Page 48 of Wildest Forever

“I swear it,” I clasp his hand in mine and give it a gentle squeeze. “You have my word and my signature in ink, we made a deal.”

He nods, tears forming in his eyes.

“As my father used to say...” and my own voice cracks, “live by the ranch, die by the ranch.”

Driving down the dusty road,it's not long before we're pulling into Rivera Ranch. Morgan has been quiet, just staring out the window.

Anxiety pricks at the base of my neck as I slow the truck down and park it in front of the garages.

Her soft green eyes cast out the windshield before they're on mine.

“You okay?” I ask, desperate to place my hand on her thigh but I know I shouldn't.

I don't think this will ever be more than a business transaction, but the want to feel her skin beneath my fingers is only going to grow.

She nods before pulling on the handle of her door and jumping out.

I follow, walking around the back of the truck and grabbing the linen laundry bag out of the back seats.

“You do know you can wash that at home?” her brow raises as her eyes fall to the bag then back on mine.

“I know... but...” I shrug a shoulder up and cast my eyes over her.

Bell bottom jeans over her boots, lemon tee that sits cropped, teasing her tanned skin on her torso. Sunshine hair in loose waves, sunglasses pushed onto her head.

“Come,” I nod my head in the direction of the house as we walk past Tripp and Riggs' trucks.

I had no idea the whole family would be here.

She stalls as she gets to the front door and I do what feels natural.I slip my hand inside hers and push the door handle down with my elbow as I lead her through into the hallway.

“Ma!” I call out, dumping the laundry bag at my feet. Riggs walks down the hallway, lips twitching as his dark eyes scope over Morgan than shift to me.

“Hello, little brother,” he smirks as Aspen bounds down behind him and pushes past to wrap Morgan into a hug.

“He finally brought you home,” she smiles before letting Morgan out of her grasp, her eyes drifting up to Riggs as he wraps his hand around her body and pulls her close.

“Just to do laundry,” I mumble as Riggs nods back towards the living room and we follow down, Morgan's hand still in mine and I realize this is the first time that she has been inside the house.

Her fingers unlock from mine as we walk into the room, my mom sitting cuddling Lainey, Tripp sitting on the armchair, Dixie is nowhere to be seen.

“Hello sunshine boy,” she smiles at me before her eyes drift to Morgan. “Hello darling,” her smile only widens and my heart swells inside my chest.“I would get up and give you both a kiss, but I am nap trapped,” she laughs softly as she looks down at Lainey who is laying on her chest, my mom's hand softly stroking the back of her head.

“It's okay ma,” I say as I walk into the room and Morgan follows to sit on the sofa, Aspen sitting next to her.“I'll go put the kettle on shall I?” I say to the room and my mom nods.

“Lunch will be done soon if you both wanted to stay.”

I glance at Morgan, but she doesn't look at me.

I turn and make my way to the kitchen and fill the kettle up before placing it on the stove.

The sound of heavy boots creeping behind me has me turning around.

Riggs stands, arms crossed against his chest.

“You doing okay?” he asks, eyes burning into mine.

“Yeah,” I nod, scrubbing my face, “it's been a bit of a morning; been told that Gerry only has a couple of weeks left...” I trail off and I see Riggs' mouth pop open before he closes it again.

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