Page 84 of Rescuing Ryder

“Sometimes things happen and we don’t get choices, or they’re taken away. It’s no one's fault. It’s how you choose to handle it that matters. I’ve given you choices since I saw you on the video call. Something stopped you from pulling the trigger. You chose to step onto the plane to come here. You agreed to stay. There are still choices to make. What do you choose, Ryder? A life of guilt and misery or a life filled with laughter and love?Your brothers gave you a second chance, and it’s up to you to live the life worthy of the one they gave you,” Claire sobbed.

Ryder stared, tormented by her words and yet accepting them.

“You can go, Ryder. You’re ready now,” she whispered.

Claire stepped around him, walked into her bedroom and closed the door. Her body slid to the floor. She cried for the pain he suffered, for the brothers he lost, and for the life she dreamed of having with him.

Ryder watched her go.His gut screamed to go after her, but his feet felt like lead. His body felt heavy as he walked to the front door. Glancing back, he set the alarm and closed the door. Pulling out his phone, he called Whiskey.

“Where are you? Claire searched for you all evening,” Whiskey asked.

“I’m at Claire’s. I don’t think I can make it back to the cabin. Can you pick me up? I don’t think I can be alone. I need help, Whiskey.”

“Yeah, I’ll be there in ten, brother.”

After what seemed like an eternity, Whiskey’s truck pulled onto the street. Behind him, two more vehicles followed. They parked on the street. Whiskey and Leo walked in unison to the front porch.

“Claire’s inside. I set the alarm. But I can’t lock the deadbolt.” Ryder didn’t glance at the men. His head felt heavy with all the knowledge Claire forced him to acknowledge.

Leo signaled to one of the men and took Ryder’s keys. He threw them to Taco, who backed out Ryder’s car, to allow Shadow to pull into the driveway.

“Come on. Let’s get you home. Doc’s waiting.” Leo extended an arm to pull him up. Saint moved to the driver’s side while Whiskey helped him climb into the back. Leo sat up front. “Shadow will stay with Claire. Taco’s driving your car,” Leo stated.

They turned onto the mountain road and Ryder leaned back against the seat. He turned to see the outline of Whiskey’s face, the bulk of Saint as he drove, and Leo still in leader mode, likeGunner. Would they have made the same choice? Hell yeah, they would because they were brothers.

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

Claire lay on the couch, mentally exhausted. Her phone rang, but she ignored it. When she woke, she hoped Ryder slept there, only to find Shadow in the driveway.

Now, she stared at the ceiling, wondering if Ryder understood his breakthrough. Claire picked up her phone and texted Dr. Hill, Chase, and Kassie. A few minutes later, Kassie called.

“Before you ask, I’m fine,” Claire answered.

“Do you need anything? A hug? A chocolate croissant? A shovel?” Kassie asked, concerned about her friend.

Claire snorted, “Is this your way of telling me I’m fired?”

“Hell, yeah. It’s more fun to join the dark side. Now, am I helping you bury a body or telling you sad calories don’t count?” Kassie attempted to cheer her up.

Claire sighed. “He’s ready now. I wish he’d stay longer for follow-up visits with Dr. Hill.”

“I’m not asking about Ryder. The men will handle him. But I can totally ask Victoria for a favor. She did something to Shadow’s balls once and now he’s afraid of her,” she made Claire laugh.

The line grew quiet.

“How’s he doing?” Claire asked softly.

“Ryder’s coming to terms. You did an amazing job. He’s talking with Chase and Whiskey. Leo and Saint will stop in this afternoon. Taco and Shadow will stay with him tonight.”

“Thank you.” Claire picked up the tissue and swiped her eyes.

“You're welcome. When one of us hurts, all of us feel it. We’re here if you need us,” Kassie assured her.

“I appreciate it,” she whispered sadly and disconnected the call.

She lay her head on the sofa pillow, which smelled like him. Whatever happened, Claire hoped he remembered their time together. Her heart ached as tears fell. She knew Ryder cared for her. She loved him and had to stay content knowing she rescued him from the hell Ryder believed he deserved. Claire drifted off to sleep, recalling the first night they made love.

A few hours later,Claire woke to her phone ringing. She slapped at the table, searching for the device before hitting it with her hand.

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