Protecting his Love

by M. J. Perry

  “I didn’t do it for him I did it for Tammy and more importantly for Katie. If he loses his house, it will affect her.”

  “You’re too soft but I understand your reasoning.”

  “Maybe I am too soft sometimes, but I’m not stupid, I always have a good reason for doing things.”

  “I know.”

  I reached over and cupped his jaw in my hand.

  He stared at me then smiled. “I love you.”

  He closed his eyes, and I moved closer leaning my head against his. “I love you too. Can we stop for coffee on the way home please?”

  “Of course, anything for you,”

  “I hoped you say that.”

  He lifted his head and eyed me warily. “Why?”

  “I’d like to get married at the Manor Hall.”

  “Ok, I’d marry you anywhere, you know that.”

  “The thing is, there are no openings until March next year.”

  He opened his mouth only to close it abruptly.

  “I know you wanted to get married as soon as possible but the Hall would be like a dream.”

  I could see a tick in the side of his jaw. I knew he wanted to argue but surprisingly his cheek relaxed and when he looked at me his eyes softened. “If it’s what you want, then we can wait until next year.”

  “Really, I mean you’re sure you don’t mind waiting that long?”

  “If it makes you happy, then I’m happy.”

  I giggled. “Oh Ryder, I know you hate the idea but thank you so much.”

  “Baby it will be hard waiting that long, I’d marry you tomorrow if I could but I’ll do it for you.”

  “You are the best,” I said excitedly.

  “Just you remember that.” He grinned before moving away. I sat back in my seat properly, buckling my belt up. He did the same and then we were on our way again. I couldn’t believe he’d agreed to the long wait, I thought he’d argue with me over it, but he seemed fine.

  “Have you booked the date?”

  “Provisionally, yes, I wasn’t sure if you would agree.”

  “Good, who deals with all the arrangements?”

  “Her name is Winnie. Why do you want to know?” I asked suspiciously.

  “I just want to know who is in charge of our wedding that’s all.”

  “Ok.” I’m ashamed to say that for a split second I was worried that he was going to ring Winnie up and cancel our reservation, but he would never do something like that.

  “When we were in the hospital Eric texted, they’ve moved you and Katie back home.”

  “Great, I hate packing.” I grinned. “Talking of packing, when are you moving in?”

  “Today.”

  “Today?” I almost screeched in surprise. I wasn’t even sure why I was surprised we were getting married after all.

  Ryder just laughed. “Eric wants to buy my house.”

  “That means Jen will be just next door.”

  “If, she moves in.”

  “Of course she will move in with him. They love each other; eventually, he will earn her trust back.”

  “I hope you’re right Lexi, but trust once gone is hard to find.”

  I shook my head. “Julian earned mine back. I know I said I didn’t trust him earlier, but I was angry at him and lashing out. I trust he won’t put Katie in danger, again.”

  “And I guess I agree but it’s different for Jen. We’ll see I suppose.”

  “Yes, we will have ringside seats if he’s living so close. I can’t wait.”

  Ryder took us through a coffee drive through before heading home just like I’d asked. We pulled on to my drive and I saw Katie’s head pop up in the window. She was grinning. I rushed out of the car towards the front door and met her as she opened it. Diving into my outstretched arms she giggled. “I missed you, Mummy. Aunty Jen said you and Ryder had things to sort out for the wedding that’s why you went out so early.”

  Thank you, Jen. “Yes, baby, but we’ve finished now.”

  I looked for Ryder and saw him at the car. He had his phone to his ear. He motioned for me to go inside so I waved back and led Katie through the door.

  Eric came in from the kitchen to greet me. “I saw you pull up, figured you’d like a minute with her.”

  “Thanks. Where’s Jen?”

  “Right here,” She called as she walked in from the kitchen. I burst out laughing at the sight of her.

  She blushed. “What’s so funny?”

  “Nothing,” I breathed out trying to calm myself.

  “I found your recipe; I thought I’d try to bake those damn muffins everyone loves.”

  She had flour all over her clothes, her hands and streaks on her face. She looked ridiculous but so cute.

  “How are they?”

  “They are still baking.”

  “Why don’t I help you wash up?”

  She shrugged. “If you want to, but I don’t think I’ve made much mess.”

  “You clearly haven’t looked in a mirror babe.” I laughed.

  Eric chuckled, and I stopped following Jen to look back at him. “You should look in a mirror too Eric, I see flour in your hair and the back of your neck.”

  He grinned and lifted a hand to wipe the white powder. “It was worth it.”

  “I’m glad to hear it.”

  “I’m going to marry her.”

  “I should hope so. I don’t want to see her hurt again.” I warned. “I know where Ryder keeps his gun.”

  “Ryder doesn’t own a gun.”

  “Doesn’t he?”

  He grimaced. “I would never hurt her. I regret more than anything what happened before and I’m going to make it up to her.”

  “A ring on her finger is a good place to start,” I added as I walked away. I hoped I hadn’t messed up by sticking my nose in but she’s my best friend.

  “What was that about?” She asked as I stopped next to her.

  “Nothing, just chitchat,”

  She lifted an eyebrow. “Why don’t I believe you?”

  “Because you have a suspicious nature?”

  A timer went off, and she jumped. “They’re ready. Please let them taste as good as yours.”

  I crossed my fingers as she opened the oven and used the gloves to take them out. They looked good. She placed them on the cooling rack and I flipped the switch on the coffee machine after checking it was already set. Just as I pulled the milk out of the fridge Ryder appeared grinning proudly.

  “What’s made you grin like a loon?” I asked, smiling at his excitement.

  “I rang Manor Hall and managed to get a date this year.”

  “You did? That’s amazing! When?”

  “Next Saturday.” He said a touch nervously.

  I dropped the milk and watched as it spilt into a huge white puddle.

  “Lexi, say something,” He begged.

  I opened my mouth, but no words came out. He moved closer to me trying to step over the milk without much success. He gripped my chin and tilted it up so I was looking at him.

  “I have ten days to plan a wedding,” I whispered.

  “We’ll have help.”

  “Ok.”

  “Eric, Jen, me, your parents, David and Chloe will pitch in too. I wanted to give you the dream wedding, but I also didn’t want to wait nearly a year to do it. This is a compromise.”

  I nodded still dazed at the short time we had to pull it off. Ten days to plan a wedding that should take at least a year? I wasn’t sure it could be done, but I’d give it a try. I didn’t exactly have a choice.

  Ten days later

  Lexi

  “We actually pulled it off,” I whispered. I was stood in the ceremony room at the Manor Hall. It was decorated with colourful flowers, and chairs with pink taffeta bows lined the room. It looked beautiful.

  “I can’t believe you had doubts.” Jen tutted, “especially with all the help we had.”

  “I know and I’m really grateful. I’m just in shock.”


  My mum came behind me and gripped my shoulders softly. “Honey, we need to get you hidden. Ryder will be making his way down here soon and its bad luck if he sees you.”

  “And I don’t need any more of that.” I grimaced.

  “Oh, I don’t know. Bad luck brought you together.”

  “Well, I don’t want to test it. Let’s move. Jen, check he isn’t in the hallway, please.”

  She poked her head out the door and looked both ways. “He’s not here, its all clear.”

  I headed towards the door slowly; my mum had hold of my train. I had clips attached to my dress to pin it back later ready for the dancing so I didn’t trip over like a klutz. I loved my dress; it was white and beaded and made me feel like a princess. I had on blue high-heeled sandals and a pink garter. Jen had talked me into trying on a veil and I’d loved it so I’d chosen one that brushed my shoulders.

  “Come on quickly,” Jen called. “I can hear voices.”

  I tried to hurry, but I was worried about tripping.

  “Stop!” Jen shouted, and I did immediately. “Not you Lexi, I meant Ryder. Eric, cover his eyes with your hand and turn him away from the stairs. He can’t see her.”

  Eric laughed loudly, and I smiled despite the bad luck looming. Jen and Eric had been getting on brilliantly the last week and I was so pleased. I walked out the door and saw Ryder standing with his back to me just as Jen had ordered. I took a moment to admire his body, his bum looked amazing in his black trousers then I concentrated on walking up the stairs safely. As I reached the last step Jen called for the men to move. I laughed at her. “You’re so bossy, Jen. God help Eric when he marries you.”

  “Who says I’m going to marry him?”

  “It’s written in the stars.”

  “I hope so.”

  “You’re both lucky girls to have found such sexy men.” My mum said, and we turned to her in shock. She never said things like that. My mum got embarrassed when she tried to talk about animals mating. “What, I’m only speaking the truth now close your mouths you’re catching flies.”

  “There you are.” My dad called as we made it to the hotel room door.

  “Sorry, Dad I just wanted to see the room before it was full of people. It’s gorgeous.”

  “Just like you are, Lexi, come here.” He motioned for a hug and I stepped into his arms careful not to crush the fabric of my dress.

  “You aren’t allowed to say anything sweet to me until after I’m married. I don’t want to marry Ryder looking like a racoon.”

  “You’re so special to me. I’m proud of you.”

  “Thanks, Dad,” I sniffed. “I just have to check my appearance then I have to meet Julian and Katie in the lobby.”

  “I still can’t believe you let him have Katie overnight after what he did.” My mum snapped.

  “It’s my business, Mum. He’s Katie’s father, and he has rights. I trust he will have her here on time.”

  “He will have got her dressed I suppose?”

  “I hope so because otherwise, we’ll be late to the wedding.”

  Jen opened our door, and I walked towards the mirror. I looked at my reflection and was pleased to see my hair was still perfect. My eyes were shining with excitement. I felt nervous, but not because I was marrying Ryder, I was worried about tripping in front of all our guests. My dad would probably keep me upright, but what if I took him with me? I’d be mortified.

  “Lexi, unclench your fists, you’re going to make your palms bleed,” Jen ordered.

  I nodded and did as she said.

  “Good girl. It’s time to get married.”

  “I hope Julian isn’t late,” I whispered allowing worry to slip into my mind for the first time.

  “He won’t be late; he knows Ryder would kill him.”

  “Ryder would need to get in line.” My dad piped up from behind me.

  “Dad, you shouldn’t threaten violence. You remember what the doctor said.”

  “It isn’t a threat it’s a promise. That man has done nothing but hurt you. I should never have let you marry him.”

  Let me? I shook my head. “He gave me Katie.”

  His eyes softened. “She is the one good thing he’s ever done in his life.”

  I opened the door and Jen held it open for me. I walked steadily; my dad took my arm, and we walked down the hallway and towards the stairs. Next time I climbed them I would be Mrs Ryder Allen.

  “Slow and steady now, Lexi.”

  I rolled my eyes. “You don’t need to tell me, Jen.”

  “It was just a reminder. I don’t want you to get too excited and slip. I see Katie; I’ve never seen her look so cute.”

  She wore a purple bridesmaid dress which matched Jen’s completely. It had been so hard to find matching dresses in such a short space of time, but we’d done it and I was so glad.

  “Mummy,” Katie shouted as she caught sight of me. “You look like a princess.”

  “So do you, you little beauty.” She spun in a circle. “Look at my hair, Tammy put flowers in it.”

  “It looks amazing baby.”

  “I hope you don’t mind that I did that,” Tammy said from beside Julian.

  “Of course I don’t. Thank you for bringing her here on time.”

  “Not a problem. You look stunning.” Julian said.

  I smiled and before I could say anything Jen clapped her hands. “Enough, its time,” She pointed at Julian and Tammy. “You two, go and sit down now.” Julian saluted her and they left.

  My mum and dad had stayed back, and I was glad. I didn’t want unhappiness on my wedding day. They walked over now, my mum kissed my cheek. “I’ll see you in there.”

  “You will.” I grinned.

  My dad put his arm out for me and I placed my hand on it. Jen took Katie’s hand and after I kissed both their cheeks they walked towards the door. I could hear the wedding march start and I felt giddy. Today was the beginning of the rest of my life. I watched Jen and Katie disappear inside the room and I gripped my dad’s arm tightly. He squeezed my fingers. “Ready?” he asked.

  “I am more than ready.”

  “Then let’s go, pretty girl.”

  I smiled as we both started walking. He led me to the door, and I took a deep breath letting it out slowly. Everyone was on their feet. I couldn’t make out their faces. The only person I had eyes for was Ryder. He looked glorious in his black tuxedo; his eyes were what caught my attention. They were blazing with happiness. He kept his gaze on mine and I couldn’t tear my eyes away. Thank god my dad could walk us in a straight line. When I finally stood in front of Ryder, close enough to touch him, I took another breath. My dad let go of me and stood to the side.

  “You didn’t trip.” Ryder teased.

  I blushed when our guests laughed. The registrar stood in front of us smiling. She told everyone they could take their seats, and I raised my eyes to Ryder. My husband-to-be, my best friend and the man I would be spending the rest of my life with.

  “I love you.” I mouthed.

  “I love you too.” He returned with a wink.

  What was the saying? When life gives you lemons, make lemonade? Well, life gave me a crappy husband, but we made a beautiful daughter and now I’d found Ryder, or actually, he’d found me. He was a man who would always put me and Katie first, I was so happy with him and he made sure my insecurities disappeared. He was definitely my prize.

  I only hoped I could make him as happy as he made me.

  THE END

  Author Note

  Thank you so much for reading Ryder & Lexi’s story. I hope you enjoyed it.

  Please consider leaving a review.

  Get in touch with me on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/authormjperry/

  Other Works

  His Love Series:

  Blackmailing his Love

  Claiming his Love

  Standalone:

  Her Vampire Love

  Unlikely Love

  Her Mistake

 
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