Page 295 of Wild Card

She smiles sweetly, running her finger over his cheek. “Your daddy put the fear of God into our contractor.”

“We came to an understanding,” I correct her.

“Whatever you say.”

My eyes catch on the table where an envelope sits with familiar handwriting.

The hair on my arms stands and I adjust Beckett to my other side, tucking her closer.

“What did this one say?”

Her eyes dart to the table and back to me. “I haven’t read it yet. Mom brought it.”

This isn’t the first time Stacy or Sterling have delivered letters from Rylee.

Apparently, being ostracized from your sister’s extravagant wedding and shunned from every family celebration flipped a switch with Rylee’s attitude.

Sterling officially moved back into their home after our wedding.

A little tough love went a long way in straightening Rylee out. She found a job and, after a few months, moved to a small apartment on her own.

It was older, outdated, and not up to her perceived glamorous deservings, but it was safe and she could afford it.

Sterling Richards may put up a hard-ass front, but he loves his children. Stacy and Sterling helped her get settled and showered her with the same attention they did Chase and Willow.

According to Willow, her parents’ marriage is stronger than ever because, for the first time, they can concentrate on themselves.

Rosie and Lynden are rebuilding their relationship with Rylee in their own way. Like Sterling and Stacy, they are cautious of Willow’s feelings.

Willow made it known she couldn’t care less. Our life moved on and there’s been no looking back.

Chase, on the other hand, remains fiercely protective of Willow and is not as forgiving.

The letters started arriving the month before Beckett was born.

Sterling brought the first one to me. He knew I’d go fucking off the chains if Rylee wrote anything to upset Willow.

It was a few paragraphs that eventually led to an apology.

Willow didn’t blink an eye when I handed over the open envelope. She was finally in tune with my ways.

We’ve received several letters since, the remorse appearing more sincere.

No one is pushing Willow to respond, but I know it’s coming.

“You want to read it together?” I offer, knowing it will drive Willow crazy.

“Nope, today is too special. She doesn’t get any piece of it.”

“You that excited about seeing Xander?”

Her eyes flicker with disappointment. “I guess so.”

“We do have our own baby to gush over.”

“Yeah.” She focuses back on him.

I school my features, tempering down the urge to smile outright at her pout. ”Anything else happen today?”

---