Page 44 of Raven
“I made a detour on my way up here to retrieve something for Sydney. I don’t want her to know I gave it to you. I don’t care what you tell her, but do not say it was from me,” Billy instructed.
I opened the envelope and found it stuffed with hundred-dollar bills. Lifting my eyes to him, I noticed my father wasn’t shocked or put off by Billy handing me an envelope full of cash.
“What’s this?” I asked, needing to know where this money came from.
He cut his eyes to my father then back to me as he answered. “I had to handle a chicken and his two stupid brothers.”
It took a heartbeat for his true meaning to ring clear. My eyes grew wide, and I looked at my dad who seemed nonplused by Billy’s statement.
I would never ask him directly, so I beat around the bush and inquired, “Do we have to worry about anyone asking about the chicken?”
Billy reached into his cut and pulled out a joint before lighting the tip. He handed it to my father who took a hit before passing it to me. I took my turn, still waiting for a response. Billy took the joint from me and finally gave me an answer.
“Accidents happen every day. People should be more careful with their chemicals.”
My father was a high school chemistry teacher and when I looked at him, the stare he gave me told me everything I needed to know. Between the two of them, they handled Rooster and his brothers, ensuring Sydney never had to worry about them again.
I slipped the envelope into my pants pocket and explained, “I’ll tell her Comet was able to retrieve her funds, and no one will ever know otherwise.”
Billy tucked the joint between his lips and offered me his fist. I bumped mine against his as he spoke. “I trust you’ll always make sure she’s put first.”
“Above all else,” I answered, and he turned to my father.
“I told you they would be perfect together. You raised a good man.”
“Thanks,” my father responded and then suggested, “Let’s go inside before they think we’re out here plotting something.”
We all stood, and Billy dropped the half-smoked joint into the ashtray on the table before we walked inside. Seeing Sydney and my mom laughing over something as they worked together making lunch was a heartwarming sight.
After grilling the steaks, the five of us sat around eating and discussing nothing and everything. It was a joyous afternoonspent with family and as the evening wound down, and everyone was getting ready to leave, I couldn’t help but feel a little sentimental.
I’d always dreamed of having what my parents had, and while I had my fair share of women throughout the years, Sydney was the first woman who saw me for who and what I was, accepted me and my flaws, and gave me hope that I had found my one.
She was my other half, the first and only woman I ever loved, and the future mother of my children. We hadn’t discussed kids, and I hoped she wanted them, but if she didn’t, then we would spend our lives traveling to new adventures.
As long as she was by my side, the future was full of endless possibilities. And I couldn’t wait for our forever.
Epilogue
Sydney
Two weeks later
Today was the day Caleb and I were getting married, and I was a nervous wreck. Not about marrying him. That was a no-brainer for me. He was everything to me, and I loved him more and more each day. No, I was nervous about wearing these two-inch heels and falling on my face in front of everyone.
We decided against a church wedding and opted for an outdoor event. Cheyenne and Roughstock offered the ranch, and I found a beautiful spot that I thought would be perfect. There was a large flat stone protruding from the earth like an alter and I fell in love with the small, secluded area of the ranch.
We’d put an arbor covered in flowers at the back of the large rock and everyone would stand during the brief ceremony. The reception was going to be at the clubhouse, and I was getting ready at the ranch house.
“Nope, I can’t wear theses,” I said to the ol’ ladies who had helped me get ready for today as I pointed at the heels.
I’d never had so much primping and beautification in my life, and I was grateful for their help. But those damn shoes were going to kill me.
It was Claire who stepped forward and suggested, “Why not go barefoot? The grass is soft, the rock is smooth, and it’s not like you need the boost in height.”
“Would that be okay?” I asked, and the ladies all nodded.
Cheyenne explained, “It’s your day. If you want to wear blue jeans and your cuts, that’s your business. We’ll all be there to support you.”
