Page 16 of Rancher's Strength

We drove, his hand rested on my thigh, and I appreciated him for getting me out of there without asking questions. The truck slowed, and he pulled off the road at an approach. Shifting the truck into park, he lifted the center console, unbuckled my seatbelt, and pulled me over to him. Throwing my arms around his neck, I cried on his shoulder until I had no more tears left in my body.

“I knew it would be hard, but I didn’t think it would be that hard. He didn’t even know me.”

“He doesn’t usually know me when I go.” I sat up and frowned.

“How often do you go?”

“Almost once a week, if I can get away.”

“Why?”

“For you. If I could make sure they were okay, I felt like I was helping you without you even knowing.” He grazed his thumb over my cheek, wiping away the tears running down my face.

“I’m glad they’ve had you all this time.”

“No, you’re not.” He chuckled, breaking the tension in the cab of the truck. “You would have been thrilled if they gave me the silent treatment forever. Don’t forget, I know you.” He wiped my face, then glanced down at his shoulder, where a wet spot had formed on his light blue plaid shirt.

“Sorry,” I whispered as I wiped at the spot. “And just so you know, I am okay with the fact they kept you.” He kissed the top of my head, lingering and inhaling deeply.

“Let’s get back and get the kids.” His words were quiet, and I nodded. Those were words I never thought anyone would say to me. I didn’t shift back to the seat by the door; I pulled the lap belt across me and stayed in my spot. On our first date, Ryder asked me to sit in the middle seat. I thought he would to try to cop a feel, but he just threaded his fingers through mine and held my hand as we drove back to campus from where we had dinner. Hiscalloused hand brushed against mine, and I watched our fingers instinctively tangle with one another.

I should stop this—alarm bells were ringing in the back of my head—but if we were going to make people believe we were together, I needed to get used to being close to him again.

Chapter Nine

RYDER

Ididn’t let her go, but she didn’t try to move away either. Lexie fumbled behind her to get the lap belt, buckled herself in, and rested her head back on my shoulder. I knew seeing her father was going to hurt, there wasn’t any way to shield her from it. She’d stayed away because she couldn’t bear to see him like that but avoiding it had only made things worse. Silently, I thanked the heavens that he’d been having a good day. All I hoped was that when she went back, he would recognize her again, no matter how brief the acknowledgment was.

“We’re going to have to go to the main ranch. I can’t hide out at the farm for the entire time I’m here,” she said softly as she looked down at our hands.

“There’s no reason we have to do that today.” If she agreed to wait, I could hide out at the farm and avoid the four men I knew would be less than thrilled about this situation. That might be the understatement of the year—pissed, angry, furious, and probably feeling a million other emotions I hadn’t even considered.

“Might as well get it over with.” She raised her head and looked out her window. “And we need to head back to Julie’s to get the kids.” She hadn’t wanted to go see her dad alone, but shewasn’t sure where to take the kids. Julie’s was the only logical place. It wouldn't be overwhelming for them with a bunch of new people. She and Phil wrapped the kids in their love, and by the time I headed back out to the truck they were already making plans for a busy time together. Julie promised Ruby they’d bake cookies, and Phil was going to take Sawyer to the horses.

“Let’s go then,” I said as I pulled back onto the straight stretch of road that would lead us back to the ranch.

The rest of the drive was painfully silent, and all I wanted to do was ensure she was okay. She wasn’t okay. I didn’t need to ask. Everything was so messed up right now, and to make matters worse, the envelope containing our marriage license sat on the dash.

“We’re going to have to make them believe we’re together,” Lexie said as she broke the silence when we crossed onto ranch property heading for Julie’s home.

“I know,” I mumbled. Making people believe I was still head over heels for her shouldn’t be an issue. Clearly, I was still crazy about her.

Pulling up to the house, I looked over at Lexie, who hadn’t made a move to get out of the truck. “I’ll be right back.” She nodded, at least, before I opened the door.

After quickly knocking before I opened the door, I wandered into the kitchen and found two giggling kids. It was a sound I hadn’t heard much of over the past week, but it was enough to give me the boost I needed today. “Uncle Ryder, why are you back already?” Sawyer asked as he saw me walk in.

“Well, we need to head to the ranch so you can meet some of the kids,” I said as Ruby moved to my side, holding a bag of cookies.

“You make those, kid?” She nodded and beamed up at me.

“Pretty sure they won’t make it home. I think I’ll eat them all.”

“Uncle Ryder.” She laughed and held the bag up. “There’s three dozen in there. You’ll get a tummy ache.”

“Nah, gut of steel,” I said as I patted my stomach.

“So, you’re heading to the main house?” Julie asked as she walked over and held her arms out for a hug. It hadn’t mattered that I’d hugged her when I dropped the kids off. She needed another one, and I think she knew I needed the embrace of a mother today, of all days.

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