Page 118 of Worth the Risk

When I went into the office, I didn’t use the word ‘work,’ not after last time. I got what I needed since I’m able to work remotely. I heard from Nash in the morning, and he let me know when we could expect him, and luckily, it will give me some time to be here for my girls.

Kylie and I get out of the car, and I pop my trunk. I pull her and Riley’s stuff out and place them just inside the door. Kylie gets a sleeping Riley out of her seat and carries her up to the door. Once inside, we head into the kitchen, where Nora is sitting with Sierra’s uncles.

“Mom, I’m so sorry. I got here as soon as I could.” Kylie races to her mom, carrying Riley. Her mother throws her arms around them right as Riley wakes up. She takes in the scene and wraps one arm around Nora’s neck and the other around Kylie’s. They’re so close, they feel the other’s pain.

There’s so much love here.

They eventually pull out of the embrace, and Nora takes Riley from Kylie. Kylie hugs Tony and Mark, and it’s only afterward that they notice I’m here, standing in the kitchen archway like a creeper. I have no idea what to say or do. I’m sure they hate me, believing I turned my back on Riley. However, I get the last thing I expect.

Tony and Mark shake my hand and say hello. Nora puts Riley down and greets me with a hug, and says, “Thank you for bringing my baby girls home to me safely.”

“You’re welcome. I’m so sorry to hear about Manda. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do.”

“Thank you,” she says as Kylie joins us.

“I noticed you didn’t take your bags out of the SUV. We have a spare room that you’re more than welcome to stay in,” Kylie says.

“No need for that. I have a place to stay, actually.”

She peers at me strangely for a moment, then thinks she got it. “Of course, you’re staying at the casino.”

Not exactly.“I’m staying at my house.”

“Your house?” Kylie asks, bewildered.

Taking her hand, I pull her into the living room for some privacy. “I bought a house here about four years ago. I guess I thought, or maybe hoped, I’d have a need to come back.” I shrug. “I guess I did. My daughter is here, so maybe it was fate.”

“You mean you bought a house here, and you never came back?”

“As I said, I hoped there would be a reason to come back.” I lift my spare hand to her cheek. We haven’t talked about the future with Riley, but with every day that passes, I know that not only do I want Riley with me, but I’m more open to seeing if Kylie wants to be a part of that package.

I kiss her forehead. “I better get going. It’s late, and I have some work to do. Would it be okay if I came by tomorrow?”

“Of course. Riley would love to see you. She’s gotten used to having you around.”

“And what about you, Kylie? Have you gotten used to me being around?”

She goes to answer, but right before she does, Riley joins us.

“Hey, Princess.” I pick her up. “I’m going home to sleep tonight, but I promise I’ll be back tomorrow.”

She pouts. “Why do you have to go home? It’s a long way away.”

“No, it’s not far. I have another home close by here. It’s by the lake, and I’ll see you every day while I’m here.”

“Okay, Daddy,” she says, sadness clear in her voice.

“I’ll be by tomorrow. Be a good girl for Mommy.” I give her one last hug and put her down.

“Hold on, Leo.” Kylie stops me and heads to a closet. When she pulls out a big box, I take it from her. It’s heavy.

“What’s this?”

Kylie smiles. “It’s Riley. Scrapbooks from over the years. I thought you might like to look through them.”

I love that she recognizes how important something like this is to me. Years of my little princess are in this box.

Getting choked up, I put the box down and wrap my arms around them both. A peace settles over me from having them in my arms.I must leave before I don’t have the stomach to go.

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