Ryder felt Annabeth stiffen and took her hand in his.
“I see why now.” Cutter laughed. “Ol’ prune face Branson can’t stand to be put in his place by any woman. One that looks like this? Hooey, gotta chap his hide.”
It took everything Ryder had to swallow his laugh.
“I don’t think you’re supposed to talk about school board business here, Cutter,” Mack said, trying to rein the older man in.
Cutter made a rude sound. “Like to see ’em try to fire me.” His eyes narrowed as he assessed Annabeth again. “Why do you think you’re the best one for the job, Annabeth Boone?”
“Now, Cutter...” Don placed a hand on the other man’s arm.
“I’ll leave her be.” Cutter shrugged out from under the other man’s touch. “After she answers the question.”
Ryder saw the look of panic on Annabeth’s face. He knew, deep down, she was tempted to use this opportunity to sell herself. She wanted the job and she’d worked hard to get it. And, as she reminded him time and again, the job helped her make ends meet. Not that she needed to worry about that now.
“Mr. Sharp, I can’t, in good faith, answer that question. Not here. I know I’m not the only candidate.” She glanced at each of them while leaning in to him. His arm slipped around her waist, offering her the support she was looking for. “I’d feel wrong, unethical, trying to get ahead like that.”
Cutter made another rude sound. “You can bet your sweet ass Branson wouldn’t have said that.” He laughed.
“I expect you’ll be taking your honeymoon this summer?” Mack asked.
Ryder smiled. A honeymoon? Sounded like a good idea. Everyone would expect it. And it would give him the time he needed with Annabeth. “The sooner the better,” he agreed.
“Where are you thinking about going? My daughter, June, and her husband went to Paris. They said it was awful. The people were rude and everything cost too much. One time—” Haddie was off. She was a talker, he remembered that much.
Annabeth shifted from one foot to the other, her hand pressing his tightly. She did it again, harder. He glanced at her, noting how pale she looked. He steadied her with his arm, taking her hand in his. Her fingers were icy cold. He scanned the room, looking for help. He caught the eye of Josie, chatting happily with Lola and Flo. He tilted his head slightly, hoping Josie would get the message. He saw her frown, glance at Annabeth and head their way.
“Annabeth?” Josie interrupted. “I’m so sorry. I need to steal you.”
“Oh? Of course.” Annabeth smiled warmly at the group. “We’ll make sure not to go to Paris, Mrs. Miles. Thank you for sharing that with me. It was lovely to see you all.”
He wanted to go with her, but he knew better. Josie would take care of her.
“What are your plans, Ryder?” Mr. Miles asked. “Now you’ve got a wife and son, I imagine you’re looking into bigger and better career opportunities.”
“Ryder’s a damn fine mechanic,” his father interrupted. “John Hardy’s always singing his praises. And he should. Works hard, for John and when he’s helping out here.” His father nodded at him. Ryder tried not to stare back, stunned by his father’s words. “When he’s not riding bulls that is,” his father added reluctantly.
“I’ve seen him ride,” Mack joined in. “Had me on my feet counting down. Damn impressive.”
“Lucky bastard,” Cutter growled. “Love your job, love your wife—that’s a damn good life.”
“Amen.” Teddy nodded.
“Ain’t that the truth,” Mack added.
Ryder couldn’t have said it better himself.
* * *
“DID YOU EAT this morning?” Josie asked her. “You look so pale.”
“I ate, I just didn’t keep much of it down. But I did eat.” Annabeth smiled. “I’m fine. Just got a little overheated I think.”
“It’s awfully stuffy,” Josie agreed. “Still, you should probably try to eat something.” She pressed against the kitchen counter as one of the servers rushed past, carrying a large tray. “None of this looks good?”
Annabeth eyed the chilled shrimp, the canapés and mini éclairs, and tiny cornbread thimbles full of chili. She shook her head. “The smells are enough.”
“How about some chicken noodle soup?” Josie had the refrigerator open.
Annabeth thought about it. “Sure.”
“You go wait in Teddy’s office so you have a moment’s peace,” Josie told her. “Go the back way, down this hall. I’ll warm some up and bring it to you.”
“Thank you, Josie.” She hugged her friend.
“Your husband was worried about you.” Josie held her by the shoulders. “I know things aren’t settled between you,” she whispered, “but I know he loves you.”
Annabeth swallowed the lump in her throat.
“Go on.” Josie shooed her in the direction of the hall.
Annabeth went, flopping into the overstuffed leather chair with a sigh. She peered out the window, appreciating the view. From here, Teddy could see land. No houses or roads or fences, just his property. Property that had been in the Boone family for generations. It must be a humbling thing, to be the caretaker of such a vast property. But he had his sons to help. All of them. She hoped, in time, Ryder would find a way to make peace with his family. There’d always been tension whenever the Boones were together. Now, not so much...but they were a long way from the united family they could be. The sort of family she wanted.
She stood, pacing the floor. She was an idiot. She wanted a home and family. She wanted a husband, someone she could build a life with. She wanted to believe Ryder could be that man, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that she was headed toward another heartbreak.
Ryder was Ryder. There were times she wondered if he’d changed—if she and Cody were what he wanted. That’s what she wanted to believe. But when the twins were teething, Cody was sick and she had to work a twelve-hour day, would he still be here? Was he ready for that?
Now was not the time to give up being practical.
He’d always been motivated by his loyalty to Greg, not his feelings for her. She needed to remember that. Her heart needed to accept that.
Her stomach clenched and she pressed both her hands against it, stifling a groan. She was not a fan of morning sickness or throwing up. She couldn’t wait for this first trimester to be over. Almost there—
“Annabeth?” Hunter stood just inside the door. “Are you okay?”
She straightened, smoothing the white linen tunic over her stomach nervously. “Fine. Just a little overheated.”
Hunter stood there. “You need anything?”
“No.” She shook her head.
“Do you want me to get Ryder?” he asked, the intensity of his expression unnerving her.
“I’m fine.”
He smiled. “Dad’s friends can be a lot to handle.”
She laughed. “That’s an understatement. I hope I didn’t disappoint your father.”
“I wouldn’t worry about that, Annabeth. We’re all happy you’re part of the family.”
Josie arrived, carrying soup and crackers. “Here. Maybe this will agree with your stomach.”
“I thought you were overheated?” Hunter asked, cocking an eyebrow.
Josie shot Hunter a look, placed the soup on the table by the window and handed Annabeth the linen napkin she carried.
Annabeth watched the silent exchange between the husband and wife.
“I didn’t ask because I didn’t want you to have to lie,” Hunter said.
“I wouldn’t have lied, if you’d asked.” Josie crossed the room, sliding her arms around Hunter’s neck.
He sighed, rubbing his nose against Josie’s.
“I’m guessing I’m going to be an uncle?” Hu
nter asked, never looking away from his wife.
Annabeth stared into her soup, too nauseated to eat. “Yes.”
Hunter looked at her. “I can’t say I’m surprised.”
“He wants to do the right thing,” she said, wanting to defend Ryder.
Hunter smiled. “Annabeth, Ryder’s my little brother. I’ve watched him grow up, I know him—whether he likes it or not.”
She crossed her arms, frowning. “He’s a good man—”
“With you, yes,” Hunter agreed. “You bring out the best in him, always have.”
She blinked back the tears that stung her eyes. Even if Ryder loved her, did it matter? Loving her wouldn’t change who he was. She wanted to believe it.
“You’re worried?” Hunter asked.
“Can you blame her?” Josie asked. “Even when people are congratulating her, it’s like they’re also warning her about him.”
Annabeth smiled, nodding.
“What do you think?” Hunter asked her.
She chewed on her lip, willing the tears away. “He’s been trying to take care of me and Cody, for Greg. Now, this... He’s trapped.” Her hands brushed over her stomach. “I know him, too, Hunter. He’s a restless spirit. One I won’t keep for long.”
Ryder came through the door, his face lined with worry. “You okay?” He crossed to her, wrapping his arms around her. “Feeling all right?”
“I’m fine,” she murmured, turning her face into his shirt.
“I thought she might want some peace and quiet,” Josie spoke.
Ryder turned, but his hold on her didn’t ease. “Thanks, Josie. Hunter.” She felt Ryder’s hands tighten on her arms. “Guess you know?”
“That Josie and I are going to have a niece or nephew?” Hunter’s voice was calm. “Yep. Congratulations. I’m happy for you both.”
Ryder’s grip eased on her. She knew Hunter’s opinion was important to Ryder, no matter how much he tried to pretend otherwise.
Her stomach gurgled loudly. “Sorry. My stomach isn’t cooperating,” she moaned.
He looked down at her. “Did you try eating?”
She pointed at the soup. “Josie just made that for me.”
He let her go, nodding at the bowl.
“You’re so bossy,” she teased, sitting. She lifted the bowl, grimacing at the smell of celery and chicken broth.
“At least try.” Josie sat on the footstool.
“I can’t eat with all of you watching me.” Annabeth laughed.
“Come on, Ryder, let’s head back. It won’t look good if you’re both missing,” Hunter said. “You need anything else?”
Annabeth shook her head, trying not to laugh at her frowning husband. “I’m fine.”
“Renata has some slide show she put together,” Hunter added. “About the two of you. When you’re ready.”
“She does?” Annabeth stirred the bowl, swallowing a spoonful. It was surprisingly good. She managed to have some more, the mild flavors soothing her sour stomach. She waved them off, enjoying half of her bowl before deciding she was done. Josie tried to feed her some crackers, but she didn’t want to push it. She felt much better when she headed back to the party.
Annabeth helped move chairs around in the great room, but there wasn’t enough room for everyone to sit.
“Come on, Flo, right up front.” Ryder parked Flo’s wheelchair front and center.
“Best seat in the house,” Flo exclaimed. “You’re spoiling me.”
“Part of my job,” Ryder teased.
Annabeth watched, touched by his thoughtfulness.
“Annabeth, you give this boy extra kisses for taking care of me.” Flo shook her finger at her.
Annabeth laughed as Ryder pulled her into his lap, in a chair beside Flo.
“Extra kisses sound good,” he whispered in her ear. With one look, he made her feel beautiful...and teary eyed.
Renata lowered the large screen the Lodge used for business retreats or movie nights. As the lights dimmed, Cody and Eli scampered in to sit on the floor and lean back against Ryder’s chair.
Music started and the title sprang up: “Annabeth and Ryder’s Love Story.”
Everyone oohed over their baby pictures. Ryder was adorable, there was no denying it. She’d never seen images of a young Teddy and Mags Boone. He was handsome and she was amazingly beautiful. A quick glance at Teddy gave her pause. It was clear the old man still loved and missed his wife.
The montage of their growing-up years was bittersweet. While Annabeth’s parents were absent, pictures of Greg were everywhere.
“Is that Dad?” Cody asked after one hilarious picture of the three of them covered in mud, holding a puppy high.
Annabeth nodded. “That was his dog.”
“What h-happened?” Cody asked.
“The dog slid down the riverbank, and the water started to rise. The dog couldn’t get back up—”
“Your mom climbed down before we could stop her,” Ryder interrupted.
“But it got them down there with me,” Annabeth added. “And the dog was safe.”
“Safe. But all four of ’em were covered in mud,” Flo interjected.
Cody laughed, shaking his head.
Annabeth ruffled his hair, smiling at the top of his head. She needed to tell more stories about Greg, so he’d know his father.
“Oh, look at that.” The amusement in Lola’s voice drew Annabeth’s attention back to the screen. She was at one of the town festivals, manning a kissing booth. She was kissing Ryder. She didn’t remember that. She glanced at Ryder, who was grinning.
By the time the pictures entered the high school years, it was clear that Annabeth was wild about Greg. But Ryder was there, too. At graduation, he was smiling at her. At one of the vacations to the beach, she’d fallen asleep on his shoulder while Greg was fishing. When Cody was born, Ryder was in the hospital. He was cradling Cody, looking at him with such awe and adoration it was hard to believe Cody wasn’t his. It was a good thing Ryder had been living in Las Vegas when she’d gotten pregnant, or people would undoubtedly talk.
There were more. Cody working on his toy car while Ryder worked on the real ones. Ryder taking Cody fishing with his brothers. And Ryder staring at her when she was talking to Grandma Flo. It was from a few years back, and Grandma Flo wasn’t in her wheelchair yet.
The look on his face took her breath away.
“I was quite a looker.” Flo’s announcement made everyone laugh.
So many occasions and events, whether he was standing alongside her or somewhere in the background—Ryder was there.
A blank slide popped up, the words “Congratulations, Annabeth and Ryder! Wishing you a life of love and laughter!” scrolling slowly by.
Her heart was racing by the time the last picture popped up. It was a picture of them dancing.
“I took that one,” John Hardy called out.
Cody hopped up, hugging Ryder, then hugging her. “Love you.”
She hugged him tightly. “I love you, too.”
“Picture!” Lola was up, holding her phone out. “Since there aren’t any wedding pictures, we should take some here.”
“Great idea,” Renata agreed.
Before she knew what was happening, the chairs were cleared away and she and Ryder were standing in front of the fireplace.
They took so many pictures her cheeks hurt from smiling. But she understood how important it was, to have something tangible from this day. When she’d lost Greg and his memory seemed to be slipping away, she’d pulled out the old albums for comfort. She had no right to deprive Teddy or the Boones. As she and Ryder and Cody gathered around Flo’s chair, she was happy, too.
“So happy for you precious dears.” Flo kissed them each on the c
heek. “Now get to work on more grandbabies. Right, Teddy?”
Teddy blushed furiously. “Well, now, Flo, when they’re ready...” he trailed off.
“We’ll get on it.” Ryder smiled.
“I want a brother.” Cody nodded, all wide-eyed excitement.
Annabeth laughed; she couldn’t help it.
Ryder winked at Cody. “We’ll see what we can do.”
“One more, just the happy couple.” Renata waved everyone else aside, waiting for Fisher to wheel Grandma Flo back to Lola.
“You may kiss the bride,” Mack called out from the back of the room.
Ryder faced her, smoothing her hair from her face to give her a quick kiss.
“Ryder Boone, you can do better than that,” Flo chastised, making everyone laugh.
Annabeth giggled, nervous. Partly because of the people watching and partly because of the way he was looking at her. He kissed her softly, sweetly, his hands coming up to cup her face. She covered his hands with hers and the kiss lingered. It was all too easy to get lost in the heat between them. She wanted to give in, to get lost in him...until the whistles and catcalls started up.
Ryder broke away, pressing a kiss to her forehead and sliding his arm around her shoulders. Annabeth could tell he wasn’t thrilled over all the attention, but he was trying. It didn’t help that half the people congratulating them insisted on bringing up Ryder’s history with women. Even Flo got in on the act. She couldn’t stop her growing irritation. But Ryder kept smiling, shaking hands long after she was done.
“You feeling okay?” he asked.
“I’m feeling fine.” She hadn’t meant to snap.
“What’s wrong?”
She looked into his pale blue eyes. “I’m frustrated.”
“I’m getting that.” He nodded. “About?”
She stared at her feet. “I’m tired of hearing about...your past.” She shook her head. “Everyone has a past, but some are more colorful than others.” She smiled at him. “But I don’t see anyone else getting so much grief. Doesn’t it bother you?”
“Sure.” His gaze traveled over her face. “Only thing I can do is prove I’ve changed.”
Had he changed? She hoped so. She couldn’t think of anything she wanted more. Her heart hurt.
Twins for the Rebel Cowboy Page 15