Cooking relaxed her. The meatballs went into the oven, and she started chopping onions, oregano, basil and mushrooms—stirring it into a hearty tomato sauce with a splash of red wine. She buttered the bread with her homemade garlic mixture and toasted it until it was crisp and light.
Cody helped her set the table. On the other side of the family kitchen, connected through the large pantry, was the industrial kitchen for the Lodge guests and special events. Annabeth had popped in there to borrow spices, overwhelmed by the fancy gadgets and high-end equipment the kitchen staff used. She made do with her four-burner gas cooktop and her oven just fine.
“Go tell Grandpa Teddy and Ryder dinner’s ready.” She dropped a kiss on Cody’s head.
The phone rang but Annabeth ignored it, that’s what Teddy had told her to do. The staff would pick it up, eventually. But it kept ringing, so she pulled a tablet and pen from the drawer and answered. “Boone Ranch, how can I help you?”
“Evening, this is Jerry Johannssen calling for Ryder Boone. He available?”
Annabeth didn’t know the name. “He should be in for dinner any minute.”
“Good, good—” Annabeth could hear another phone ringing on the other end of the line. “Hold on a sec.” Jerry’s voice was muffled. “I gotta take this call. Can you get a message to him for me?”
“Of course.” She clicked the pen and waited.
“Just remind him I’m waiting for his phone call. I know he’s got things to take care of there, but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Now I’ve got a pretty little 1969 Mustang just waiting for his touch. He can start tomorrow—all he needs to do is call me.” He paused. “And that one-bedroom apartment is his, too.”
She felt cold. “Apartment?” she murmured.
“Can’t exactly commute to Dallas daily.” Jerry laughed. “Just have him call me, will you?”
Annabeth stared at the words she’d written. Ryder—Job in Dallas—One bedroom apartment—leaving tomorrow? Call Jerry Johannssen ASAP. The black words were stark against the white page. “Yes. This job, this is a permanent position?”
“I sure as hell hope so.” Jerry laughed. “Thank you kindly.” And the phone went dead.
Annabeth set the phone on the marble counter. We need to talk. She was an idiot. A complete idiot. Of course he was making plans—she’d told him to. She’d let him know, every chance possible, that he was free to do whatever he wanted because she didn’t need him.
She sat on the bench, her heart and stomach and head racing and churning and aching.
The way he looked at her tonight...it was goodbye.
Cody came bouncing back into the kitchen. “You o-okay?”
She pasted on a smile. “Great. Hungry.”
“Me, too.” Cody wrapped his arms around her neck and pressed a few kisses against her cheek. She hugged him to her, burying her face in his hair and taking comfort in his sweet scent.
“Something smells good.” Renata swept into the kitchen.
“There’s plenty.” Annabeth put the heaping bowl of spaghetti down on top of the table. “How was your day?”
Renata shook her hand, dismissing it. “It’s hard being a young person in an older community.”
Teddy entered at that point. “Who’s old?”
Renata smiled. “Not you, Dad, you get it. You understand you have to embrace new things, like technology, to advertise and draw new tourists.”
“I’m hip,” Teddy said, making everyone laugh.
“What did I miss?” Ryder asked, all wet hair and dashing smiles.
“Grandpa T-Teddy’s f-funny,” Cody said.
Annabeth placed the salad on the table and sat, trying not to react when Ryder sat beside her.
“Smells amazing,” he said, serving himself a heaping helping.
“And it’s your f-favorite,” Cody added, nudging Annabeth with a smile.
She felt the heat in her cheeks, but refused to look at anything but the salad on her plate.
“Annabeth, that’s not near enough food for you now,” Teddy scolded. “Cody, get your ma a big glass of milk, too.”
Cody hopped up.
Annabeth glanced at Ryder.
“Dad—” Ryder sighed.
“What? She needs to be eating more—a lot more.” Teddy frowned, then went wide-eyed. “Oops.”
Annabeth smiled. She couldn’t help it.
Renata was staring at her, eyebrows arched and waiting.
Cody, oblivious, placed a huge glass of milk on the table. “Here you go.”
Annabeth eyed the glass of milk. “That should do it.”
“So?” Renata asked.
“Cody...” Annabeth took her son’s hand. “I’m pregnant.”
Renata jumped up, squealing, as she dropped a kiss on Ryder’s cheek, then Annabeth’s, then hugged Cody.
“What’s that?” Cody asked.
“Your mom’s giving you a brother or sister,” Renata explained.
“Or one of each,” Ryder added.
Annabeth didn’t want to look at him. Not now. She wanted to enjoy this, to feel nothing but love and contentment. Instead, a hole was forming in her heart. And seeing the smile on Ryder’s face was like salt to the world’s worst paper cut. She tore her gaze from his and focused on Cody. This was big news for him and she didn’t want him to be worried or upset.
“Twins?” Renata was squealing again, lifting Cody in her arms and spinning him around. “Two babies, Cody. What do you think of that?”
Cody giggled, wobbling on his feet when Renata sat him down.
“I’d say this deserves some celebrating.” Teddy grabbed the phone. “I’m calling your brothers over for dinner.”
“I’m not sure I made enough.” Annabeth eyed the mountain of spaghetti.
But Teddy was heading out of the kitchen, talking to someone on the phone.
“There’s enough for at least two weeks’ worth of leftover lunches,” Ryder said. He knew how frugal she was. He’d teased her about the stockpile of single-serving meals in her freezer. But she couldn’t stand seeing anything go to waste.
“So, no leftovers,” Renata agreed. “But plenty for the family.” She pulled Annabeth to her feet and stood back to look at her. “Can I?”
Annabeth saw Renata’s hand hovering over her stomach and nodded. “Sure. Nothing to feel yet—”
“Anytime now,” Ryder interrupted.
He’d know. He spent more time reading the baby book than she did. Even though he knew the babies would be moving soon—that they were coming. Was he really planning on leaving?
Renata’s hands pressed against her stomach, the soft fabric of Ryder’s shirt rubbing against her skin. “That’s quite a bump.” It was easy to see Renata was figuring out when things had happened. When she stood up, she looked back and forth between Ryder and Annabeth curiously.
Cody came forward, pulling up her shirt to stare at her stomach. “Hi,” he said. “And hi.”
Annabeth felt the sting of tears in her eyes and ruffled her son’s fine blond hair.
Ryder’s hand was warm against the skin on her back. “I’m sure they’re saying hi right back, Cody.” He knelt beside the boy.
Cody was staring intently at the swell of her stomach. “Does it hurt?”
Annabeth laughed, watching her son. “No.”
“Be sweet to Mom,” Cody spoke softly. “She’s the best. Don’t worry about n-nothing. R-Ryder and I can p-protect you. And Tom will, too.”
Ryder was looking at her, she could tell. She shouldn’t look at him, but she did. She could spend hours lost in those eyes, pretending he loved her the way she craved. It would be easy to reach out and slide her fingers through the short dark blond hair, stroke the side of his face. Her hand itched
to do it. She flexed her fingers, fighting the instinct.
Ryder captured her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm. It was impossible to resist touching him then. Her fingers rested along his cheek, absorbing his warmth.
Chapter Sixteen
It took less than fifteen minutes for all the Boones to converge. More chairs were added, making it close quarters. She was almost in Ryder’s lap when everyone was seated, but she tried not to think about it. Instead, she watched the dynamics of the family around her.
The brothers were fascinating, every conversation lined with a competitive yet playful edge. Other than Teddy, Hunter seemed the most content. The love he and Josie shared was evident in every glance and touch. She’d never know Eli was Josie’s stepson, the bond there was so strong and real. A lot like watching Ryder and Cody... Her chest ached.
Archer was the most aloof, observing everyone without any obvious reaction. He didn’t smile often or have much to say about anything but work. But when he caught her eye, he raised his glass in a quick salute. She smiled, nodding in return.
Fisher kept people laughing. He knew how to make everyone welcome and entertained. Especially the boys. Eli and Cody were in stitches as Fisher shared a story about one of the fourth-years at the veterinary hospital and a very affectionate Great Dane.
She was smiling, too, caught up in the boys’ laughter, when Ryder shifted. His hand rested on her thigh. And, try as she might, she was instantly aware of his breath on her shoulder, the low rumble of his laughter.
She all but jumped up to clear the table when the food was gone.
“That was delicious.” Fisher smiled down at her. “Thanks for the eats, sis,” he added, winking.
“Glad you enjoyed it.”
“You headed over later?” Fisher asked Ryder so softly she wasn’t sure she’d heard correctly.
But Ryder led him out of the room and she was left with Renata and Josie and cleanup duty.
“You should sit and actually eat something.” Renata shook her head. “You didn’t eat anything except a carrot stick. And you didn’t touch the milk Cody got you.”
She smiled, scrubbing the garlic from the pan. “I’m fine.”
“I bet there’s some Italian crème cake left in the other kitchen,” Renata kept going. “No one can say no to Bitty’s cake.”
“I’m fine—”
“Renata’s gone.” Josie laughed. “She’s right, Annabeth. You’re eating for three. Three.” Josie paused, eyeing Annabeth’s stomach. “Eat some cake and don’t feel guilty about it.”
Renata carried a cake plate back into the kitchen as they finished the dishes. “Y’all sit, and I’ll get plates. How’s the new book going, Josie?”
Josie was a children’s author and illustrator. Her books were about a little country town a lot like Stonewall Crossing. And, to Annabeth, her friend’s illustrations were worthy of framing.
“Things are good. Nothing like finding your rhythm.” Josie took a bite of cake and closed her eyes. “This is too good.”
Annabeth shrugged and took a bite. Good was a huge understatement.
Renata chattered on about her work at the tourism department for the county. Annabeth listened. She had to get through tonight, finalize everything with Ryder, before she could deal with anything else. Would she still be welcome for cake and chit-chat once she was the former Mrs. Ryder Boone? Her stomach clenched and she dropped her fork.
“You okay?” Renata asked.
“Fine.” She tried to smile, but the clenching didn’t ease.
“Annabeth, you look really pale.” Josie took her hand. “You sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine.” Annabeth stood. “I’m going to check on Cody.” She hoped being on her feet, stretching, might ease the cramps. Cody and Eli lay on the floor of the great room, a game of checkers underway. She waved and decided a walk and fresh air would do her some good. She slipped out the back door and onto the wide wraparound porch. She moved slowly, resting against the support beams now and then, and thinking calm thoughts. She had to relax—all this stress wasn’t good for the babies.
She walked all the way around the house and found Ryder on the front porch, talking on the phone.
“I already told you I can’t make it tonight.” Ryder laughed. “Maybe tomorrow.”
She leaned against the railing.
“I have a few things to work out here...” He laughed again. “She doesn’t know. Not yet.”
Doesn’t know what? Was he talking to Mr. Johannssen? Was this about his new job? His new life? She was sitting with his family, eating cake, talking about their babies and the future, and he was...already moving on. Talking to her was the only thing holding him back. Maybe she should approach the situation like a Band-Aid. It would hurt less ripping it off quickly.
“Ryder?”
He turned, his smile disappearing. “Gotta go.”
“We can’t keep putting off our talk.” She wrapped her arms around herself. “I know you said you wanted to go first, but I can’t wait.”
He frowned, looking around them. He stepped closer to her, but she stopped him.
“I need you to know how much I appreciate everything you’ve done for me and Cody. Because I do. But it’s time for me and Cody to go home.” She refused to look at him, it hurt too much. “Our home.”
“Annabeth...” His hands settled on her shoulders. “Come on—”
She shook her head. “I’m done. I can’t do this anymore. I know I’m emotional and pregnant, but I’m not the only one that’s involved here. We’re going to hurt so many people. Cody?” She shook her head. “It’s not fair to him, don’t you see? I have the job, there’s no reason for you to stay with us.” Her voice was shaking.
“No reason?” he hissed, his hold tightening.
She stared at him, her words so thick they almost choked her. “They will always be your children. I’ll never keep them from you. But I can’t keep pretending that you want anything else from me, Ryder. That you want me when this was never about you and me. My heart can’t take it anymore, don’t you understand that? This won’t last. We both know it. I’ve got to get over you so I can learn to be on my own again. We’ve made such a horrible mistake, don’t you see that?” She shrugged out of his hold. “So, please, please, just go.”
He stood there, staring at her.
“I know you have other plans...that you’re moving on. There’s a one bedroom-apartment and a job waiting for you in Dallas right now. It’s time to live your life—the life you want.” She shook her head. “If we could leave the Lodge, we would, but Cody and I are stuck right now. Please.” She swallowed. “It would be best for me... Please, stay in your apartment.”
His eyes bore into hers, intense and searching. “This is really what you want? Me...gone?”
No. She wanted him to argue, to tell her he loved her. “It’s what I need,” she murmured.
She didn’t watch him walk down the steps of the porch or drive his truck away. She sat, blindly, in one of the rocking chairs on the porch of the Lodge. By the time the sun disappeared on the horizon, Annabeth knew something was wrong.
* * *
RYDER SLAMMED HIS sledgehammer into the cracking plaster, gratified when the whole wall came free and collapsed.
Annabeth’s words spun in his head until it ached. She needed him to leave. She needed him to leave her alone.
He made short work of the wall, venting his frustration on the warped wood and rusted nails.
He knew he hadn’t done enough, but he’d held on to hope that she’d see what they could be. That she’d find a way to believe in him. To see what he wanted to be. He’d hoped that would be enough.
His phone rang.
“Drinkin’ tonight?” DB asked.
Ryder was breathin
g hard, dripping sweat and exhausted.
“Or you still too tangled up in her skirts to think for yourself?” DB prodded.
“No,” he bit out. No matter how much he wanted to be tangled up in those skirts.
“I’ll come get you,” DB offered.
Ryder wiped his face on a towel, then hung it back on one of the newly framed walls. “I’ll meet you there.” He hung up, staring at the phone in his hand. He didn’t have to ask where they were going, it was always the same place. Same drinks, different women.
He drew in a deep breath, but it didn’t help the pain in his chest.
My heart can’t take it anymore...
All he wanted to do was take care of her heart, body—all of her. He didn’t want to hurt her. And it killed him that she didn’t see that.
His phone rang again. He groaned when he saw his brother’s number. “Leave me alone,” he ground out.
“No, I sure as hell won’t,” Hunter bit back. “Where are you?”
“I don’t need your shit right now, Hunter—”
Hunter cut him off. “Annabeth’s in the hospital, Ryder.”
Ryder was running out the door before he knew where he was going. His heart was racing, pure unfiltered terror clawing his insides. He jumped into the truck, started the engine and peeled out, stomping on the gas and flying down the street to the highway.
He left the truck in the emergency driveway and ran inside, fear driving him. His father was there. So were Josie and Hunter.
Josie pointed. “She’s in the back.”
Ryder headed in that direction, ignoring his brother’s scowl and his father’s concern. Right now, they didn’t matter. He just needed to know she was okay.
“Sir,” a nurse was calling out to him, but he ignored her, peeking behind curtains as he went. “Sir!”
He froze, turning to glare at her. “My wife. Annabeth Boone?”
The woman glared right back. “Follow me.”
He wanted to scream at her to tell him where Annabeth was so he could get there faster. She was alone—
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