of some women grated on my last nerve. Bitch Becky Michelle immediately came to mind.
I located Tim exactly where he said he’d be, by the food truck. He sat at one of the outdoor tables, his attention on the newspaper in front of him.
I drew in a sharp breath and shoved a hand in my jeans pocket. Brian had talked to me about defensive posture and what to avoid. Clearing my throat, I approached Tim. “Dad.” Bile churned in my stomach at the mere idea that he was my dad. Maybe after this was finished, I’d change my last name, so I’d no longer be associated with a sick and twisted criminal.
“Son. It’s good to see you.” He chewed on a French fry and grinned. “Do you want a burger?”
I pulled the chair out, the metal feet scraping against the cement patio. “No, thanks. I’m not hungry.”
Once everyone was out of earshot, he leaned back in his seat, studying me intently. “You look like fucking shit. What’s going on?”
