Page 95 of The Chances We Take

I patted him on the back, hoping he wouldn’t be too upset. “Listen, bud, I’d love to stay, but we’ve gotta get going. It’s a long drive back to Silver Creek.”

“All right. Well, I’ll see you soon, right?” It was hard to miss the disappointment in his voice.

“Of course, Ryke.” A little bit of guilt ate at me as I realized I had been no better than our parents in a way. Even though Ryker was only seven years younger, I’d still raised him. He looked at me like an older brother and a parent. I internally made a promise that I’d do better about visiting my siblings.

“Come back to visit, please. And bring back your girlfriend, she’s lovely.” Eileen whispered the last part. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Isa.”

“You as well, Mrs. Lawson.” She smiled.

“See you all later.” I waved as we exited the front door.

Isa climbed into the pickup, and after I got in and started it, she leaned over to kiss me. I kissed her back, despite my surprise.

“What was that for?” I asked, confused, once she had pulled back.

“I’m proud of you. It takes a lot of courage to do what you just did. You should be proud of yourself too.”

My shoulders relaxed, like a huge weight had been lifted off of them as I put the truck in reverse and backed out of the driveway, pointing the vehicle toward the interstate to head east and go home. And I smiled—even if it was a bittersweet one—because even after everything I’d gone through, and everything still to come, I knew I’d have her by my side.

“I am.”

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

isabelle

We pulled into Reid’s driveway back in Silver Creek later that night, well after the sun went down. I was leaving to go back to Texas the next day, and my heart dropped at the thought of leaving. I’d loved being here for the past month and a half, but I needed to get back home. If not for my job, then for my sister.

“I’m really proud of you, you know?” I leaned into Reid, resting my head on his shoulder as we sat in the driveway.

He turned to kiss my temple. “I know. It took a lot, but I’m glad I did it. It needed to happen.” He opened the driver’s side door, taking the keys out of the ignition to stop the engine.

“So, girlfriend, huh?” I teased as I reached for my door handle, remembering he called me his girlfriend without ever actually discussing it with me first.

“I figure it was about time we admitted we’ve always had something more than a friendship. If that’s what you want,” he added quickly as he walked around the front of the truck to meet me and hold my door open.

I smiled as I stepped out and faced him.

I’ve wanted that for a long time.

“I mean, you’re okay with a long-distance relationship?” I asked, thinking about what it would entail.

“As long as I’ve got you, I’m happy with whatever you want to give me. Besides, I’m still going to be traveling most of the year, and I wouldn’t expect you to give up your life to come on the road with me.” His voice softened.

I slowly inhaled. “I’m happy as long as I have you too. Right now, I need to go back to Texas. I need to make sure my sister is okay, but I want to make this work.”

“That makes perfect sense. Even though I won’t be there with you, you know I’ll always be there to support you.” He took my hand, gently squeezing it.

“I know. And that’s why I love—” I stopped myself mid-sentence as a look of shock flashed across Reid’s face. “I-I wasn’t going to say it yet because I know it’s so early and we just got together, but with everything that’s happened these past few days, weeks even, I just need you to know. I love you, Reid Lawson, and I don’t expect you to say it back but?—”

“I love you too, Isa Bennett.” He smiled. “Honeybee, I loved you a year ago, and I love you now, and I’m going to keep loving you for as long as you’ll let me. We’re going to be just fine, you and me.”

I believed every word he said.

He pulled me into a hug and when we finally broke apart, I stood on my tiptoes and kissed him.

Love is messy. It’s imperfect and complex, but with the right person by your side, love could get you through anything.

I thought back to the past year and a half andeverything Reid and I had worked through. He was my safe place.

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