Page 10 of Wildest Forever

“I need you to take her hand... keep her safe... give her your name so they can't come after her, the house deeds will go to you too... Can you do that for me Rivera? Can you give this dying man his last wish?”

And I feel like I have been sucker punched straight in the gut, the air being snatched from my lungs.

His eyes burn into mine and I see the glisten of a tear coating his cheek.

“Please,” he begs, the crack in his voice breaking my own damn heart. “Can you do that for me, Sheriff Rivera?”

I have no idea what the fuck I was thinking, but I nod, swallowing down my own tears that are threatening.

“Yes sir, I can do that.”

“Can do what?” I hear the front door shut before her voice floats around the spacious hallway, drifting into the kitchen where me and her grandfather are sitting.

I stay facing forward, not quite ready to look at her as I gaze at the man who has just laid down my future.

“Pacey is going to help me out, help me keep this place safe... and you,” his hands are trembling as he pushes from the seat, the sound of the wooden legs scraping across the floor and I watch cautiously, making sure he doesn't fall.

Not sure why all of a sudden I am feeling protective of him.

“Oh,” her voice pitches slightly higher, the sound of her boots dusting across the worn-out floor make my ears prick and only when she has walked past me do I lift my head to look at her.

But her sights aren't on me.

They're on her grandfather who reaches his hand out and holds onto hers, tightening his grip.

My eyes scope over the back of her.

Long, wavy blonde hair, high waisted Levi jeans that are tucked into tan cowboy boots and an off-white tee that is tucked into the waistband of her jeans.

“What is he going to do to help you out?” I see as she lets her eyes skate over her shoulder, looking me up and down before she is back focused on the man in front of her.

He glances at me momentarily before his blue eyes settle on his granddaughter.

“What have you done?” and I can hear the sharpness in her tone as she drops his hand then spins with her hands on her hips as she turns to face me, head tilted to the side.“Is anyone going to tell me what's going on?” she glares at me, her boot stamping on the floor.

I sigh heavily, rubbing my hands together as I eye Mr Wheeler.

“You're getting married,” he just rolls it off the tongue like it's nothing.

Her eyes widen as she glares me down as if it was my idea.

“Sorry?” her brow raises before she turns around and now puts her dagger eyes on the old man in front of her.

“I've made a decision,” he nods.

“Pops...” and I can hear the panic that claws in her throat.

“It's done.” He nods and then sits himself down back at the table and reaches for the now cold camomile tea and takes a mouthful, his lips turning down and he shakes his head and pushes the mug into the center of the table.

“Please...” her voice cracks but her grandfather doesn't even look at her. Just stares at me, drinking his cup of tea.

I sigh and take that as my cue to leave.

“I'll speak to my lawyer tomorrow and get the contract drafted up ready for you to sign,”he speaks directly to me.

I nod, giving her one last look before I walk out of the door and climb into my truck.

Once I am sat in there, I stare at the house in front of me and let the last twenty minutes of information sink in.

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