Page 102 of Give Me Forever Love

“Yeah,” I agree, looking back out. “It’s absolutely worth it.”

We both take a seat and look out in wonder. We don’t speak, just stare. I move a little closer to my husband and lay my head on his shoulder. He grabs my hand and we spend the afternoon on a bench in riding gear on top of a mountain, and it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Bryce

Every day at the ranch is filled with honest work and family. It reminds me of growing up, and I find myself wondering why I ever wanted to leave this place.

I remember the day that I asked Pops for the loan to buy Red. He didn’t say yes right away. It took time and some serious convincing. But when he finally did, he knew he’d done more than loan his son cash so I could start my own business.

He’d given me a sort of freedom that I’d always wanted.

Freedom from judgment and having to take care of my brother.

I love Jace, but it wasn’t easy being his caretaker for so many years. It was time for me to be on my own and worry about no one but myself.

Sadly, my brother didn’t see things the way I did, and to fight back, he joined the Army and left us all.

That was a tough time, and it was disheartening when he got dishonorably discharged.

My brother and I have an unspoken agreement now. We don’t talk about his personal life, and it’s fucking sad it’s come to this. He visits to see Rylee and we talk like everything’s fine, but we both know there’s a storm brewing and one day it’s going to hit land and drown us.

Until then, we’ll carry on the way we are.

Ignoring it.

Rylee has grown so much in just over a month. She’s got curious eyes and the sweetest face. I adore her with everything I am.

K has been amazing during all of this. She healed up great from the accident and proves that just because you had shitty parents it doesn’t mean you have to be one.

She’s the best mom I’ve ever witnessed. The way she cares for Rylee comes so naturally. She overfills my heart, and I find myself watching the two together shamelessly all the time.

We love it out here and we’ve grown so close as a family, but I know she’s getting anxious to get back home. Back into her return with Mugs & Books and back to seeing Claire and Austin more.

Danny called me a few days after we arrived. He was glad to hear I’d gotten out of town and said this issue was going to take a little time. He said he’d be in touch, but there’s been no word and it’s been longer than I thought it would be.

Ben has kept his word and watches over the store for us. K feels better knowing that, and that’s the reason I asked him. To give her some peace of mind.

My wife goes with the flow. She deals with a lot of my shit, so the least I could do is ease her worry.

It’s late in the evening and we’re leaving Lee and Emily’s, stuffed with roast and potatoes and homemade pecan pie. I’m carrying a beer in one hand and Rylee in the other.

I hold on to her bottom as she rests on my chest. We stand on the porch and I look out at the yard, watching fireflies glow in the night. Doc and Holliday, the dogs, lie near the rocking chairs, their bellies full of scraps, both too lazy to bother with me.

K comes out the screen door with a cold beer in her hand. “Emily wanted me to take some food home. I had to escape quickly. We already have a fridge full.” She laughs. I smile and take a sip of my beer.

“I’m glad we walked over here. I need to get rid of some of this food.”

“Yeah,” I agree as I head down the steps. K follows and rubs her hand over Rylee’s little back as we walk down the driveway. “Did she finish that bottle?” she asks.

I nod.

“I hate the breastfeeding didn’t work out.”

“You tried,” I tell her. “Don’t stress over it.”

She doesn’t say anything, and I know she’s feeling guilty. I hate that.

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