Page 35 of Redemption
A burn lights under my nose, and I have to blink to control it. “I wish he could have met her and Brinley.”
“He’s watching over them now, my boy. That’s what matters.” She leans forward and picks the ring up again, shoving it onto my finger. “So, take it. Wear it. But wear it with pride son, because it’s so much more than a plain old ring.”
I reach across the table, and I hug her. For the first time in a long time, I hug her, and let myself appreciate the life she’s supported me through. Maybe that’s why I love Whitney, because she reminds me of the same strength my mother poured into Wesley and me for our entire lives.
I pullinto the driveway in front of the house when Whitney’s making a beeline for my truck. The sight of her hurried steps makes my heart race in panic, and I’m ripping my door open “What is it? What’s wrong?”
I scan her head to toe for any injuries. Nothing visible. She comes to a stop before me. “It’s fine-”
She stops, eyes catching the new accessory on my hand. “Is that a ring?”
I sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose at her attention span. “Whitney, just tell me what’s wrong.”
She eyes it, but rolls back her shoulders and holds her hands up like she’s telling me to wait. “Now, don’t get mad.”
“It sounds like you’re gonna make me mad.” My brows raise, and my pulse jumps. What? Did she run over a fence trying to pack up one of the work trucks again?
“Andrew stopped by.” She says it so quickly it nearly gives me whiplash. That’s so, so much worse than a broken fence. Or a battered truck.
“What do youmeanAndrew stopped by?” I try my best to keep my voice level and my temper down.
I don’t think it works because she narrows her gaze at me. “Do I need to spell it out for you? A-N-D-”
I cut her off, taking a step towards her. “Why didn’t youcallme?”
He was here? Onmyranch? Alone with Whitney? I would be setting up a security system today. No one will be coming and going without me knowing from now on. I could’ve been there when he was here, if she had just fucking told me.
“Because I handled it just fine.”
“Youhandledit?” I have a hard time believing that. “What did he want?”
“I- well,” she stutters, “I actually don’t know.”
I roll my chin, feeling my knuckles tighten. Whitney frowns. “You said you wouldn’t get mad.”
“No, I didn’t,” I remind her.
“Okay, well I told you notto get mad.”
“If someone shows up threatening my wife-”
Whitney’s light laugh does little to ease my sour mood. “I hate to break it to you, but I’m not technically your wife until tomorrow.”
I take another step towards her, pressing the palms of my hands into my eyes. If I get another headache from Whitney’s typical antics, I’m positive they’ll become permanent. “Why are you so difficult?”
“Why areyouso moody?” she fires back.
“When did he leave?” I ask.
“Maybe fifteen minutes ago,” she shrugs. I don’t waste any time whipping around to my truck. I motion to the passenger seat with my head. “Get in."
“What? No.” She parts her feet like she’s ready for a fight and crosses her arms.
I glance back, ripping open the door. “Whitney, I swear to God-”
She stomps towards me, slamming shut the door of my truck. I gape at the balls on this woman. She hisses, “You- no,weare not going to go hunt Andrew down right now.”
“And why wouldn’t we?” I ask, barring my teeth right back at her. I might get a headache from clenching my jaw so damn hard.
