Standing, Mason shook his hand. “Thank you for being honest with me.”
“I don’t see the point in lying.”
“That’s good to know.”
“So…are we good here?” he asked for the second time today.
“Absolutely.” Together, they climbed from the boat and slowly made their way up the dock.
“Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure.”
“Do you truly believe Parker doesn’t know what she wants to do with her life?”
“Not even for a minute. There’s a reason why she doesn’t want to come home, but…she’s not ready to share that with anyone and I’m not going to force her. She needs to work it all out on her own, but know that we’re all here for her if she needs us.”
For a moment, Ryder was almost overcome with emotion because this was the exact reason he was drawn to this family–the unconditional love and support. He was like a moth to a flame with it because he had spent a lifetime looking for it and trying to earn it with his own family. Hearing Mason’s words…well…he hoped Parker realized just how lucky she was and secretly hoped that someday they all found him equally worthy.
And for a man who prided himself on being confident and making it look like he didn’t need anyone, he was finding he needed far more than he ever dreamed.
9
“I hate that you’re leaving already,” Peyton said as she hugged her sister for the tenth time in so many minutes. “Please consider staying a little longer.”
“We’ve been over this, Pey. I need to go.” Pulling back, her sister smiled at her. “You know, you could come to Florida for a few days. There’s a guest room just waiting for you.”
“You know I can’t just pack up and take time off. I did that last month for the trade show.”
“And look how great that worked out!” she said with a sassy wink.
Peyton felt herself blush. “Anyway…”
“Anyway, I am so happy for you. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you smile so much. Ryder’s a great guy and it’s obvious he’s crazy about you.”
She nodded because she refused to agree out loud for fear of jinxing herself. But…she really did think Ryder was serious about her. It wasn’t about sex and chemistry–although those were off the charts–but there was a connection there on so many levels that it sometimes scared her. There was a time not so long ago that she hated him–like seriously hated him–so being where they are right now was nothing short of a miracle.
Taking her hands, Parker smiled at her. “You have no idea how happy and jealous I am right now. Everything is falling into place for you and you deserve all of it. You’ve worked hard and were so patient and…I just love you.”
Now she was going to cry.
Pulling her sister in for yet another hug, she squeezed extra hard this time. “I love you too.”
Outside, a horn blasted. “That’s my ride,” Parker said as she pulled away.
“You know I would have driven you. You didn’t need to call an Uber.”
“It’s just easier this way. Besides, I already forced Ryder to sleep alone last night so you and I could have our sleepover, so…”
“We’re adults and can handle a night away from each other. We don’t always have to be together, you know.”
“Peyton, if I were lucky enough to be sleeping with a man who looked like Ryder, I’d be pissed if anyone kept me away from that.” She kissed her on the cheek. “Just something for you to keep in mind should I ever have the opportunity to have a sex life.”
“Oh, stop. I’m sure you…”
The horn sounded again and they both pouted. “I need to go.”
“Call me when you land so I know you’re okay.”
With a dramatic eye roll, Parker promised as she walked out the door. Maybe it was silly, but she still walked over to the window and watched as the car pulled away. Tears stung her eyes and rather than fight the tears, she let them fall. It was such a cliché, but her sister truly was her best friend and she hated living so far away.
But what she hated more was the way Parker was keeping a part of herself a secret. Peyton didn’t believe for a minute that her sister didn’t know what she wanted to do with her life or that she didn’t want to move back to Magnolia. They’d always talked about living here and the things they were going to do once they didn’t live at home anymore. Parker used to talk about opening her own spa where they offered massages, facials, body wraps, the type of things that offered a day of total relaxation. They always used to go for pedicures together, and Parker used to say how she’d never offer nail services at her spa because she loved the local businesses who already offered them too much.
Peyton couldn’t imagine why her sister would give up on that dream or why she wouldn’t talk about it anymore, but they were definitely going to be having a conversation about it.
Soon.
Glancing at the clock, she saw it was almost noon. She’d taken the day off from the café so she and Parker could have breakfast together, and just in case she got to be the one to drive her to the airport. Now she didn’t know what to do with herself. Ryder was working and the last thing she wanted to do was disturb him. And, unfortunately, she wasn’t in the mood to do any work herself.
So now what?
Walking over to the sofa, she sat down with a sigh. She and Parker had stayed up most of the night talking. Well, Peyton did most of the talking, answering the dozens of questions her sister asked about Ryder.
Their relationship was good–really good–and not just their personal one. Their professional relationship was exciting and interesting. He’d given her some advice on how to make some improvements on a few matters with the café and she was already seeing results. Next week, they were supposed to get the first set of plans for the resort and her restaurant. She had given in and trusted him with all the notes and specifications she’d been working on for the last year and trusted that he and Austin were going to come up with something amazing.
Yawning, she got comfortable and considered taking a nap. There wasn’t anything else she wanted to do and there was no place she had to be, but…
Glancing toward the kitchen, she considered making something. She was sad and tired and was seriously considering making some comfort food–something like mac and cheese or meatloaf. For a minute, she tried to think of what ingredients she had in the house without having to get up and look.
So tired…
Somewhere in the distance, she heard her phone ding with an incoming text and because she was curious and knew she could use it as an excuse to check her pantry, she got up to see who it was.
Ryder: Are you taking Parker to the airport?
Peyton: No. She took an Uber ☹
Ryder: Why don’t you come over? I’ve got something to show you.
Part of her thought he was teasing and being sexy. Not that it mattered. She’d much rather be with him than sitting here alone.
Peyton: I’ll be over in a few minutes
Ryder: See you soon, Duchess
The nickname made her smile, even though she had no idea why he chose it for her. It was different and unique and…totally Ryder.