Page 11 of Wicked Cowboy
Nicole never had to worry about this. I stripped down to my bra and underwear and wished I’d packed more. “I’m not determined like our older sisters or as vibrant as you and Olivia.”
“We’re not vibrant. You’re dedicated.”
“I bury myself with work and practically lived at the hospital these past few years.” I checked out my plain clothes and hoped this wasn’t a formal night when I said, “I prefer being useful than sitting around.”
“My blog is work. It’s just not the kind that makes your body weak from fixing other people’s health.”
I grabbed my flip flops I packed for a hotel. “I know your followers love you, Nicole. I’m just happy you still answer my calls.”
“Just remember you’re loved and valued, and you can crash on my couch for Christmas anytime.”
Now that was why she was a good sister to call. My lips curved higher. “I love you.”
“I love you, too,” She said fast.
We hung up and I tossed my door open to this dinner.
The small, brown-haired, mini version of Chloe almost slammed into me. She wore the same jeans she’d had on earlier, though she had a clean shirt.
We kept a foot between us when she asked, “Who were you talking to?”
Had she heard me? I wished there was more I could do for her. “My sister.”
She stayed in step as she clutched her chest. “I wish I had a sister, a brother, or someone else in my life that remembered my mom and dad the way I do.”
I stopped in my tracks. “Chloe was an amazing woman and she loved you more than anything else in the world.”
Chelsea’s face had a flicker, like she’d cry, but then she steeled herself. “Ridley, you seem nice, but I can’t leave here.”
Fair. I wasn’t here to force her. She was eight already and had her own voice.
We started walking again, and I said, “I spent the past three days getting the paperwork in order so I can help you. The court awarded both Carter and me your custody, and I want to honor your mom’s wishes.”
We made it to the dining room. It had huge bay windows that brought in the early evening light that reflected off a crystal chandelier to brighten the room. My heart thumped as she said, “Don’t make me hate you. I will if you force me to leave.”
“I won’t.” I lifted my right hand like this was a court, and I said, “I want to ensure you’re able to thrive, just like your mom. She became so alive and energetic when she lived with my sisters and me.”
I glanced at Carter’s brown eyes and strong shoulders as he stood.
Chelsea took a seat as she said, “I know you were best friends with mom and she considered you and your family her family.”
Carter, now in a clean white shirt and black slacks, motioned to take a seat next to him. I patted his hand, which was a mistake. Sparks was an understatement for what he did to me. I curled my lips up as a sign of thanks then said, “My parents were big on helping children who needed help, and when your mom moved into our house, she quickly became my best friend.”
Hudson was wearing a blue tie. He smiled at us.
Chelsea tugged her own seat in and reached for a piece of bread as she asked, “Why didn’t you come to see us before? I know mom invited you.”
“I wanted it, but I just got busy and lost track of time.” My temples throbbed, and I noticed Carter’s brown eyes as he stared at me. He scooted closer to me. My father died, and my mom lost the will to live and followed him soon after. Our knees pressed under the table when I said, “After my own parents died a few years back, I didn’t see anyone really other than patients. But I came the second I heard about you because I wanted to help.”
I removed a silver cover from a tray and saw a salad. A maid came from behind and took the covers.
Chelsea cut into her salad and asked me, “You married?”
My gaze drifted to the hot muscular man beside me and I thought of his proposal. My heart raced. “No.”
We all ate a few bites of our salad. Maybe I’d avoided relationships as I didn’t want more burdens on my shoulder. Being open to love risked losing more, but if I said yes to a business deal, that fear was gone. Plus, I’d get Chelsea and a place where I fit in that wasn’t a hospital. Chelsea finished her greens, and she asked me, “Do you have other children in your home already?”
I finished my plate, put my fork down and shook my head. “No.” A waiter cleaned up after me like I was at a restaurant, and I stiffened but continued, “When the hospital called me and mentioned my name in a will, I dropped everything to get here.”
