Page 79 of Ryder

“You look… fucking amazing!” Tears well in her eyes.

“Oh God, not you too! Mom was just in here and she ruined her makeup.”

“I know, Lily had to fix it,” Deanna laughs while dabbing her eyes with a tissue. “Now you’re making me all mushy.”

I pull her into my arms for a hug, even though the baby bump gets in the way. “He’s been kicking a lot today,” I say when we pull apart. “I think he knows what a big day it is for his mommy and daddy.”

Deanna stands back, a huge smile on her face. “You guys are gonna be the best parents. Ryder is the sweetest. Maybe I’ll snag a man of my own while I’m down here.” She leans in closer. “I think I have a crush on Cash.”

This isn’t the first time I’ve heard her say that. Deanna is a flirt by nature, but she only has eyes for Cash. I have no fucking clue how that will go down if her parents find out. Cash and Hutch are best friends and used to be in the same club together in Arizona long before the Rebels existed. Not that Cash knew D while she was growing up; he was in New Orleans long before then. But she’s twenty-six now, and when she goes after something, she doesn’t stop.

“You have a crush on someone every week.” I roll my eyes.

She playfully swats me. “I do not!”

“Really?”

“I’ve always liked older guys. There’s something kinda mysterious about a silver fox, especially one as sexy as Cash. That man shouldn’t be legal. Plus, he’d have tons of experience if you know what I mean.” She wags her eyebrows, causing me to laugh out loud.

“You’re hopeless. Honestly, D, you keep me entertained.”

“Glad I’m useful for something,” she laughs. “Now. This is your big day. What do we need? You’ve got tissues, your flowers are ready — ooh, I need to fix your veil!”

Summer, Lily and Casey all lurk in the doorway.

“Is she ready?” Lily calls.

They watch Deanna help me with the veil and then I turn toward them.

“Oh, you’re so beautiful,” Summer whispers.

“You look amazing, sis,” Casey agrees.

“I’m going to cry!” Lily presses both her hands to her mouth. “Weddings make me sappy!”

“What are all you girls gabbling abou—” My dad shakes his head, grinning when he appears in the doorway. Then his eyes find mine. “Crystal, you look… you look beautiful.” He slides one finger under his eye, then the other.

“Dad! Not you too!” I feel a lump in my throat.

“What?” He moves towards me, looking dapper in his suit. “It’s not every day your child gets married.”

“We’ll be right out here.” Deanna pats me on the arm.

I smile as the girls leave the room.

“Thanks Dad, for making amends with Ryder.” My words are soft. It was always my dream to marry Ryder, to be his girl, and now that it’s finally happening and my family can be with us to celebrate, means the world to me.

“We wouldn’t miss it for the world. Ryder has stepped up to the plate, he takes good care of you, and that’s how it should be,” he goes on. “Nothing makes me and your mom happier than seeing you happy, and now you have a baby on the way.”

“I love you, Dad.” That's all I can manage. “I’m going to be the best wife and mom I can be.”

He pulls me into a hug, kissing the top of my head. “I know that. You’ll both be amazing parents. I love you more than you’ll ever know,” he says. “When you have your own child, you’ll understand why we did some of the things we did. Did we get everything right? Heck no, but your children are the most precious things on earth. It’s a different kind of love.”

“Dad, you’re going to make me ball!”

He smiles, righting himself. “Okay, enough of the soppy stuff. May I?” He gestures to my veil.

I nod. “Yes, Dad, I’m ready.”

---