Page 83 of Sweet Oblivion

Sometimes it’s almost uncanny how much Olivia looks like her.

She looks me over and squeezes my shoulder like she’s reassuring a child, and I can’t help but wonder if it’s ever hard for her to look at Maverick and me as her players and not her family.“You’re going to get through this, Ryker. We’re doing everything we can to make sure of it.”There’s a glint in her blue eyes, something she’s holding back.“You all like to say I’m the master of our universe. Well, you better believe I’m not going to let anyone fuck with our family. Kingston. Beneventi. Or Kings. And you just happen to be all three. Now go tell your mother you’re fine so she stops worrying and lie low until the wedding.”

With another squeeze, she smiles and walks away, and I think I just got my answer. Scarlet has always preachedfamily first. All the Kingston siblings have. I guess for a minute, I forgot that.

I knock on the open door and stick my head in. “You ready for me?”

“Always.”She stands and waits for me to walk in and shutthe door before she rounds her desk and sits on the couch.“How are you holding up?”

I drop down into the spot next to her and groan.

Is this how Delaney has felt every time someone’s asked her that question?

“I’m okay. Have you heard anything from the league?”

“No.”She shakes her head.“But we’re handling it internally. Have you heard anything from the police department? I think a lot of what the league does hangs on whether charges are filed.”

“Not yet. But I’ll let you know when that changes. Have the reporters been hounding the team for a comment?”

Mom arches a brow.

Yeah. Stupid question. I got it.

“What about you and Dad?” I push.

“No. We’ve gotten a call or two, but we’ve told them no comment, and they’ve left us alone. How’s Delaney?”

“I’m not sure. She’s stronger than she lets on, but between this and her Dad going to prison, it’s been a rough few months.”

Strong. Beautiful. Sweet. Sarcastic.

It’s safe to say my fiancée is fucking incredible.

“Well, let me know if either of you need anything. Are the girls and she doing anything tonight while you and the boys play poker?”Mom smiles, and I don’t even bother to ask her how she knows about poker night. Who needs social media when you’re related to half the damn town?

“She’s picking up her dress, and I think they’re going with her for that and then out to dinner.” I shake my head, thinking about the damn popcorn she plans on eating tonight. “Probably a good thing since that woman never eats.”

“Ryker.”She turns my face to hers and keeps hold of my chin. “Did you ever think that might be because she didn’t have much to eat growing up? We all know about her father. It was splashed all over the news for most of the summer.That poor girl probably went days not knowing where her next meal was coming from or if it was coming.”

Well damn, I hadn’t thought about it like that.

“Be patient with her, honey. Not everyone grew up like you and your brother.”

I wrap an arm around Mom and squeeze. “Love you, Mom.”

“You’re a good man, Ryker. Take your time with her. I won’t say this is ever how I thought I’d see you get married, but she’s a special woman.” The little glint in her eye tells me there’s more she’s not saying.

She doesn’t need to.

I already know this woman is incredible.

I also already know she’s mine.

Delaney

“Come on, Lane. We want to see,” Kaleigh chirps from outside the dressing room as Caitlin buttons my buttons, an amused grin on her face.

“That one’s kind of like a puppy, isn’t she?”