“I don’t know,” he admitted. “But I’m sure we’ll figure out something when that time comes.”
“I guess you’re right.”
“Oh, I didn’t tell you?” Ryker asked, his face serious. “I’m always right.”
Garland burst into laughter.
He grinned devilishly. “Why are you laughing? I’m serious.”
As they finished dinner, he announced, “Angela’s father called. They want to see the girls.”
She met his gaze. “You mean they want to see Amya.”
“Her grandparents want to meet her, but they also want to see Kai.”
“When?”
“They would like to come on Saturday,” Ryker responded. “Will you be home?”
“Yes,” Garland responded. “I want to meet them, as well.” She hoped they would not react like Rochelle. It was going to be awkward, she knew. After all, Ryker had married their daughter and fathered their grandchild. Surely, they did not begrudge him any happiness.
The thought lingered on her mind. They did not have a real marriage and she needed to remember that.
* * *
Ryker continued to experience emotions that had not surfaced since his wife’s death. In fact, his feelings for Garland were deepening. But he held on to his feelings for Angela, afraid that if he let go of them, memories of their life together would fade. And she deserved better than that.
Ryker knew that it was not Angela’s choice to leave him. He also knew that he had to continue life without her. The last time he had visited her grave was the night before his wedding to Garland. He wanted her to know that his visits would continue and that he would make sure their daughter knew the woman who’d given her life loved her deeply.
“You must be thinking about Angela,” Garland said as she sat down beside Ryker. “Do you want to talk about her?”
“I’m not ready.”
Garland nodded in understanding.
“After Parker died, there were so many times I wanted to call you,” Ryker blurted out.
“Then why didn’t you?”
“I guess I didn’t really know what I’d say to you, Garland. I knew how close you two were and when he died...seeing you and your mother at the funeral was hard.” He sighed in resignation. “I’m sorry that I wasn’t there for you.”
“I survived,” she responded with a slight shrug. “Besides you had your own life, Ryker. You were in law school and you were seeing Angela. It’s not like we were that close or anything.”
“Garland, I cared for you—a lot, but I didn’t want to cross boundaries. The truth is that I knew if I’d reached out, those lines would have been crossed.”
“That’s quite an assumption,” she responded.
“Are you telling me that you never felt anything for me?” Ryker challenged. “Because I know different.”
She knew that he was talking about the passionate kiss they’d shared in college. “That was a long time ago, Ryker.”
“We almost ended up in bed that night, Garland. Are you saying that you feel absolutely nothing for me now?”
She had feelings for Ryker. Deep feelings, but she was not sure she was ready to tell him so. “I do care for you as a friend.”
He burst into laughter.
Garland decided to be honest with him. Apparently, she was not as good at hiding her feelings as she thought. “Okay, I’m attracted to you, Ryker. There, I’ve said it.”
“That was like pulling teeth.”
“It was not,” she argued. “It’s just not something we need to be focusing on at the moment, especially because of Angela.”
Ryker frowned in confusion. “What does she have to do with this?”
“You still love her, Ryker,” Garland stated. “Her death has been very hard on you and I’m not blind. I can tell that you’re still grieving.”
“I will always love Angela, but it’s been time for me to move on for a while. I’m finally ready to do that.”
She reached over and took his hand in her own. “Ryker, you’re not ready, but it’s okay. Don’t try to force something. We’re good.”
Garland swallowed her sadness. She could not let him know how much it pained her to love a man who was still in love with someone else.
“I know you, Garland,” Ryker told her. “You never would’ve married me if you did not have strong feelings for me.”
Their gaze met and held, making Garland nervous. She thought she detected a flicker in his intense eyes, causing her pulse to skitter alarmingly.
“I know that you believe I am unable to move on without Angela, but you’re wrong. I don’t want to discuss her anymore—I would rather focus on you and me.”
“What about us?”
“You are as attracted to me as I am to you,” Ryker responded. “It’s been that way since college, but I never acted on that attraction back then because of Parker.”
Garland did not respond.
“Am I wrong about your feelings for me?”
“No,” she responded. “I had a huge college girl’s crush on you.” She glanced over at him. “Why are we talking about this now?”
“Because I’m still very attracted to you.”
“I’m not quite sure how to respond to that,” she said.
“You are so beautiful,” he said.
“What are you doing, Ryker?”
“I’m being honest with you, Garland. It’s what we agreed to do.”
“Okay, you’re attracted to me. Now what? You do know that I’m not that same girl I was in college, right? I’m not going to swoon in a puddle at your feet like those girls did when we were in school.”
He laughed. “Understood.”
“Ryker, I...I am attracted to you, but my focus is making sure the girls are thriving.”
“We have to have a life outside of the children, Garland,” he stated. “Since you’ve been here, I’m realizing it more and more.”
“I’m thinking what you’re feeling is lust, Ryker. Let’s not get it confused.”
He laughed. “I can always count on you to be straight up with me.”
“I don’t know any other way to be,” she responded.
“I’m not complaining. I like that about you.” He paused. “Let’s have dinner out tomorrow night. It will be a date night.”
“Date night?” she repeated.
“Yes,” he replied with a chuckle. “You’ve heard of them, right?”
She hit him playfully with a throw pillow. “Of course. I’ve even had a few of them.”
“So what do you say?” Ryker prompted.
Chapter 17
The laughter of the patrons in the restaurant, the sound of reggae music playing softly in the background and the delicious aroma of jerk chicken, curried goat, dumplings and other enticing entrées got Garland’s senses going.
She glanced over at Ryker and found him studying her. “What?”
“You’re having a good time,” he responded. “I’m glad.”
“I am,” she confirmed. “This is a nice place. I’ve never been here before. Trina and I’ve talked about coming, but we never made it.”
“This is only the second time I’ve been here.”
Garland’s awareness was heightened by Ryker’s presence. She could not remember the last time she had felt this way.
“Garland, do you know what you’re having?”
She loved the way her name slid off his tongue. “I’m going with the oxtail, rice and peas.”
“I’m going to order the curried chicken with rice,” Ryker stated.
The waiter brought them tall drinks they had ordered just a minute ago—pineapple cola with a slice of lemon and a tall straw. He then pulled out a pad and to
ok their orders.
Garland swayed in her seat to Bob Marley’s “One Love” blaring through the speakers in the background. The spectacular atmosphere was electrifying.
When the food arrived, Garland dug into her meal and savored every tasty mouthful. Nothing could beat authentic island food.
While she ate, Garland took note of how Ryker’s sexy, muscular chest rose and fell.
“I noticed that we have similar tastes when it comes to TV shows,” she said. “Person of Interest for one. I love that show.”
“So do I,” Ryker stated.
Garland nodded.
He took a sip of his drink. “I saw Graceland the other night. It looks like it might be pretty good.”
“It is,” she confirmed. “I’ve been watching it from day one.”
“I see we have something else in common,” Ryker stated. “Reggae music.”
“Yes. I love it.” She was in love with his deep, silky voice.
While they ate, they discussed favorite music, authors and charity work. They talked about so many things. It was amazing that they had so much in common.
Garland kept moving to the music as she sipped on her pineapple cola. She wondered how it was possible to be that devilishly handsome as her eyes traced his high cheekbones, thick dark eyelashes, full sensual lips and healthy honey-colored complexion.
After dinner, Ryker took Garland on an evening stroll in Battery Park. The sky was a beautiful shade of blue and purple. The moon reflected on the water and a backdrop of stars sprinkled against the sky. She snuggled into his shoulder as they walked.
It was the perfect way to end the evening.
The girls were asleep when they returned home.
Ryker left Jordin and Garland alone while he went upstairs to change into a pair of sweats and a T-shirt. He’d mentioned on the drive home that it would be the first thing he did upon their arrival. Garland also suspected that he stopped at the girls’ room to check on them.
“They were little angels,” Jordin told her. “You two are very lucky to have those little girls.”
“Sounds like you’re about ready to have a family of your own,” Garland responded. “You have that look.”
“I am,” she admitted. “I want to get married and have a little boy or girl. I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately, but I have to find the right man first.”
“Are you seeing anyone seriously?”
Jordin shook her head. “There was a guy once who I thought would be the one, but he left town a long time ago.”
Garland walked Jordin to the door. “Life is funny sometimes, so my advice to you is to never give up when it comes to love.”
“Speaking out of experience, are we?” Jordin questioned while giving her a knowing glance.
Garland rolled her eyes. “Good night, Jordin. Thanks for watching the girls.”
The two women embraced.
“Tell Ryker I’ll see him tomorrow at the office.”
“Drive safe,” Garland said.
“Jordin’s gone already?” Ryker asked when he walked down the stairs.
Garland nodded. “She said she’ll see you tomorrow in the office.”
Their gaze met and held.
Neither one of them said anything for a moment.
“I...I have some work to do before I call it a night,” Ryker said.
“I guess I’ll see you in the morning then,” she murmured, hiding her disappointment.
Garland spent her night in her bedroom tossing, turning and feeling rejected. She craved Ryker and she thought he felt the same... They’d had a great dinner and romantic walk on the beach but that was all.
Garland could not complain. Ryker treated her like a queen and he seemed to know exactly what she wanted. She released a long sigh and turned from one side to the other. Wanting him as much as she did was pure torture.
* * *
Ryker tried not to think about the beautiful woman sleeping down the hall. He had lost a fair amount of sleep since Garland had moved in. He had been tempted to invite her into the master bedroom, but this is where he had shared so many happy moments with Angela.
A flash of memory of Angela in a pair of plaid shorts and a tank top lying back on their bed materialized in his mind. He missed her and wished for the millionth time that he could have had the chance to bid her a proper good-bye. Angela was never coming back—that part of his life was over.
Looking around the room, Ryker decided that it was time to have it redecorated. If he and Garland were going to try to have a real marriage, then he did not want her to feel like an interloper. He wanted her to feel at home.
Ryker was grateful that Garland was not the type to pressure or try to manipulate him. She was content with giving him as much space as he needed. His body hungered for her, but he refused to use her as a receptacle for his lust. Garland deserved much more than that.
Muttering a curse, Ryker plumped up his pillow and turned on his side.
* * *
Ryker and Garland attended their first charity ball as husband and wife. Crowds of people, dressed in tuxedos and bright jewel-toned dresses, roamed through the elegant space, admiring the paintings and photographs dotting the cream-colored walls. Sculptures in metal and wood and marble stood displayed on stylish pedestals under pinpoint lighting.
Garland’s short hair was a tumble of soft light brown curls that tempted Ryker to spear his fingers through its silkiness. Even in a sea of artsy, trendy people, Garland stood out wearing black. It was a stark color that accented her flawless skin. Her dress clung to curves that he ached to explore again.
When she turned, their gazes locked across the room. A flush of color stained her cheeks. Ryker thought he detected a spark of desire flash in her eyes, but he wasn’t sure. Regardless, he found the thought exciting.
He almost groaned at the lurch of desire. Ryker could not help but wonder if he and Garland had a grain of hope in achieving the type of relationship required to raise their daughters. If they crossed that line into the territory of passion, he knew it would change them forever.
I can’t use Garland. I care too much for her. However, when he held her close as they danced, all reason went out the window.
Chapter 18
Garland felt as if every nerve in her body was on red alert. She’d felt Ryker watching her all night and that had completely thrown her off her game. She was supposed to do her best by the local artists and, though the show had gone well overall, Garland still felt a needle of guilt because she had not been focused on her job. Instead, she had spent hours battling to keep her mind from drifting to Ryker as often as her gaze had. Why did he have to look so good?
She glanced up in time to see her mother-in-law coming her way. “Mrs. DuGrandpre, how are you?” she asked, groaning inwardly but faking a smile.
“I’m fine,” Rochelle responded. “I have to say that I’m very surprised to see you here. Have you attended this event in the past?”
“Not in a couple of years,” Garland answered. “However, I had a feeling you would be here tonight. We both share this passion to protect children.”
“You must have been talking to Ryker.”
She smiled. “He mentioned it.”
“I have always believed that not everyone is meant to be a parent.”
“I agree,” Garland responded without emotion, but she wondered if she was referring to her?
“I see so many kids in juvenile court after horrible things have been done to them—they need protection from their family. They often become delinquents and do things to others. Then I see them in criminal court where they are doing worse things and they end up in jail or prison. It’s really heartbreaking.”
“Yet you don’t give up,” Garland stated. “You continue to figh
t for the children.”
Rochelle nodded. “I will fight for them as long as I am able to do so.”
“It’s admirable of you.”
“Children need gladiators.” Rochelle studied her for a moment. “I’d like to know something, Garland. Why did you choose to be a single parent? You know the risks of raising a child alone.”
“I should think it would be obvious. I have always wanted a child,” she responded. “I admit I grew a bit impatient and decided not to wait. Surely you have to admit that there are some wonderful people in this world who were raised in single-parent homes.”
Rochelle gave a slight shrug. “I guess you’d call me old-fashioned, but I believe that children need two parents.”
“There are children from single-parent homes succeeding daily,” Garland responded. “My father was a truck driver and hardly home except on the weekends. My mother pretty much raised me and my brother alone and I turned out just fine.” She paused a moment. “Mrs. DuGrandpre, I am devoted to both Amya and Kai—that’s not going to change. Ryker knows that I am committed to raising our girls together. He is just as committed. You really don’t have to worry about them. Amya and Kai have two parents who love them very much.”
“You two coparent very well for now, but what happens if you meet the man of your dreams? Or my son decides he no longer wants this marriage?”
“I guess we’ll have to cross that bridge when we get there, Mrs. DuGrandpre.”
“These things must be considered,” Rochelle stated before slipping Garland a challenging look. “There are two beautiful little girls involved. I just hope you aren’t making the wrong assumptions about your relationship with my son. Because it could lead to thoughts of revenge, and I won’t let you use these children as pawns.”
“For the record, I haven’t made any assumptions regarding your son,” Garland said in a controlled voice. “As I stated earlier, Ryker and I are committed to raising our girls together. Regardless of how you or anyone else feels about our marriage, this is what we decided to do. If it fails, then Ryker and I will be the ones who will make any decisions needed at that time.”
Rochelle’s hackles rose and ice encased her voice and her eyes. “Taking on my family would be a huge and costly mistake.”
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