As Cora bustles around, fetching a blanket and a glass of water, I pull out my phone. My fingers move over the screen, composing a message to Zane.
Any news about that mugging?
I brush the dirt from the gravestone with my hand, feeling the cool, rough granite beneath my fingers. The bouquet of white lilies—Mom’s favorite—brightens the stark gray stone.
“Mom, I want you to meet Cora,” I say.
I straighten up, my back protesting after the long drive, and glance back. Cora stands by my car, her new bodyguard—a hulking man named Enzo—hovering nearby.
The Montana sun catches her hair, turning it to spun gold. She offers me an encouraging smile.
“You would have loved her, Mom,” I continue, turning back to the stone. “She’s everything—smart and beautiful, with the most perfect heart. She’s my whole world. I’m in love with her.”
A gentle breeze caresses my face, rustling the nearby pine trees. I close my eyes, imagining it’s Mom’s response from the other side.
“I’ll do anything to prove I’m worthy of her,” I say. “I want you to be proud of me, Mom.”
I take a deep breath and motion for Cora to join me. She comes to my side, her heels sinking slightly into the soft earth. She slips her hand into the crook of my arm, resting her head on my shoulder.
“My mom would have adored you, Cora,” I say, my voice thick with emotion. “You’re exactly what she always wanted for me.”
Cora squeezes my arm. “I promise to take care of your son, Michaela. I’ll do everything I can to make him happy.”
“I already am happy,” I murmur, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. The scent of her shampoo mingles with the crisp mountain air. “Which is why I’ve decided to quit being a bodyguard.”
“You what?” She takes a step back, her blue eyes wide. “But Zane didn’t fire you. He told me he wouldn’t, and Dad promised not to interfere.”
“I know. Your father even offered me a job.”
Her eyes grow wider, a mix of emotions flashing across her face. “He did what?”
“He offered me the position of head of security for Valeur Industries.”
“You’re going to work for my Dad?”
“No.”
“I don’t understand. You just said?—”
“I said he offered me a job, not that I accepted,” I explain, turning to face her fully. “I thanked him for the generous offer and told him I don’t want to mix family and work. But it did make me think about what I want to do next.”
“What do you want to do?”
“I want to be close to you.” I take her hand, running my thumb over her knuckles. “Life has always dictated what I’d do. The military, then working for Zane... I never thought about what I wanted. When your dad came with his offer, it was the first time I had to consider where I wanted to go. I think I’m going to start my own security company. I have the knowledge and the ability. I want to be independent for the firsttime.”
Cora’s eyes sparkle with unshed tears, but I can see the worry behind them. “I’m happy for you, Ryder. Really. But is this because of me? Are you giving up your dream career because of what happened?”
I shake my head, cupping her face in my hands. “This isn’t about giving anything up, Cora. It’s about building something new. Something that’s mine—ours, if you want it to be.”
“I’m always here to support you.”
“I love you so much,” I say, leaning in to kiss her. As we stand there, wrapped in each other’s arms before my mother’s grave, I feel a sense of peace wash over me. The road ahead may be uncertain, but with Cora by my side, I’m ready to face whatever comes our way.
“What about the house in Montana?” she asks when we part.
“That’s not my home anymore. My home is wherever you are.”
She leans her head against my chest, her arms wrapping around my waist. “I want you to keep it. I love your place, and I want to visit at least once a year so you can chase me through the woods.”
