Page 77 of Lost Then Found
“Now, now, let’s not make a big deal out of it.”
Molly gasps and whirls around. “Ridge Harrison Wilding! You better get over here right now.”
I barely have time to register anything before Ridge strides inside, a big, cocky grin stretched across his face. He’s taller and broader than I remember, more muscle packed onto his frame, but everything else is the same—the sharp jaw, the golden-brown hair curling at his collar, the lazy confidence in his step. He’s dressed in dark jeans, a white Henley, and a cowboy hat that sits at just the right angle, like it belongs there.
The Rodeo Romeo.That’s what the media calls him. The circuit’s mostnotorious heartbreaker, a rodeo star with a smirk that’s made him both beloved and infamous.
Molly reaches him first, throwing her arms around his middle. “You too famous to pick up your phone and call your mama now?”
“Where’s the fun in that?” Ridge chuckles, hugging her tight before looking over her shoulder—right at me. His grin widens. “Well, well. Malarky Westwood. How long has it been?”
Before I can answer, he strides over, pulling me into a bear hug that lifts me clear off my feet.
I pat his back, laughing. “Damn, Ridge. You’ve gotten strong.”
He sets me down, smirking. “Yeah, well, trying not to get thrown off a bull that wants to kill you will do that.”
Hudson watches, eyes flicking between us with open curiosity. Ridge notices, then steps over, hands on his hips. “Alright, let’s see here. You must be Hudson.”
Hudson nods. “Yep.”
Ridge squints, tilting his head like he’s studying him. “Hmm, I don’t know. You look too cool to be Boone’s kid.”
Hudson lets out a short laugh. “That’s what I’ve been saying.”
Ridge slaps a hand over his chest, staggering back like he’s been struck. “See, this right here? This is a kid with good instincts.”
Hudson grins, looking up at me like he’s already decided he likes him. If there’s one thing I know for sure about Ridge, it’s that he can charm just about anyone.
Before I can register what’s happening, a streak of black and white fur barrels through the kitchen, paws skidding across the hardwood. A second later, I’m hit with the full force of a too-happy border collie, his front paws landing on my stomach as his tongue swipes across my cheek.
I let out a startled laugh, stumbling back. “Well, hello to you too.”
The dog wags his entire body in response, eyes bright, tongue lolling out like he’s just found his long-lost best friend.
“For God’s sake,” Molly mutters, sighing heavily. “Sage! Come get your damn dog!”
Footsteps sound from the hallway, and then Sage and Wren appear, both of them mid-laugh before they spot Ridge. The moment they do, they let out identical squeaks and launch themselves at him.
Ridge grunts as they collide with him, both of them wrapping their arms around his neck. “You two trying to suffocate me or what?”
Wren pulls back, grinning. “How the hell did you get here?”
Ridge shrugs, still holding onto Sage, who’s clinging to him like a baby chimpanzee. “Got a little break in the schedule. Had a few weeks before the next rodeo, figured I’d spend them back home.”
Sage punches his arm. “So you didn’t even tell us you were coming?”
Ridge smirks. “You love surprises.”
Molly shakes her head, turning her attention back to the dog. “Sage, get Elvis outside.”
Sage scoffs. “Why? He’s not doing anything wrong.”
Molly levels her with a pointed look, then glances at the dog, who—at that exact moment—places his front paws on the edge of the table, nose twitching toward the bread.
Sage scowls. “Elvis, down.”
Elvis begrudgingly drops to all fours, tail wagging like he’s still the goodest boy.
