Page 39 of Wicked Cowboy
She jumped out of bed and headed to the bathroom. “Get dressed. We should be there for her.”
Once she finished in the shower. I cleaned myself up fast then we headed down the hall.
She brushed against my hand like she wanted to hold it, but I stepped back.
She must be in some good man’s sights somewhere that was better than me. I was cursed. Even our deal wasn’t fair to her. Chelsea was probably safer away from me too. I’d never replace her father.
We joined my father and Chelsea at the round table that overlooked the back patio and the fields and took our seats.
“Chelsea. Hudson, how are you both?” Ridley asked.
My father’s gaze narrowed. He must have noticed Ridley’s glow.
He folded his hands in front of his lamb chop dinner. “You look at peace.”
I hadn’t meant to follow his advice. Tension ran up my back, but I waited until the servants placed plates in front of Ridley and me. Once they left, I hoped I could rationalize what he thought he saw. “Pop-"
“We’re happy you’re here,” He interrupted and stared at me without blinking. “We were talking about the two of you just now.”
Ridley’s voice broke the air as she asked, “Chelsea, how are you holding up?”
Her head lowered and it sounded like a whimper. “The movie was okay, but I’m still… sad.”
Ridley scooted closer and wrapped her arms around Chelsea’s shoulder. “Today was hard for all of us. We'll never forget them.”
Chelsea turned into her and hugged her. “Good, because I don’t want to.”
Ridley’s heart was exactly what Chelsea needed. My father and I were better at odds and we shouldn’t get too close for his own safety either.
Maybe I was being selfish in demanding she stay here when she’d be better living her own life. I was here for logistics, hoping the tension eased.
“The staff mentioned they started loading your room with your belongings.”
Chelsea sniffled and then said, “Thanks, Carter.”
Being dependable was a weight I hadn’t expected to ever bear, but I said, “If you need anything, just ask.”
Pop then said, “I’m just glad you are both getting married. You both seem happy.”
My ears burned. Happy was for couples in love. I swallowed, unsure of what to say.
Ridley and Chelsea had been whispering, but when I gave them my attention, Ridley wiped Chelsea’s eyes and said, “Your mom loved makeup. She was always trying to get me to wear some.”
Bernie expected his girl to be safe.
I heard him in the back of my mind and closed my eyes when I said, “Bernie always said he was the luckiest man alive because he had your mom.”
Ridley’s voice was high and sweet as she said, “You know we met at your parent's wedding.”
Chelsea asked, “Really?”
I focused on my dinner and ate, though my stomach was tight and slightly jumpy.
“It was one of the times your mother insisted I wear lipstick.” Ridley reached behind her. “Let me show you a picture.” I stopped chewing as she showed Chelsea our pictures. “We were both in the wedding party. This is us dancing.”
Chelsea took Ridley’s phone and forwarded the pictures to her phone.
My father’s plate was empty, same as mine, and he said, “You picked a good woman. I’m proud of you, Carter.”
