Page 66 of Rescuing Ryder

“You act as a team. You’re Lexie’s partner as much as she’s yours. We never leave our partner to go it alone.” Ryder reminded the young man.

Claire began to walk toward them when Kassie grabbed her arm and slightly shook her head, indicating to her to allow Ryder to try and reach Scott.

“I locked her in my room, sir,” Scott admitted sorrowfully.

From a distance, barking sounded and became louder.

“Then I suggest you rethink this,” Ryder ordered. “She depends on you. Even when you think the world can go on without you, Lexie won’t disappoint you. Eventually, you’ll experience more good days than bad. You’ll find someone who understands you and can handle the bad days when they come. You found your fellow brothers right here. Lexie chose you. Now, you have a choice: do you want to fight for the life you deserve? We’re right here to help you. You’ll never face this battle alone again.”

The barking neared and a ball of black and gray fur bounded over the leaves, clearing the distance between her and Scott. Lexie sat beside him and whined pitifully.

“Sounds to me like she missed you. How about we see if Miss Bryanna left us some cookies and talk this out?”

“My girlfriend broke up with me. She says I’m damaged and she can’t continue dating me while I deal with this. She doesn’t like dogs,” Scott confessed.

“Hell yeah, you’re damaged,” Ryder yelled out. “So am I. I once thought like you, Scott. I can’t promise you it’s an easy journey. But these people will stay by your side. They won’t letyou down. Who the hell wants to date a person who doesn’t like dogs? She’s not the one for you. You’ll find someone who loves animals and she’ll have the heart to accept you as you are.”

“Can I keep Lexie?” Scott asked.

Kassie moved forward. “Of course, she’s staying by your side. Why don’t you come down from the log and return to the cabin with us?”

“Ryder. Why didn’t you talk to me before now?” Scott asked as he peered down at the men.

“Because I struggled with my demons. I didn’t think I mattered. It shows you we don’t see how much we mean to others until something happens. I know you, Scott, and you matter.” He extended his hand and Scott gripped it for dear life.

Whiskey and Ryder helped him down and Kassie wrapped her arms around Scott while he sobbed. Tears ran down Claire's cheeks as she witnessed how far Ryder had grown.

Ryder exited the hospital.Whiskey stayed with Scott and Dr. Hill. Claire waited outside. When he noticed her, Ryder slowed his walk and glanced around.

“Can I talk to you?” she asked.

“Is this a professional call?” he asked, sarcastically.

Claire’s face fell. She turned around, intending to return to her office.

“Damn it, Claire. What do you want?” Ryder barked.

She shook her head. “Nothing. It’s not important.”

His hand wrapped around her arm. “Don’t leave. How do you plan to get home? Did you drive yourself?”

Claire shook her head, afraid if she spoke now, she’d cry.

“Walk with me,” Ryder coaxed, holding out his hand.

Her fingers intertwined with his as they walked the path toward the cabins. Ryder opened the door, allowing her inside. Claire crossed her arms as he put on a pot of coffee.

“You did a wonderful job with Scott today,” she complimented him.

“I learned from the best,” Ryder quipped. “What do you want?”

“I don’t know. I didn’t like how we left things yesterday,” Claire admitted.

“Me neither, Claire Bear.”

“I told Kassie,” Claire whispered.

“Do you feel better?” Ryder bit out.

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