I sit up straighter, looking him directly in the eyes. “There’s no ticking clock here, Luc. You can stay with us for as long as you like. Forever if you want.” I nudge my head in the direction of the guesthouse. “We have plenty of room, and I know Ryder would love you to stay, so please don’t worry about that. You are free to come and go as you please.”
“Thank you.” He turns to me with tears in his eyes. “I didn’t realize how much I needed you guys back in my life.”
“I know the feeling well.” I curl my feet underneath me, resting my head on his shoulder. “I’m missing him really badly today.”
“I know you are, sweetheart.” He presses a kiss to the top of my head. “But it’s only two weeks until you’ll see him again.”
“I can’t wait—even if I know he might not be himself. I don’t care. I just want to hold him and tell him I love him.”
“I’m so happy you guys got married. I always knew it would happen, and you’re good for him, Zeta. You were the only one who ever put a smile on his face.”
“I hope he’s happy with the work we’ve done on the charity.”
“Of course, he will be. He’ll be proud of how well you’re coping. It’s not easy dealing with the fans and the media, writing Torment’s biography, helping me set up the charity, and running a magazine from here.”
I take a sip of my wine. “I’m not the one running a magazine. Harrison Meadows is.” When I called the CEO a few weeks ago to advise him to hire someone new in my position, I could tell his nose was out of joint at the fact Ryder transferred ownership ofRockOutto me. I did my best to reassure him, confirming I had no plans to return at this time or to interfere in his competent management of the business, and as long as he updates me weekly, I’m good with that for now. I’m not sure whether I’ll want a more hands-on role once Ryder is back, but my priority is helping him readjust, and I just want to be here for him.
I’ve made great progress on the biography these last few weeks, and I’ll have my first draft for the editor ahead of schedule, which takes some pressure off me. I want to be able to give Ryder my undivided attention once he’s back home and I’m going to do whatever is needed during our separation to pave the way for that.
* * *
After what feels like eternity,but is actually three months in reality, Ryder is finally coming back home. As I stand on the asphalt of the private runway, watching Ryder’s jet crawl to a standstill, I’m bursting with excitement and happiness at the thought of having my husband home. I look down at Luc, and he raises his hand for a high-five, just like he used to do when we were in juvie. I throw back my head, laughing as our palms connect.
I’m watching the plane like a hawk, desperate to see my husband’s beautiful face. Although I got to visit him twice, for two four-day family stays, I have missed that man more than I ever thought it was possible to miss a person. In some ways, it reminded me of what it was like when he left me after juvie, and I hated the old feelings it resurrected. But I got through it because I could see how much it was helping Ryder. The facility worked wonders for him, and he’s in a much better place even if there’s still a lot more he needs to process. It’s why he will continue with a treatment program locally with my full backing and support.
My pulse spikes when the door to the jet opens, and I hold my breath as I wait for a glimpse of my love. The instant his booted foot lands on the top step, I take off running, my heart pounding, adrenaline coursing through my body. He’s running toward me too, and we meet halfway, crashing into one another.
Cupping my face, he smashes his lips to mine as my arms curl around his neck. Our kissing is ravenous, hungry, needy, and we cling to one another, afraid to break apart in case it’s not real. The gentle whirring sound of Luc’s approaching wheelchair reminds me we’re not alone, and I break our kiss, keeping my arms wrapped around my husband as I turn us to face our friend.
“Young.” Ryder grins, reaching down to do the whole man hug thing. “Great to see you. Thanks for looking after my girl again. I owe you.”
“It’s my pleasure, but let’s not aim for a third time, right?”
He presses a fierce kiss to my temple, hugging me closer. “I’m never leaving her again.”
Ryder rolls down the window on the SUV as we leave the airport, waving to the legion of fans lining the road.
Although we tried to keep details of his treatment from the media, someone leaked the news, and I felt the need to address it. After consulting with Rod and Ryder, I took over Ryder’s social media accounts and posted regular updates. I didn’t disclose anything private, but I let his fans know he was doing well and asking for them. The outpouring of love bolstered me on bad days, and I know Ryder will be blown away by all the messages and posts and the mountains of fan mail and gifts he’s received.
“It’s fucking great to be home,” Ryder says once we’re back at the house. “I’ve missed you so much,” he adds, pulling me into his arms. “And we have so much lost time to make up for.” He discreetly nudges his hard-on into my belly, and my core pulses with need.
“That we do, dear husband.” I can’t contain my glowing smile as I think of the happy news I have to tell him. I called his therapist at the center before he left, because I was concerned the timing was all wrong, but he believes this is exactly what Ryder needs to focus forward and look to the future instead of remaining trapped in the past.
After we demolish the pot roast I made, Luc retreats to his room, knowing we need some alone time. Ryder all but sprints to the bedroom, and I’m laughing as he pulls me inside, shuts the door, and pins me up against the wall. “I know we have lots to talk about, but I need to be inside you, baby, because you’ve never looked more beautiful than you do today.” He cradles my face. “I cannot begin to explain how much I’ve ached without you. I might as well have chopped off a limb. Being away from you was the worst kind of physical and emotional wrench, and I’m determined to avoid that again at all costs.”
His hand slowly slides up my thigh and under my dress, but I clasp his wrist, gently nudging him aside. Taking his hand, I walk us over to the bed, sitting down on the edge and patting the space beside me. He frowns, looking a little hurt, and I can’t help but smile. “Don’t worry, I’ll be naked and moaning underneath you soon enough. I just have something I need to tell you first.”
“Okay.”
The frown is still in place, and I rub my thumbs across his furrowed brow, smiling as tears burn the back of my throat. “This is a good thing, honey.” Or at least, I hope it is. We’ve spoken about starting a family before, and I know he has some concerns, but he never said he didn’t want kids. I kiss his gorgeous mouth, and when I pull back, a sneaky tear has crept out of the corner of my eye. “I’m pregnant, Ryder. We’re going to have a baby.”
41
Ryder
Iblink rapidly as I stare at my wife. My eyes lower to her belly, and I notice the tiny little bump there. At least now I know why she’s positively glowing and why I haven’t been able to keep my eyes or hands off her since I exited that plane.
“Say something.”
