Chapter 17 Ryker
RYKER
My house. Poker. Seven tonight.
It’s been a shit day. Not sure I’m in the mood for a bachelor party.
It’s us and Maverick and Jamie. Finn’s working. I wouldn’t call that a party, asshole.
I don’t know.
I have a dead wife, a toddler, moved home, and live next to my sisters.
Suck it the fuck up and get your ass to my house.
Playing the dead wife card isn’t cool.
But did it work?
Dick.
—Text from Hendrix to Ryker
Monday practices are always light days. See the trainer. Watch tape. Touch base with your position coach and captains. Get the fuck out early and enjoy your Tuesday off. That’s what I need today after Liv’s bomb-drop this morning. What I don’t need is to be summoned to Mom’s office before I leave.
No way this is going to be good.
Delaney
Hey. Have you met with your mom yet?
Ryker
No. Standing outside her office now.
Delaney
Has anyone said anything?
Ryker
Besides the guys? No. Not yet.
You doing okay?
Delaney
I guess. Genevieve came in today because the reporters have been milling about Main Street. More than one have stopped in the shop, so she’s kept me in the back.
Ryker
Fuck. Seriously? Why didn’t you say something?
Delaney
Because we’re both at work and we both have jobs to do. I can handle a few reporters, pretty boy.
Ryker
You shouldn’t have to.
Delaney
Well, you see . . . I’m marrying this guy who’s kind of a big deal in this town.
Ryker
Seriously, Bambi. I need to know you’re safe.
Delaney
I’m safe. I promise. I’m finishing up here soon, then meeting the girls for my final fitting.
Ryker
Don’t forget dinner.
Delaney
We’re grabbing something to eat after.
Ryker
Make sure you actually eat while you’re there, please.
Delaney
I’ll do my best.
Ryker
You drive me fucking crazy, you know that?
Delaney
I think I’m okay with that.
Ryker
I’m supposed to go to Hendrix’s house tonight for poker.
Delaney
Right. The bachelor party thing.
Ryker
I don’t feel like it’s a good night to do anything.
Delaney
Go. I’m fine. Spend a night with your friends. You might feel better after.
Ryker
Not sure how I feel, other than needing to know you’re safe.
Delaney
I’m safe. I’ll see you when you get home.
Ryker
I like the sound of that.
Mom’s office door opens, and Scarlet walks out, stopping in front of me.
Sometimes it’s almost uncanny how much Olivia looks like her.
She looks me over and squeezes my shoulder like she’s reassuring a child, and I can’t help but wonder if it’s ever hard for her to look at Maverick and me as her players and not her family.
“You’re going to get through this, Ryker.
We’re doing everything we can to make sure of it.
” There’s a glint in her blue eyes, something she’s holding back.
“You all like to say I’m the master of our universe.
Well, you better believe I’m not going to let anyone fuck with our family.
Kingston. Beneventi. Or Kings. And you just happen to be all three.
Now go tell your mother you’re fine so she stops worrying and lie low until the wedding. ”
With another squeeze, she smiles and walks away, and I think I just got my answer. Scarlet has always preached family first. All the Kingston siblings have. I guess for a minute, I forgot that.
I knock on the open door and stick my head in. “You ready for me?”
“Always.” She stands and waits for me to walk in and shut the door before she rounds her desk and sits on the couch. “How are you holding up?”
I drop down into the spot next to her and groan.
Is this how Delaney has felt every time someone’s asked her that question?
“I’m okay. Have you heard anything from the league?”
“No.” She shakes her head. “But we’re handling it internally. Have you heard anything from the police department? I think a lot of what the league does hangs on whether charges are filed.”
“Not yet. But I’ll let you know when that changes. Have the reporters been hounding the team for a comment?”
Mom arches a brow.
Yeah. Stupid question. I got it.
“What about you and Dad?” I push.
“No. We’ve gotten a call or two, but we’ve told them no comment, and they’ve left us alone. How’s Delaney?”
“I’m not sure. She’s stronger than she lets on, but between this and her Dad going to prison, it’s been a rough few months.”
Strong. Beautiful. Sweet. Sarcastic.
It’s safe to say my fiancée is fucking incredible.
“Well, let me know if either of you need anything. Are the girls and she doing anything tonight while you and the boys play poker?” Mom smiles, and I don’t even bother to ask her how she knows about poker night. Who needs social media when you’re related to half the damn town?
“She’s picking up her dress, and I think they’re going with her for that and then out to dinner.” I shake my head, thinking about the damn popcorn she plans on eating tonight. “Probably a good thing since that woman never eats.”
“Ryker.” She turns my face to hers and keeps hold of my chin.
“Did you ever think that might be because she didn’t have much to eat growing up?
We all know about her father. It was splashed all over the news for most of the summer.
That poor girl probably went days not knowing where her next meal was coming from or if it was coming. ”
Well damn, I hadn’t thought about it like that.
“Be patient with her, honey. Not everyone grew up like you and your brother.”
I wrap an arm around Mom and squeeze. “Love you, Mom.”
“You’re a good man, Ryker. Take your time with her. I won’t say this is ever how I thought I’d see you get married, but she’s a special woman.” The little glint in her eye tells me there’s more she’s not saying.
She doesn’t need to.
I already know this woman is incredible.
I also already know she’s mine.
Delaney
“Come on, Lane. We want to see,” Kaleigh chirps from outside the dressing room as Caitlin buttons my buttons, an amused grin on her face.
“That one’s kind of like a puppy, isn’t she?”
I bite my lip to hold back the laugh bubbling up. “I mean, kind of. She’s very cute and very happy.”
“She can also hear you two twat waffles,” Kaleigh adds from the other side of the door. “She also looks hot in her bridesmaid dress and is hoping for a certain gorgeous baller to be at this wedding, so thanks for picking dresses that show off the girls. Now. Let. Me. See.”
“I told Ashton I should just do this alone,” I groan when Caitlin checks the lock on the door.
“No, you shouldn’t. Friday night is your wedding.
Marry the man for whatever reason you have, but enjoy the night with your friends, Delaney.
Who knows where you and Ryker will end up.
But your girls. They’ll stick with you, no matter what.
” She steps back and grabs the veil so we can get the full effect.
“I love my husband, but my best friend is as much my soulmate as Callen is. Keep your circle close and tight. You’ll never regret it. ”
She pins the veil, and I look up at her, feeling a little bit like I have for weeks. It’s been a roller coaster of emotions, and I’m in the middle of yet another one I’m not sure how to process. “Why are you so nice to me?”
Probably not going to earn myself any kind of cool factor in this woman’s eyes.
“Because.” She smiles, and her grin is cocky and confident and so damn cool.
“I see a piece of me in you, and I think you might just be exactly what my cousin needs. He’s a really good guy, Delaney.
And he deserves a woman strong enough to stand next to him, not behind him.
These guys . . . these football gods. They’ve had women chasing them for years.
My husband, unfortunately, more than most before he was lucky enough to land me.
And none of those women were ever good enough to stand beside them and fight with them and for them.
They were weak. They were after the fame or the money.
They didn’t care about the man. But then you walked in, and you didn’t want that.
I heard all about you before you ever set foot in this shop. ”
“From who?” I gasp, shocked. “What did they say?”
“Don’t forget my mother and Ryker’s mother are sisters.
They talk every single day.” She slides my heels in front of me, then takes my hand as I step into them.
“I already knew who you were, what you’d been through, and that one of the few things you requested before agreeing to marry Ryker was to sign a prenup. ”
She steps back and looks at me through the reflection. “Absolute perfection.”
“I’m not sure I recognize myself,” I whisper.
“You should. It’s still you, just you in a pretty dress. Now, are we showing your friends?” she asks as I push down the emotion threatening to break free, completely overwhelmed by her words.
“Yes,” four sappy voices chime in.
By the time I got home, I had only enough energy left to feed Tori and basically fall into bed. At least that’s what I’m blaming for the fact I grabbed the first thing I saw to sleep in. I mean, why else would I be sleeping in Ryker’s jersey . . . again?
It wouldn’t be because it smells like him. Right?
It’s not like the scent of him on the pillows is comforting.
I mean, I don’t bury my face in his pillow as I close my eyes or anything.
At least, not that I’ll admit.
But hours later, when the real thing climbs in and wraps his strong arms around me, I don’t fight it. I don’t flinch. I scoot back until I’m tucked against his chest, my head resting on one arm while the other holds me close.
“A man could get used to this, mia moglie.” His husky voice wakes up parts of me I try to ignore, and I turn my face toward his.
“You scare me, Ryker.” I don’t know if it’s the quiet room or the darkness surrounding us that makes me brave enough to admit it. But I do, and I don’t stop there. “Not because of what happened. Not because of Roger Dennings. Please don’t think that.”
“Why then, Lane?” he asks, frustration and confusion hanging thick on every word.