Page 21 of River Legacy
“Saved your life? How dramatic,” Oakley said, shooting a look at Ryder. “My brother is just full ofsurprises. Is your father really trying to marry you off to some loser?”
“Oakley,” Ryder protested, giving her his zip-it face.
She ignored the warning. “Just wondering if he’s trying to marry her off toyou, brother dear.”
“Not to worry,” Victoria said. “It’s actually a funny story how we met. Are you sure you don’t want to try to sit down, Tilly? No? Okay.”
“Victoria, I really don’t think they need to hear—”
“We were both at the Billings airport. I was on the phone with a friend when I saw your brother.” To his horror, she proceeded to tell his sisters the story, not leaving out a single detail.
“Wow,” Oakley said when she finished. “That’s going to be an interesting one to tell your children.”
“What’s so funny is that I’d never kissed a cowboy.” She looked over at him and grinned. Ryder felt heat rush to his face as she said, “But I have now.”
Oakley’s eyes widened before she shot a look at her sister. “I hope you’re listening to all this, Tilly.” She turned back to Victoria. “You should know you’re the first woman my brother has ever brought to the ranch.”
“Really?” Victoria grinned over at him, making him want to disappear underneath the floorboards. He would have gone to find something else to do, but he couldn’t bear the thought of leaving hissisters with Victoria. He hated to think what could happen.
“Okay, we have work to do here,” Ryder said through clenched teeth. “Maybe the two of you should go, since it looks as if Tilly is going to have this baby right here in the barn.”
“Subtle,” Oakley said, looking from Victoria to him as if making up her own mind about what was or wasn’t going on. “Victoria, in case we don’t see you before you leave at the end of the weekend, it’s been a pleasure. But in case thisthinglasts more than the weekend, maybe we’ll be seeing you around here again.”
Ryder took his sister’s arm. “Why don’t I walk you out to your truck.”
Oakley laughed. “I can find my own truck, Ryder. Come on, sis.” But he didn’t take no for an answer. Oakley looked around as the three of them headed to where she’d parked earlier. “Isn’t CJ getting out of jail today? I thought you might have already seen him.”
“No. Fortunately, you’re the only one who’s stopped by,” Ryder said. “And no, I don’t want to talk about CJ or anything else,” he said. “You also don’t need to mention this to the rest of the family, especially Mother.”
“You like her,” Oakley said, grinning with glee. “Be careful, brother,” she called after him as he walked away. “He likes her,” she said as she helped her sister back into the pickup. “You really should just go ahead and have this baby, Tilly.”
“Thank you for that wonderful advice.”
“You ever find out what you’re having?” Oakley asked as she climbed behind the wheel.
“A boy or a girl.”
“You sure that’s all that’s in there? You might be having a whole team.”
“Just drive,” Tilly said. “Try hitting all the potholes in the road.”
Chapter Seven
CJStafford hadn’t expected a brass band when he walked out of jail. But he had expected someone to pick him up. He stood just outside the gate, waiting. He hated waiting. Worse, he hated the feeling that he was no longer relevant.
He thought of his sister Oakley. When she’d come to visit him in jail that one and only time, she’d made it clear that he was no longer part of their lives. He was still surprised that their mother had gotten him freed—especially after what Oakley had probably told her about their conversation at the prison.
She’d made it clear that she didn’t think he could ever change.
You’re right. I’d do anything to get out of here, let alone not go to prison for years. Why wouldn’t I? But maybe I’m not all bad. Maybe there’s hope for me. Don’t you believe in second chances?
Clearly, she hadn’t when it came to him.
He hadn’t bothered to ask her if she would ever forgive him for what he’d done to her. He was no fool. He knew his sister, and apparently she knew him. Or at least thought she did. Maybe he’d justshow her that he could change. Maybe he’d show them all.
Isn’t it possible that I wish I’d done things differently?he’d asked his sister that day in jail.
Oakley hadn’t believed it, said it was a relief not having him around and that he could never change.
