Page 110 of The Wedding Ranch
“It resolved quickly.”
“Because there’s something good there holding you two together. All I’m saying is, don’t let this slip away. It’s been seven years. I miss you. We will never know why God called Valerie and Ronnie Dwayne back when he did, nor is there any promise that we’ll ever understand the gravity of it all, but it’s not for us to figure out. You’ve mourned. You survived for a reason. I’m so thankful for the father figure you are to Reece and Ross. I’m so proud of them, and your help has been a positive influence. That’s something I can’t repay you for, but I want my happy brother back. If I can help you make that happen we’ll be even.”
“It’s family. There’s no being even.”
“You’ve done more than I could have ever dreamed of. It’s your turn to dream a little, Ryder. Look at this again.” She held a different picture up this time.
Lorri was laughing in the picture, and he remembered what was going through his mind at that moment. That he could live like this forever with her.
“Dream,” Diane said. “About her. About possibilities. Even if it hurts.”
He reached for the photo. “Can I have this?”
“Of course. Why don’t you invite her to Sunday supper? The kids are both gonna be here.”
“She wouldn’t come. I’m not sure she’s comfortable with usbeing friends after the other night. She was so upset when she left.”
“That’s for you to fix, and if it’s so you are just friends, that’s fine too.”
“Thank you.”
“You know what they say about love. When you’re not looking is when you walk right smack into it.”
“Diane, go easy on me here. I’m trying. She’s got her own scars to heal too, and they aren’t seven years old.”
“Okay, okay. I’ll try to stay neutral. A little.”
His sister left and he sat there for a good long while in contemplation.
A part of Ryder couldn’t stop living in the moment of those pictures, and yet it terrified him too. He missed her when she was out of town, and it was almost the end of the day and he still hadn’t heard from her. He called, but again there was no answer. It was possible she had meetings stacked up today. That wasn’t unusual. He hung up, choosing not to leave a message.
By four o’clock though, he was getting antsy and finally texted her.
Just checking in on my friend Lorri
She hadn’t responded by dinner time. She had to eat, and he knew she didn’t cook. What she needed was comfort food. She needed Mom’s chicken and dumplings, and he had that recipe down pat.
It was close to seven when he dropped off a casserole dish to his sister’s, then headed to Lorri’s house with one to try to talk to her.
He stood at the door, nerves racing as if he’d downed a vatof coffee. He knocked, and Mister let out a woof, but she didn’t answer.
He knocked again, and this time Mister woofed until she came to the door and peeked outside.
Her hair was a mess, and her eyes were red and swollen.
“Can we talk?” he asked.
“I’m not feeling well.”
“I made you chicken and dumplings. It cures just about anything.”
“I don’t think there’s a cure for this,” she said.
It hurt seeing her like this. “Can I at least set this down on the counter for you? It’s still hot.”
“Yeah. Sure.” She backed away from the door.
He walked straight to the kitchen. Mister greeted him happily, and Ryder reciprocated with a head rub. He placed his hand on Lorri’s arm.
