Me:But not mine.
**
Me:Any progress?
Ryder:A little. She's finally talking to the doctor you hired.
Ryder:I think she misses you.
Me:I miss her, but we've been called out to a mission. Not sure when I'll be back.
Me:Take care of her, okay?
Me:I get email over there, so email with any updates.
Ryder:Be safe. And she'll be fine, just needs time.
Ryder:It's only been three days. Give her a bit to adjust.
Me:I hate not being there. Hate her being in pain. Hate she has to go through this.
Ryder:I don't know how in the hell you ever thought you didn't love her.
Ryder:Are you always so dense?
Ryder:Maybe Beka is better off without you.
Me:You're kidding, right?
Ryder:Maybe. Did I tell you I called off the wedding?
Me:Did I ask?
Ryder:No, but with Beka still not super chatty, I have to tell someone. You're the lucky guy.
Me:I don't feel lucky.
Ryder:Anyhoo, I'm staying with Beka. Moved out of Kyle's place.
Me:Okay.
Ryder:You suck as a chitchat buddy.
Me:Does that surprise you? Email me with updates, and I'll try to fly in when we get back.
Ryder:I'll let her know.
**
I HELD MY BREATH ASthe gate to the ranch swung open.
Four months.
Four long months since I stepped foot on this property. Since I left Beks in the hands of her best friend and the best therapist in Odessa. Somehow the heat had intensified while I was gone, making the short walk from the Tahoe to the main house miserable.
“Hello?” I called out after shutting the front door, but no one answered. “Beks? Ryder?”
Footsteps sounded against the hardwood.