Page 100 of Follow My Heart

“Thanks for telling me.”

“Everything will be okay. Stacy and Ryder need to work this out.”

“Yeah, but don’t you think Stacy’s going to continue doing whatever she wants, and Ryder will go along with it?” I couldn’t stop myself from asking.

“It’s difficult because Ryder doesn’t want to fight with Faith’s mother.”

My resolve hardened. “Yeah, but at some point, you have to stand up for what’s right.”

“Ryder wants Faith to have time with both her parents.”

“Stacy was texting and calling him all day on Saturday. It just upset him and interfered with his time with Faith.” The more I talked, the angrier I felt.

“She was doing the same thing on Sunday. He left the house early to deal with it.”

“That’s not right.”

Daphne was quiet for a few seconds, then added, “It’s Ryder’s situation to deal with, and you have to decide if you’re okay with it.”

“I’m not okay being shut out.” I was positive about that. I didn’t like the feeling that everyone knew what was going on, and I was left worried about whether he’d been in an accident.

“That’s fair. I wouldn’t be either.”

I heard muffled talking and figured Cole needed her for something. “I’ll let you go.”

“Call Ryder. I’m sure everything’s fine,” Daphne said before she got off the phone.

I wasn’t so sure it was because I’d already texted and called without a response. But I’d give it one more try.

Daphne told me what happened. I hope everything’s okay.

I waited for a few minutes, and when there wasn’t a response, I got ready for bed. Ryder was in Virginia. I wouldn’t be seeing him tonight. And the worst part was that he didn’t want or need my support.

The more I thought about it, the more upset I got. I could have been there for him, like his family, but he didn’t trust me.

Was he planning on moving to Virginia and breaking things off with me? Maybe our relationship wasn’t as special as I thought it was. I was a rebound after all.

When I got into bed, my phone buzzed. “Is everything okay? I heard what happened.”

Ryder sighed. “Faith was upset.”

My heart was beating wildly. “I can imagine.”

“Stacy sprung this on her and forced me to deal with the fallout.”

“I’m so sorry.” Hearing the pain in his voice was my undoing.

“I didn’t have a choice. I had to do the exchange.”

This was something he had to handle for himself. I’d only offer advice if he asked for it. “Daphne said you’re staying in your old home?”

“I was hoping to tell the judge tomorrow that I could stay in the family house, and Faith could be with me. It’s the perfect solution.”

“Oh?” Why hadn’t he said anything to me about moving and trying to get custody? I wanted to ask, What about me? but this wasn’t about us. Was it?

“I’m willing to do whatever it takes to protect Faith, to be there for her.” His voice was hard.

“When you didn’t respond, I was worried you were in a car accident.”

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