I laugh, hoping she’ll make good on her offer when the season is over.
This is what we do for the next hour. We move from game to game, but Ryder slides to the side as I pause for autographs and pictures, only intervening when someone gets a little too close. She subtly moves in to remove their hand or to create space between us.
I pull her to a stop in front of the Ferris wheel.
Ryder peers up at the massive revolving ride. “Uh, no.”
“Really?Thisis a no for you,” I tease.
She turns to face me. “This is a no foryou.”
Her eyes coast around us as they have been non-stop since we entered.
She steps a little closer, pushing her sunglasses into her hair as her face tips up to mine. “You would be a rotating target high in the air.”
The sun hits her face just right, and her eyes sparkle like the ocean. I have the urge to inch closer and link my arms around her back, but I know I can’t. Not yet.
I force my gaze to stay put, not dropping to the place it really wants to go. She doesn’t move. Her eyes remain locked on mine, searching for something or some kind of understanding.
Everything slows, and for a moment, it’s only us. Here. Together. I remain still, giving her time to find whatever she’s seeking. I’ll stay right here with her as long as she needs me to.
“Cole.”
Ryder’s head snaps ninety degrees.
I turn at my name, and Marla Jenkins, Will’s wife, strides toward us. Ryder shifts her body in front of me as Marla approaches, and just like that, she’s gone and has returned to full protection mode.
Shit.
Marla holds out her arms, offering a hug. I lean around Ryder to hug her.
“I’m so happy you’re here.” Marla squeezes me tightly. “Thank you so much for the items and the donation. It’s incredible.”
“I’ve been keeping an eye out for Rachel, but haven’t caught up with her,” I say, and Marla’s smile fades.
“She’s still in the hospital. She’s not strong enough to make it today. She’s struggling to kick the infection.”
“I’m really sorry.” It sounds stupid, and sorry helps absolutely nothing, but it’s all I have. “Is there anything I can do?”
She shakes her head. “Will and I are splitting our time. He’ll be here a little later.” She squeezes my forearm, but Ryder doesn’t remove her hand.
Although she stiffens as if she’s restraining herself.
“I’m so grateful he has this team and you guys. He’d be so lost in all of this without it.”
She eyes Ryder and sticks out her hand. “I’m Marla. Thank you so much for coming.”
Ryder offers her hand in return. “This is amazing. She must be a very special little girl.”
Marla nods as her attention moves to passing friends.
“Thank you so much for having us,” I say. “I’m honored to get to be a part of this.”
She smiles and hugs me again. “Oh, I told Mindy I’d send you her way if I found you. There’s a line forming specifically for you so. . . ” She smiles, turning toward friends. “And don’t forget to enter the drawing for this year’s art piece. It’s beautiful. He did an amazing job.”
“I’ll be sure to.”
Ryder and I head toward the Stingrays’ booth, and even from a distance, I can see the line.
