Page 81 of Wildest Forever

“Gerry was more than a boss,” and I hear Morgan's whimpers. “He took me in when I came out of jail, when I had nowhere else to go... no one else would have me but he gave me the chance. Made me work my fingers to the bone, but he let me work here under the radar... he was like the father I never had.”

Tripp sighs, putting a fussy Lainey up and over his shoulder as she babbles in Morgan's direction, a ghost of a smile haunting my lips.

“You don't have to explain your reasons for being upset,” his voice is low, “take it from three men who buried their father not too long ago, the feelings you have are valid, whether he was your dad or not, whatever the reason, he was a big part of your life.”

Dusty nods, his eyes casting to Morgan and she has more tears rolling down her cheeks.

Aspen approaches in the doorway and nods her head for me to follow her.Pushing away, I move to where she stands just outside the kitchen.

“Do you think Morgan would want me to strip the bed...” she eyes the kitchen then back to me. “I think it needs to be cleaned,” and I know what she is saying in a round about way.

I sigh heavily and ask her to give me a moment.

Dixie is in the living room, just tidying around.

The house is lived in, there is clutter everywhere. My ma's house is spotless, always has been, even with a rancher of a husband and three kids who were always in dirty clothes and muddy boots.

Stepping into the kitchen, I walk towards Morgan and softly tug on her elbow to get her eyes on me.

“Aspen is going to wash your pops’ sheets, is that okay?” I whisper softly and she takes a moment to let my words settle in.

She nods ever so slightly.

“Okay,” I roll my lips, and I am desperate to pull her into me, holding her tightly.

I move away and within ten steps I am back in front of the one who shattered my heart.

“That's fine,” my chest rattles. “Leave it on the floor upstairs, I’ll take it to the laundry room,” her brows pinch, furrowing.

“Where is it?” she looks around the small space.

“Small shed behind the house.”

“Okay,” she smiles at me then places her hand on the top of my arm and my skin burns from her touch. “You doing okay?” she asks, head tilting to the side and I reply with a nod.

Because what else am I meant to say?

No, I'm not okay. I still hurt from all those years ago when you split me in two. No, I'm not okay because I am married to someone I don't know, that I want to know, but I am so fucking terrified of feeling anything for her when I am still trying to pickup the pieces thatyoucaused. No, I'm not okay because I am not only grieving my father, but I am grieving my friend,ourfriend. No, I'm not okay because I am filled with so much hate and rage towards everyone and anyone who tries to tear down my family and yet there is nothing I can do to stop it.

“I'm okay,” I mask the lie well and she drops her hand from my arm.

“Always here for you, you know that right?” her hazel eyes draw me in and I shut the memories down in an instant.

“Always,” I smile and my heart throbs in my chest before she turns and walks away.

And I stand there, watching her disappear upstairs and for some reason, a bit of that pent up rage is aimed at her too.

“You doing okay, Pace?” Dixie asks me and I snap my face around to look at her, pushing my hands into my front pockets and telling her that I am in fact fine.

Turning, I go back into the kitchen and sit silently whilst my family try and delicately put Morgan and Dusty back together with their unconditional love.

Because that's who we are.

We’re the Riveras.

We love fiercely and protect what is ours to our last dying breath.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

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