Page 31 of River Legacy
“Ryder,” she said, giving him an awkward hug. “It’s good to see you.” Before he could answer, her gaze went to Victoria. Wasn’t that her name? The last time Charlotte had seen her, she was just a child.
“Victoria Forester,” the young woman said before Ryder could introduce her.
Charlotte saw Victoria give her a questioning look. Maybe the girl hadn’t been too young to remember after all. “I knew your father,” Charlotte said so the woman didn’t have to wonder.
Ryder put an arm around Victoria. “We just stopped by on our way to dinner. We’re doing a night out on the town.” He seemed almost protective of the young woman. Charlotte wondered how close they were. Closer maybe than even Ryder realized.
“Don’t let me stop you,” she said. “It was nice to see you again, Victoria.” With that, Charlotte turned and went out in the hall where Holden was waiting for her.
But not before she heard Ryder ask, “What was that about?”
Whatever Victoria answered, Charlotte didn’t hear. Where in the world had Ryder found thisyoung woman? Was it serious? She couldn’t help but wonder if Victoria had taken after her father.
“That baby was so adorable,” Victoria gushed as they drove to the café after they’d congratulated Tilly and Cooper and left. “They looked so happy.”
Ryder hadn’t said anything since leaving the hospital. She suspected he was still shaken after running into his mother—not to mention realizing that Charlotte knew Wendell Forester, had apparently been to his house and had recognized Victoria.
“Our parents met at our house years ago when I was just a girl,” Victoria told him. “I probably only remember because my mother and I came home. She grabbed her favorite vase and threw it at your mother before demanding she leave and never come back.”
Ryder groaned. “Do not tell me my mother and your father had an affair.”
She shrugged. “My mother suspected as much, but if they did, it was short-lived. I never saw your mother again or heard her mentioned.”
He shook his head. “Charlotte must have been between husbands.”
“Small world, huh?” Victoria said with laugh. “It’s not like we’re related.”
“No, but... it is still creepy.” He shook his head as he parked again near the café. There were fewer vehicles than before. Climbing out of the pickup, he came around to open her door as if they were on a real date. Victoria was touched and saw peopleinside looking through the windows at them, definitely curious. If they only knew.
The moment Ryder opened the door to the café, she caught the aroma of roast beef and felt her stomach growl. He saw her rub her belly and chuckled as they found an empty table where he pulled out a chair for her. She felt the stares of everyone in the café, including the waitress.
“Thanks, Penny,” Ryder said when the woman brought over two glasses of water and a menu, which she put in front of Victoria.
“Ryder, you already know the special tonight. What would you like to drink? Do I need to run across the street for something... stronger?”
“I’d love iced tea,” Victoria said and looked at him. “And the special,” she said, handing Penny the menu. She figured it was the roast beef since she’d already smelled it. But it didn’t matter. If Ryder was having it, so was she.
He smiled. “I’ll take the same, including the iced tea.”
“She thought I was going to be difficult, didn’t she?” Victoria whispered, leaning toward him. “Is it me, or are all your dates difficult?”
Ryder chuckled and seemed to relax. “I haven’t had much time to date.”
“What? One of the most eligible bachelors for miles around?”
“I’m serious. Brand and I have had a ranch to run all by ourselves.”
“But now your mother’s back.”
“Right. I have no idea what she has in mind. I can’t see her taking over again, but she might. With my mother, I never know.”
“You sound so thrilled.”
“Mother is... difficult. Now with CJ back too...” He shrugged. “I still can’t believe he was at the ranch. I knew he wouldn’t abide by any rules our mother set. He never has.” He shook his head. “I’d hoped you wouldn’t have to meet either of them. My mother can be worse than my sisters when it comes to butting into other people’s lives.”
“You are so lucky to have so many people who care about you.”
Ryder didn’t look like he felt lucky. Their specials arrived, roast beef, green beans and mashed potatoes with brown gravy, a roll and banana cream pie for dessert.
