“You sent her the picture of us.”
“I don’t really do photos.” Ryder gave her a shrug as he pocketed the phone. “Thought I’d be a good son and share the rare prize.” Ryder brushed her cheek with his palm, drawing her in for a soft kiss. “We better head back now.”
Chapter Thirteen
Ryder
“You look happy.” There was almost a note of accusation in Denver’s comment, but Ryder couldn’t blame his brother for that. Denver narrowed his gaze, apparently noticing nuances Ryder wasn’t trying to hide anymore. “You’resmiling.”
Ryder flipped the burgers on the grill with practiced patience. He’d been bitter for months before Denver was officially out of the Army and moved home. It was the only side of him Denver had seen in months. His brother’s surprise wasn’t unwarranted. Ryder shrugged. “Thought I’d try it on for size.”
“I don’t know whether to be relieved or afraid.”
Ryder smiled broader. “Afraid might be the wiser option.”
Denver dropped onto the deck stairs, sipping the sickeningly sweet flavored water Mom loved so much. Watching Ryder tend the grill, Denver’s head cocked a bit in thought. “It’sher, isn’t it?”
Eyes scanning the driveway again for the Buick, Ryder had no denial left in him these days. Kinley would arrive any minute, and dang it if he wasn’t giddy to see that beautiful smile. “Are you going to help, or just stand around and prod into my personal life?” Ryder pointed a metal flipper at Denver in jest. He wouldn’t let his brother interfere with the grilling, and they both knew it. Mom did, too, but it saved Denver from all the girly honeymoon talk happening inside with Sophie.
Denver folded his arms over his chest and rocked back on his heels. “You know, I’m enjoying myself, watching you do all the work.”
For all that had gone south for Ryder these past couple of years, and even the impending gloom of Kinley’s departure on the other side of a sunset, he was grateful to have this relationship with his brother again. He found a sliver of relief knowing he still had his family. And now Rowdy. “She leaves tomorrow.”
“And?”
The million-dollar question. Ryder flipped the last burger and dropped the lid of the grill back down. “I don’t know. I don’t have it all plotted out like one of your books.” Guilt hit him for snapping, and he felt an uncomfortable flush. “I wish I did, believe me,” he added, softer.
“You’re in love with her, aren’t you?”
Yes. The silent answer came immediately. How could henotbe in love with Kinley James? Her return brought him back to life, awakening a part of him he thought long dormant. Life flowed with natural ease when they were together. Two souls destined to find each other if only they could figure out how tostaytogether.
The past couple of days had been nothing short of magical. Leisurely walks along the pier, stolen kisses, shared sunsets, shore fishing, and so much laughter. Ryder could see a future all painted out for them, but that depended on fate. Something he hadn’t believed in a few short weeks ago.
“You tell her?” Denver asked.
Mom poked her head out the sliding door. Rowdy took the opportunity to shoot out the gap and ran a circle around the backyard. “Burgers about ready?” Mom asked.
“Five minutes,” Ryder called back.
“Ryder?” Denver pressed after Mom retreated inside.
“No. Before you ask, I’m not going to.” Ryder hadn’t pushed Kinley to make a decision about the Army. He’d never ask her to stay and give up being a pilot if that’s what she really wanted. This had to be her decision and hers alone. Dropping serious feelings into the equation—especially that four-letter word—added unfair pressure.
“What are you afraid of?”
The Buick rolled up the driveway, effectively severing the conversation Ryder was only too happy to end. Spinningwhat ifsin his head would only spoil what time they had left together. The future wasn’t promised, but today was.
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you started writing romance novels,” Ryder teased.
“Deflect all you want. You can’t fool me. I mean, you even have adognow.” Denver shook his head, popping up from his seat on the steps to head inside. “I need to go on vacation more often. Maybe next time I’ll come back and you’ll be married with a couple of kids.”
“You want to meet her?” Ryder asked, surprised Denver was fleeing.
“Inside, I will. That smile tells me she wants you all to herself right now.” Denver paused on the top step. “Sophie has something for her. Said she recognized her name or something like that. Girl stuff,” he added with a shrug before disappearing inside.
Kinley’s smile grew with each approaching step, like the rising sun illuminating the horizon a little more with every passing second. Rowdy raced straight toward her, intercepting their greeting for a few beats longer. She welcomed her with a hearty neck rub and a hug.
Dog appeased, Kinley walked right up to Ryder. “Hey, you.” She placed her hands on his elbows, drawing him in for a kiss as though it was the most natural thing in the world.
