Page 106 of No Rhyme or Roughing
A knock interrupted my thoughts, barely a warning before Teddy barged in, one hand slapped over his eyes. “You two better be decent, or I’m going to have to bleach my brain.”
I slid off the bed, smirking. “Honestly, that might be an improvement.”
He dropped his hand to glare at me. “If you’re done being a smartass, the team’s here for that meeting your boy toy called.”
“You did not just call me a smartass.” I followed him out of the room, taking a swing at his arm.
He shrugged, unbothered. “Was I wrong?”
“You’re the smartass.”
“Wow. Killer comeback.” He turned to me, one brow raised, a smug grin plastered on his face. “Do you kiss your boyfriend with that mouth?”
“No, I kiss your best friend with it.”
His grin faltered. “Low blow.”
“And I?—”
“No!” Teddy clapped his hands over his ears, a look of mock horror on his face. “Do not twist those words.”
I sauntered past him, heading for the stairs, and threw over my shoulder, “I win.”
Downstairs, the team had gathered in the living room. A few guys clustered near the coffee table, where Guardian was trying to swipe food from the platter I assumed Rowan had put together. He’d insisted they weren’t good hosts without snacks.
Ryder came running down the stairs behind me anddisappeared into the kitchen. Moments later, he reappeared with an armful of beers, handing them out to the team.
“Is our captain trying to get us drunk?” Jules grinned, taking one with a raised eyebrow.
Ryder shot him a blank look. “How else will I convince you to love me, Jules?”
Laughter rippled through the group, but Teddy wasn’t having it. He stepped forward, placing a firm hand on Ryder’s shoulder, looking him dead in the eye. “The only person allowed to love you like that is my sister. Got it?”
I rolled my eyes so hard it nearly hurt. Teddy had been throwing digs like this all day. Once I’d convinced him I was, in fact, in love with Ryder, he’d shifted all his protective energy into worrying about Ryder hurting me. Threatening him, cracking jokes at his expense—none of it felt like the usual Teddy. Something was off, and I couldn’t figure out what had gotten into him lately.
Most of the guys found spots on the floor, waiting for Ryder to explain why he’d called them this morning and insisted they all show up. As captain, he had that right, but it still left a lot of unanswered questions.
I hung back by the kitchen door, leaning against the frame next to Rowan.
Once everyone settled and their attention was focused on him, Ryder started pacing in front of the group. I could see the nerves—his eyes flicked toward me every few steps. I gave him a subtle nod of encouragement, offering him a silent promise of support.
He stopped pacing and rubbed the back of his neck,clearly gathering his thoughts. “Here’s the thing...” he began, exhaling sharply. A smile slowly crept across his face, a mix of relief and pride.
“We saved the team.”
EPILOGUE
RYDER
The wedding day I once imagined as mine turned out to be beautiful.
Sam wore an off-white dress that Sydney assured me was perfect—I trusted her judgment. Sullivan stood confidently in a light green suit with a matching bowtie, while Teddy and I mirrored his tie choice, flanking him on either side. The three of us had always been connected, intertwined by loyalty and love. Now, Sullivan stood beside the woman who had once meant everything to me.
And yet, all I felt was joy for my twin. He and Sam were the kind of perfect match I could never have been with her—both playful, outgoing, and in seamlessharmony. It wasn’t until I met Sydney that I realized just how misplaced I had felt before.
When I caught Sydney’s gaze, I noticed she wasn’t watching the ceremony at all. Instead, her eyes were on me—with a look I never thought she’d give, a love I never believed she held.
The wedding took place in a cozy garden, decked out for Christmas just days away. The aisle, lined with flowing willow branches, eucalyptus, and crisp white florals, framed the moment Sam and Sullivan sealed their vows. As they walked back as husband and wife, cheers erupted—my teammates, naturally, the loudest.
