“As my future wife, you can.”
“God. Ryker, please don’t joke right now.”
He shakes his head. “I’m not, babe. It was never a joke. But…” he says and smiles, determined to drag me out of my shadows. “You are stubborn, and you know it’ll happen one of these days. I have an idea.”
My neck spasms from the stress, and although I’m fatigued, I look at him, waiting to hear what he has to say.
He continues. “And before I tell you, let me remind you that I’m. Not. Going. Anywhere.” His gaze pierces me, and he continues, “Nod your head in acknowledgment that you understand, I am not going anywhere, and we are together,” he commands, nodding, as if to lead me.
And he is here.
Holding me up through this horrible experience.
God, what would I do without him right now?
I gasp, suddenly desperate for air, as I realize what this morning would’ve been like if he hadn’t been here with me. I grab on to him and hug him, squeeze him tight like my life depends on it, and he wraps his strong arms around me, and I never want to be without him.
I want his help.
I don’t want to do this alone.
I look up at him and nod my head, ready to hear his idea.
29
Ryker
My protective nature wants to do everything I can to make Aspen feel safe, and she’s warming to my efforts. I clear my throat.
“Now that I have your undivided attention, I’ll tell you what we are going to do.” I step back and put my arm around her as we turn to face The Rose, water still dripping from the roof and walls.
“I will help, and you will let me. And do you know why?” I ask, and she turns her face to me. “Because we’re lovers, and that’s what lovers do for each other, Aspen. I help you when you need it, and you help me when I need it.” I squeeze her closer to me and continue. “So, I fully expect you to be there for me. Trust me, someday, I’ll cash in my chips.” I wink at her and smile. “I’m building up my investment in you, because I believe you’re a good one.” I kiss her cheek, and she tries to smile.
Progress.
“Seriously, babe, we’re here for each other, and I know I can count on you to be there, when I need you.” Her smile brightens a bit more. She knows I’m right. “You will always be able to count on me,” I say.
I’m about to tell her my plan, but she holds her hands up to interrupt me, her lips trembling again, and she whispers, “Ryker, I don’t know what I would do if you weren’t here.”
I grab her again, pulling her in, squeezing my support into her. “I know, and it makes me feel good that you see how useful I can be. Here’s what we are going to do. My first idea is to get married, and…”
She interrupts me with a huff and steps out of my arms, throwing her head back. She’s not in the mood for levity. And while I’d absolutely make good on the idea of marrying her, it’s true, I was only trying to lighten the mood.
I continue, undaunted. “But, seeing as you won’t let me whisk you off to Vegas to marry me tonight… and take my money because I’ll give it all to you…”
I pull her back into my arms and say, “Wait. Before I tell you my incredible solution to the fire, do I need to remind you again that I have all of this money because of you?”
“Ryker!” She exclaims, impatient with me.
“OK! OK!” And her lips turn up into a little smile, only a tiny tremble left. She’s still shaken, but I’m bringing her back.
“I will loan you the money, today, to get The Rose fixed. Bring in more contractors. Whatever you need. You can pay me back when the insurance money comes in,” I say, wanting to pat myself on the back.
She doesn’t resist, so I continue. “But, as any proper lending institution demands, I will charge you interest.” Her eyes widen as she waits for me to finish. “I expect nightly back rubs.”
She shakes her head, but she’s still smiling. I lean in and whisper, “And? I want you to feed me your delicious cherry pie, every day.” She inhales sharply, and I add, “And I’m not talking about the pie you bake.”
She laughs.
I did it.
I brought her out of the shadows, and her laughter fills my heart, like it does every time.
For the first time, I wonder if, when I tell her about my secret investment with Popster, she might not take it too badly.
The next few weeks fly by at jet speed. Between my legal work, which is fucking rad, plus squeezing in my training workouts at the gym for the Spartan race next week, and helping Aspen line up contractors to repair The Rose, we’re both swamped. Each night, we collapse into bed, exhausted, make insane love, and fall asleep in each other’s arms. It’s harmonic bliss.
Well, except for when the fire chief delivered his report. It was the vent hose. But Aspen is sticking to her plan to avoid the topic with her Popster, and I’m keeping my mouth shut and going along for the ride.
Next week is going to be nuts, as I finish my training for the Spartan race, but Aspen is more than happy to support my efforts. Part of me wonders if it’s because she knows my time in the gym gives her more time to work at The Rose after leaving Gabby’s Rooster. Who cares though. My woman is happy.
I’m about to leave the office, and I see Dad is still here. I take a seat in front of his
