Page 80 of Wildest Forever

The sound of boots hit the wooden floor and I know who it is.

Morgan glances her eyes over her shoulder and sees Dusty standing there looking as broken as her.

She pushes from the chair and throws herself into his arms.

I feel like a spare part.

I don't know her enough to comfort her in the way she needs.

My ma senses my mood and steps towards me, placing a hand to my cheek and I give her a sad grin.

“Love you,” she whispers as the kettle begins to whistle.

Dixie and Aspen move out of the kitchen and begin pottering around the house, picking up the odd pieces that lay around.

I finally let my aching legs rest as I sit down.

The tension brews in my temples and I feel pent up.

I have no idea how to maneuver this situation.

My glassy eyes move to her and Dusty, and I can't help but feel slightly envious of the both of them.

My ma's hand is on my shoulder as she places a cup of tea in front of me, Riggs and Tripp sitting next to me as he bounces Lainey on his knee.

“You doing okay?” Tripp asks and again, I shrug a shoulder up.

“I don't know,” I admit, letting my chin drop towards my chest.

Curling my fingers around the cup, I pull it towards me.

“Morgan, darling,” my ma's voice floats across the room and warmth radiates through me.

She finally steps away from Dusty as she takes the cup from my ma and rests against the worksurface, just as my ma hands Dusty a hot cup of tea.

I stand instantly. “You want to sit down?” and she shakes her head at me.

“I don't think I'll be able to stand again if I sit,” she admits, voice cracking.

My ma is cleaning the kitchen, occupying herself whilst Riggs and Tripp exchange looks then both avert their gaze to Dusty.

He is standing, haunted, legs anchored to the spot, fingers curled around his cup.

“Dusty,” my voice breaks him from his trance.His red, bloodshot eyes find mine.

“You wanna sit, man?” I ask as I stand and he doesn't respond, just moves towards me and sinks into the seat.

Dusty's eyes lift to my two brothers, slicing between the both of them.

“I'm Riggs,” his hand pushes forward, and Dusty takes it, “not the best circumstances to be meeting for the first time...” he rumbles and then Tripp gives a soft smile and introduces himself.

I know they met at the wedding, but they didn't really talk much.

“We're so sorry...” Riggs says for the both of them and he just nods.

“I know you probably don't understand why I am so upset.” Dusty begins, his voice kind of muffled.

Riggs rolls his lips and shakes his head from side to side, his eyes closing softly for just a moment.

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