Chapter Eight
Marina
After our tour of the property, Bryce and Charli leave me at the house with Evelyn while they meet with the pastor who’ll be performing their ceremony tomorrow evening.
Instead of a big rehearsal and formal dinner, they’re doing a quick run-through before everyone returns to finish their work for the day.
Then Bryce’s friends who’ve come into town for the wedding are dragging him and the boys off to the local watering hole for a few drinks while the Storm sisters have dinner with their dad and grandparents before spending the night together in their childhood home.
“I think Ryder and I will just take our dinner up to our room and give you all some privacy,” I tell Evelyn.
I’ve spent the last two hours helping her in the kitchen while Ryder carried a watering can around the backyard, following Earl through the garden like his little shadow.
“Nonsense. You helped prepare the meal. You’re gonna sit at the table and enjoy it with the rest of us,” she says, dusting the butcher-block island with flour before gathering the ball of dough and rolling it out.
“It just feels like we’re intruding on your family time. We’re already taking up Charli’s bedroom.”
She waves me off. “She would’ve ended up in Shelby’s or Harleigh’s room anyway. I expect the four of them will pile into one bed tonight. That’s what they did the night before Matty’s wedding.”
That actually sounds nice.
I smile and wipe down the island as Evelyn cuts out the biscuits, placing each perfect round into a greased cast-iron pan.
Before I can finish, the back door flies open.
Ryder comes barreling through it and skids to a stop in the archway between the kitchen and dining room, his cheeks flushed and his little cowboy boots caked with dirt.
“Mommy! I helped pull worms off the mater plants. They were big and green and squishy.”
He holds up one filthy hand and waves it proudly in front of my face.
I wrinkle my nose. “Ew. Sounds gross.”
“It was gross!” he yells, somehow sounding thrilled by that fact.
Earl comes in behind him, chuckling. “He was a big help. My eyes ain’t as good as they used to be, and it’s hard for me to see those buggers.”
I ruffle my boy’s hair, carefully avoiding his worm-covered hands. “Good job, baby. Now let’s go get you washed up before dinner.”
Ryder takes off toward the stairs, leaving a trail of dirt behind him.
I look after him and shake my head.
Then I glance back at Evelyn. “I’ll be back to sweep this up in a minute.”
Dinner with the Storm family is loud, chaotic.
Charli introduces me to her aunt and uncle, Boone and Irene Trust, and her sisters, Matty, Harleigh, and Shelby, who recognizes me instantly.
We settle into the dining room, and there are too many people around the table to keep track of, conversations overlapping, laughter breaking out.
I’m helping Ryder cut into a pork chop when Shelby catches my eye.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” she says, reaching across the table to squeeze my hand.
I grin. “I’m glad to be here.”
Shelby and I go way back. We rode the junior circuit together, back when our biggest concerns were keeping our horses healthy, making our next entry fee, and praying we didn’t blow a run in front of a crowd.
“I heard you might be joining us at the academy,” she says.
I glance at Charli.
She gives me a wink as she stands and walks to the kitchen.
“It’s something I’m considering,” I admit.
Shelby’s smile gets even bigger. “I hope you are.”
“Are you sure?” I asks as I slide the plate back in front of Ryder. “I’d never want to step on your toes.”
“Lord, no.” She waves a hand dismissively. “I need the help.”
I smile.
“And,” she adds, lifting her brow, “I have a wedding to plan.”
My eyes drop to the ring on her finger. “Wait.”
She grins.
I reach across the table and catch her hand.
“Oh my gosh. Shelby!”
She laughs as I turn her hand back and forth, admiring the ring.
“That’s a gorgeous rock.”
“Isn’t it?” She beams. “Have you gotten a look at the one Bryce put on Charli? It’s insane.”
“I have.”
Shelby shakes her head, still staring at her own ring.
For a second, I wonder what it must feel like to be that certain about someone. To have a man look at you and decide you’re it.
The thought makes something ache inside me.
I push it away.
“Do you ever miss competing?” I ask.
Shelby’s smile turns thoughtful. “Sometimes.” There’s no hesitation in her answer. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t. Every now and then, I’ll see a horse run a perfect cloverleaf and get that itch.”
“What do you do with it?” I ask.
She shrugs. “Let it pass.”
I study her. “Just like that?”
She nods. “Yeah. I love my life. I love the ranch. I love training. I love the kids. And I love Waylon.” Her smile turns soft.
“I know I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
” She lifts her hand, letting the ring catch the light.
“And I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have any of this if I were still chasing the next buckle. ”
There’s something comforting about the certainty in her voice.
“I hope I get there someday,” I admit.
Charli returns and plops into the seat beside Shelby. “Get where?” she asks.
I blow out a breath. “To a place of acceptance,” I say. “Where my life is so full that I don’t feel that ache to compete anymore.”
“You will,” Shelby assures me. “Just give it time.”
Ryder finishes his dinner and asks if he can be excused.
“You may. Why don’t you run upstairs, find my tablet in my bag, and watch some Mauney Cast videos? I’ll be up after I help Evelyn clear the table.”
He hops down from his chair and scurries to the stairs.
“What’s Mauney Cast?” Shelby asks as she watches him go.
“It’s J.B. Mauney’s telecast, where he and his cohost Colby tell personal stories and interview riders at major rodeo events. He’s obsessed with it.”
J.B. Mauney is a former professional bull rider. He’s Ryder’s father’s hero, and he passed his love for the ornery legend down to our son.
“I try to limit his screen time and only let him watch one episode a day.”
“Waylon’s bringing Ruby by later, and I’ll introduce them,” Shelby says.
“Ruby?”
“My bonus daughter,” she says proudly.
I blink. “Bonus daughter?”
Her expression softens as she tells me about Ruby—how she was the result of a one-night stand her fiancé had while living and working in Las Vegas, how he brought Ruby back to Wildhaven when he found out about her, and how they eventually learned that her mother had died tragically.
It’s a heartbreaking story, and by the time she finishes, my heart aches for a little girl who has already had to learn something no child should have to—that, sometimes, the adults in our lives get things terribly wrong.
“That’s so sad,” I say quietly.
Shelby nods. “It is.”
I stare down at my plate for a moment, pushing a piece of food around with my fork. “I almost think it would be easier if Ryder’s father had died.”
Shelby’s eyes snap to mine.
I wince. “That sounds horrible. Doesn’t it?”
“No,” she says gently. “I think I understand what you mean.”
I swallow. “It would be easier to explain. Ryder keeps asking why his daddy doesn’t come see him. What am I supposed to say?” My voice catches. “That he doesn’t want to?” The words taste bitter. “I hate those questions.”
Shelby’s expression turns soft. “Hopefully, one day, he’ll realize what he’s missing.”
“I hope so.” I glance toward the hallway where Ryder disappeared. “But honestly? I doubt it. So, I just keep trying to mend my little guy’s broken heart.”
“Then we’ll help you.”
I look at her.
“Ryder and Ruby are about the same age. And if you accept the job, we could get Ryder in day care over at the church. Ruby can introduce him to all her friends.”
I smile at the thought. “He could use some friends.”
We both could.
The idea settles somewhere deep inside me.
I make sure Ryder knows every day how much he is loved and wanted, but I know there are things he doesn’t have because his father chooses not to be part of his life.
Maybe a friend who understands what missing a parent feels like is just what he needs.
And growing up around rodeo and ranches and horses, all the things he thinks are most important in the world, would be something special too.
Charli catches my eye and grins. “I think we got her convinced to stay.”
I sit back and glance between the two of them. “Yeah. I think maybe you did.”