That has my heart filling with love. I had no idea he did that. A month ago, I would have felt guilty, but now I only feel blessed. Blessed that he made me part of his conditions.
“Well, I’m glad you did.” Then I turn back to Mustang. “What can I say? I’m a rebel.”
“I’d expect no different, being Panther’s sister.”
Rain walks up then, joining the conversation.
“She is a bit of a badass, huh, Daddy? I told you she would be here permanently one day.”
He smiles at his daughter, his eyes shining. “I know, baby girl. I never doubted you. It did always feel like Aspen belonged here.”
Rain kisses the top of her father’s head. “It’s not all bad. The club is pretty great, even if some members can be a little overbearing.”
She shoots a glare at Ridge.
He pretends not to notice.
“Can you go get me a water, baby girl?” Mustang asks suddenly.
“Of course.”
As she walks away, Mustang turns to Ridge. “You still taking care of my baby girl?”
He nods. “As well as I can. You know her. She doesn’t like it.”
“She will hate you for a while, but I appreciate you taking it on. I need someone looking after her when I’m gone.”
Asher and I stay quiet, watching the exchange. It breaks my heart to know he is preparing for the end, and Rain has no idea.
“Is that why you have been keeping guys away from her?” I ask.
Ridge turns to me, sadness in his face. “It is. I’m trying to let her live her life, but it’s getting harder.”
“I’m thankful for your sacrifice. You make sure she goes to a good man. One like you. Don’t let her settle for less,” Mustang tells him.
I see a flash in his eyes. Something that tells me he might have an idea of who he wants Rain to end up with, and it’s not some other guy. It’s one right here in this circle.
She heads back, so I change the subject.
“The carnival is going to be great. We have a lot of interest already on social media. I can’t wait to help the community,” I tell them.
“Oh, look at her bragging. Did she tell you she got the biggest country radio station to host a tele-a-thon on the Friday of the carnival to raise money for the charity?”
My cheeks pinken. “Did you tell them that your social media campaign took off and went viral?”
She glares at me, hating the attention as much as I do, but what is good for the goose is good for the gander. I fight fire with fire.
“On that note, I am going to talk to the girls. Want to come?” she asks me.
I turn, giving Asher another kiss before I stand. He is reluctant to let me go, which makes me feel all giddy inside.
“I’ll come by and see you later, Mustang,” I promise.
“Be sure you do, Aspen. It’s really good seeing you again.”
“Likewise.”
As I walk away, I realize how fragile life really is. A few years ago, that man was as strong as an ox and could hang with the best. Seeing him look tired and frail has shaken me.
