Page 99 of Edge of Heaven

“I don’t…” She falters, rubbing her temples. “I feel like I’ve missed a lot of what’s been happening. Will you go back to the beginning and tell me what you know?”

“Sure.”

“I’m going to get a glass of wine. Would you like one?”

“Thank you, yes.”

She pours two glasses and then sinks into a chair across from me.

And we sit in the kitchen for the next few hours while I fill her in on her daughter’s life.

Taryn’s already mad at me—if I’m overstepping my boundaries, so be it.

She and her mother desperately need to clear the air, and Toby needs his treatment paid for.

If I can accomplish those two things, then my work here is done.

Everything else is up to Taryn.

I’ll wait until she’s ready, as long as I know she loves me.

And if she doesn’t, I’ll still have no regrets.

I love her enough to want to do this for her.

Chapter34

Taryn

I spendthree days in Baton Rouge with Ryleigh.

I feel a little guilty that she’s paying for the room and stayed behind when Angus went home to Minnesota, but it’s been kind of nice. Just us girls, hanging out, ordering takeout and watching movies. It would have been better if I could move around more, but I haven’t had girl time like this since college.

And I didn’t realize how much I missed it until now.

“What are you doing?” I ask when I wake up on the fourth morning to find her packing.

“My man is waiting for me in our big, empty house. I need to go.” She seems happy and carefree, not at all concerned about abandoning me.

“I haven’t booked a flight yet or?—”

“Don’t worry. Hotel is paid for through Sunday, and your mom landed at the airport a little while ago, so you guys can fly back to L.A. together. Angus used his points to book both of you in first class. Consider it a gift from us.”

“Ryleigh!” I want to cry again, but instead I hurry over and hug her as tightly as I can manage with my sore ribs. “How did… I haven’t spoken to my mom.”

“I know.” She pulls away slightly. “But Mick did.”

“What?” I stare at her in confusion.

“She’ll explain. And stop being stubborn. There are people who love you. No one more than that guy you’ve been too proud to reach out to.”

I frown.

“But don’t worry—he’ll be waiting when you get your head out of your ass.”

“I don’t understand.”

“I know. But you will.” She finishes packing, calls for a cab, and then hugs me again. “Your mom is on her way and I have to go. I don’t know when I’m going to see you next, but let me know your plans once you figure them out.”

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