Page 80 of Rescuing Ryder

Melody hugged him. Tex gave him a handshake and a pat on the back as he scanned Ryder’s face. Tex’s daughter, Akilah, smiled as she wrapped her arms around him.

“I’m happy you came. You arrived at a great time. They’re throwing a fall festival. Did you eat yet?” Ryder asked the group.

“No. Chase apprised us about the party and Akilah wanted to wait until we arrived,” Melody explained.

Ryder led them toward the crowd, pointing out the food vendors and the games as they viewed the fun chaos. Chase held Tori for Kassie, allowing her to play games with Emma and Miya. Claire now worked on Melody’s hair while a nervous-appearing Leo held Grace. Ryder laughed as he watched Taco taunt the crowd of teens who threw balls to dunk him in the water and missed. Tess stepped up and blew him a kiss, hitting the lever and sending him down into the water. The teens burst into laughter.

Kassie approached the group.

“It’s nice to see you again, Tex. I’m Kassie Winters.” She shook Melody’s hand and then their daughter’s.

“I’ve heard a lot about you,” Melody smiled. “This is our daughter, Akilah.”

“Can I borrow your daughter to join the other teens? They’re painting T-shirts and pumpkins in the section over there and on the other side, they’re playing games. What sounds fun?”

“All of it.” Akilah beamed as she glanced at her parents for permission.

Melody laughed, “Go have fun. We’ll sit over at the table and visit. Check in with us occasionally.”

Kassie walked her over and introduced her to Sara. They watched as the girls talked animatedly.

The trio sat at a table, and two teens brought them chips and salsa with water.

“I wondered if you’d appear as good as you sounded over the phone. I’m happy for you, Ryder.” Tex smiled at him as he assessed him from head to toe.

“Thank you.” Ryder met his friend’s eyes, conveying the whole meaning of his gratitude.

“I believe I found something to snack on. Will you excuse me?” Melody stood and headed for one of the food stalls.

“Subtle, isn’t she?” Tex laughed.

“Thank you, Tex. You saved my life. I’ve waited all week to tell you how much I appreciate you not giving up on me, despite me acting like a pain in your ass.”

“No thanks needed. We do for each other.” Tex brushed off his thanks as Ryder witnessed him do countless times when he rescued entire teams from danger or helped someone in need.

Ryder stared at his friend. “The team asked me to join them as a corpsman. They offered to hold the position while I finish my stint here.”

“Matthew called me. He said you asked for time. Do you have something on your mind?”

“I don’t know if I can be responsible for another group of men,” Ryder confessed.

“What did Claire advise?” Tex asked.

“I didn’t talk to her about it. I switched to Dr. Hill a while ago,” Ryder refused to meet Tex’s gaze.

“That’s too bad. I liked Claire,” Tex sipped his water while watching his daughter.

“I like her, too. She’s great with the kids. The veterans fall over themselves to do whatever she bids. Did Matthew catch you up on Kilner?” Ryder asked his friend.

“Yeah. How did he manage it?” Tex asked.

“We don’t know. The mayor’s calling for an investigation into it. The team’s conducting their own investigation. It seems the mayor isn’t on the up and up. At least Kilner’s dead and can’t hurt her anymore,” Ryder shook his head. The thought of Kilner touching Claire made his blood boil. “Her eye still causes some headaches because he hit her with the gun. The specialist won’t allow her to drive for three more weeks. Claire’s not happy about it.”

“I’m glad she’s doing better.” Tex regarded Ryder.

“Claire’s around here somewhere. I wanted to introduce her to Melody. I think they’ll get along great.”

“Why did you switch, Ryder? You seem to like Claire.”

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