Page 145 of Ryker

“Then go to sleep,” I whisper, finally hearing what Ashley’s been saying for months. She’s tired, and she’s been hanging on for Ryker and can’t anymore.

Oh god. Numbness creeps into my system.

“It’s okay,” I say, quietly. My heart fractures when I climb into bed with her and hold her tight. “You can go to sleep, Ashley. He’ll be home soon. He’ll be home and…” I swipe my hot tears away. “And he’ll know you love him so much. You’ve been an amazing mom. You should be so proud of him. He’s smart and strong and sweet and caring.” I know the moment she’s gone, but I can’t shut up. “He’s such a great kid. He’s going to be a great man.”

I hold her long after she stops breathing.

Long after my heart bursts into a hundred million pieces.

She wasn’t just Ryker’s mom. She was the closest thing I’ve had to a best friend. Ashley knew I was an escort and didn’t once shame me for it. I’d tell her my wild stories, and we’d laugh with how crazy some of my dates would get. I never once told her Ryker was part of it. If she really does know the truth, I have no clue how she could have possibly found out.

And now, it doesn’t matter...

“That’s why I told you it was a mercy,” she says, swiping the tears off her face. “I didn’t kill her, Ry. I just gave her permission to…”

“Let go,” we both say at the same time.

I lean back on the bench and scrub my face. Holy hell.

Natalie clears her throat. “It was a mercy to you too, because when she died, you were free to stop escorting. Her death could be a new beginning for you. I should have never let you into my world like that. And you should have never lied to me about your age, either.”

I don’t say a word. What’s done is done.

Natalie sniffles, but she’s no longer crying. “I moved back here a couple years ago, and I come to this park every day for a morning run. I had appointments all day and didn’t get here until now, otherwise, I’d have never run into you. I guess the universe knew it was time for our paths to cross again.”

She’s still an escort.

Nat stands up and tucks a few loose strands of hair behind her ear. “She would have really loved this park.”

When Natalie walks away, my mouth goes off the rails. “Nat?”

She looks over her shoulder at me.

“Thank you. For everything.”

Her shoulders drop. She nods and starts running again, farther, and farther away from me, around the bend, out of my sight.

I wait for rage to surface. Remorse. Regret. I feel none of it.

Only peace.

“Well, hello, Mr. Hudson.”

I quickly pinch my eyes, wiping the half-fallen tears off, and clear my throat. “Hey, Mrs. Hudson.”

Did I mention we got married six months ago?

Tara saunters over, looking like a decadent feast for the eyes. “Who was that you were talking to?”

“No one important.” My girl knows I’ll tell her eventually, so she never pushes. We share trauma only when we’re ready. It’s part of our ongoing healing process.

I stand up and whistle as Tara gives me some three-sixty spin action. “That dress is killer, Butterfly.”

“I was going for a widow maker meets Suzie housewife vibe.” She kicks her foot up to reveal their red soles. “I nailed it.”

“Mmmm I’d like to nail you.” My arms become two anacondas around her waist. “Fuck dinner. I’m eating you instead.” She squeals when I haul her over my shoulder. Smacking her ass, I carry her to my car and drop her carefully on the curb. “Grilled cheese in bed?”

Tara fluffs her dress out. “Can I sit on your face while wearing this thing?”

“As if you even have to ask.”

“Good. I made chocolate pudding earlier today, too.” Tara’s smile is brighter than the sun. “Who loves you, baby?”

Tipping her chin with my finger, I smile against her mouth. “You.”

“Mmm hmm.” She kisses me hard enough to make my toes curl. “Now take me home, Ryker Hudson, and let’s celebrate what a great man you are.”

God damn, I love my life.

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