Page 29 of One of Six

I’mcurious about Ridge as he holds my hand. His gaze sweeps over my face as we drink the iced tea, lost in our thoughts.

I'm aware that Galen is watching us, but I can't think of anything to say to him. I sense he's upset with his brother, and I'm sure it has everything to do with me.

My eyes travel to Violet, who raises an eyebrow when our eyes meet. I offer a small smile and shake my head.

I don't want the feeling of Ridge to go away. I feel safe with the Redd brothers. I want to hold on to this family. I swallow and look down at my hand wrapped tightly in Ridge's big, strong hand. The man is a lady's man, as I know from gossip. I find I don't care as he comforts me.

"I don't know what's going to happen now," I say quietly. "I don't know what to do."

"Can you tell us what happened?" Ridge asks.

I turn my face to his and the need to confide is overwhelming. I swallow hard and turn away. I can't look at anyone while I'm lying. "Someone broke into our house and shot Mom." I blink back tears. "I hid under my blanket. I was so scared. It's all my fault." I burst into tears. Ridge curses, and the next thing I know I’m sitting on his lap with his arms around me.

The man rubs my back and I cry harder. I can't seem to stop as I wrap my arms around his neck and hold on tight. "Hey, I got you," he whispers. "You didn't do anything wrong, Bea. None of this is your fault."

I shake my head, trying to control my tears. "I'm sorry." I sit back. "That's twice today that I've cried all over you."

"Don't apologize." He grabs a handful of tissues that Violet hands him and shoves them into my hands. "You're red and blotchy."

For some reason, that makes me laugh. I wipe my face, blow my nose, and grin. "Thanks for making me laugh."

He smiles. "I was serious."

"I know how bad I look when I cry, so I believe you." I lean into him, not planning to move. I rest my head on his shoulder and look into his face. His eyes meet mine, and for a moment we just sit in comfortable silence. I feel a sense of peace come over me.

"We're friends, Bea. The Redd family will help you. You have Violet there." He nods his head in her direction.

I smile. "I have Evelyn too."

The sound of a car pulling into the driveway makes us all move. Ridge helps me to my feet and whispers, "I'll find you later." His lips brush my cheek before he runs inside with Galen.

I look at Violet, wondering what just happened. My eyes widen as I notice the four glasses on the table. "Quick," I say to Violet, reaching for them.

"The grill!" She squeals.

I open the lid of the grill and just close it when her mother, Adel Beauregard, walks out to join us. Violet engages her mother in conversation, so I walk over to the chaise and make myself comfortable.

My fingers press against my tingling cheek as I look toward the house. What is wrong with me? I know I've lived a sheltered life in my eighteen years, but that's no excuse for the attraction I feel for three of the Redd brothers.

I really liked the way it felt to be held in Ridge's arms. I'm sure I'm going to hell.

Violet suddenly appears and I know from the worried expression on her face that something is wrong. "Mom says she has to take you home. Your dad called her and wanted you to come home. Apparently, there are a lot of visitors coming to the house." She winces. "Mom's not too happy because she had to cancel the lunch with Grandma."

"Damn it," I mutter, fear cutting into me. "I don't want to go." The words fall out of my mouth as I get to my feet. "If you get a chance, will you tell Galen and Ridge what's going on?"

She winks. "I'll tell Galen."

I roll my eyes as I pull her close to me. "Thanks for being here for me." Arriving next to her mother, I say, "I'm sorry about your plans, Mrs. Beau."

"It's okay, honey. It's not your fault." She pats my hand and I know she’s telling the truth. "We should go before your father calls me again."

I catch her anger at Richard as she turns to her car.

The townspeople enterthe house with bowls of food, which Evelyn accepts from them. The dining table is about to run out of space if it hasn't already. I feel like I'm on display, which is what Richard wanted. My hair is neatly braided, and I wear a dark green dress that ends below my knees. I have a light coat of blush on my cheeks to give me some color, and my lips are coated in a pale pink gloss.

I feel like shouting at the visitors standing around Richard. He doesn't deserve any sympathy. I don't understand how he can act like he lost the love of his life. He is the one who took that life.

The more I watch, the more anger boils inside me. Evelyn blocks my view and grabs my arm. "I know this is not easy, but you have to be careful, Beatrice," she whispers. "Judge is here somewhere. I don't want him catching you looking like you want to kill your father."

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