Page 119 of Fought and Freed

“We have faith in you, baby girl,” Jace said as he got out of the Jeep.

Both he and Ryder stood outside, watching as she took off down the road for her test.

It wasn’t as bad as she expected. The three-point turn practically gave her hives, but she made it.

When she pulled back to the starting point, the evaluator said she passed.

After she thanked the man, she turned off the Jeep and ran to where Jace and Ryder were waiting.

She jumped into Jace’s arms. “I passed!”

He spun her around. “We knew you could do it.”

Ryder hugged her next. “Congratulations, Silk!”

She jumped up and down. “I have to go get my picture taken, then we can go check out the dealership.”

“Go on in,” Jace said. “We’ll stay out here in the Jeep.”

“See you soon.” She kissed them both.

It took her about forty-five minutes to get her picture taken and get her license, then Jace drove them to the local Kia dealership.

“Did you pick out a color you wanted?” Ryder asked as they stepped out of the Jeep.

She shook her head. “No, I don’t care.”

A guy stepped out of the building, wearing black slacks and a white polo shirt that said Kia above his heart. “Can I help you?”

“Yes, she’s looking for a new car.” Jace pointed to Maddy.

“Great!” The salesman turned a bright smile on her. “Do you know what model you’re looking for?”

Maddy nodded. “We looked online a bit, and I want the Soul.”

“We only have one in stock right now in black.” He walked them over to a Soul parked across from the building. “Take a look while I go get a key for us.”

Maddy took it for a test drive and fell even more in love with it, and she told the salesman she’d take it.

28

MADDY

The day before the art show, Maddy and Ryder headed over to the space to set everything up.

It had taken longer than expected, and night had set before they put the final touches on everything.

“Do we have another easel? We should put that painting you did last week up here.” Ryder tilted his head.

“There are some in the back.” Maddy headed to the storage room.

She opened the door and searched around. She found an easel, but before she turned around, strong arms wrapped around her.

“Have I told you how proud I am of you and how much I love you?” Ryder kissed down her neck.

She looked at her empty wrist, then up at him. “You’re late. It’s been more than five minutes since you last told me.” She giggled. “Hurry up and kiss me, or I’ll forget you love me.”

“Oh, I’ll kiss you, all right.” He backed her up against the wall, putting one hand on her hip and the other around the back of her neck.

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