Page 32 of Wicked Cowboy
His gaze narrowed. “Why? Frank is a corporate shark.”
I shrugged and quickly said, “He works for my sister’s husband, so it’s like family, I guess. I was surprised about the allowance.”
“I promised six figures.” He mumbled and his father came closer. “Didn’t you read the papers?”
I motioned for us all to head back and he nodded, but he said, “No. I… didn’t read or ask for details. My own fault.”
Hudson took Chelsea away from her friends and the limo arrived. The sky decided to crackle like it would rain soon, so it was a good time to get out.
Nothing would be sadder for Chelsea than rain pellets hitting the newly buried coffins.
We walked to join Hudson and Chelsea when Carter asked me, “Did you want more?”
My shoulders tightened, and I shook my head. “No… you misunderstood.” The dark clouds overhead meant we only had a moment, so I said, “Chelsea, are you wanting to head back?”
The tears in her eyes glistened. I handed her a tissue and we headed to the limo with the men.
Chelsea sniffled but said, “It’s still strange that I’ll never see them again.”
I let her get in the car first. “When I lost my parents, I didn’t know what to do. I’m here for you whenever you want to talk.”
She squeezed my hand. “I wish I’d known you before now.”
For the ride home, no one said anything, but I saw Chelsea and Hudson holding hands.
In medical books, I’d read it was usually easier to accept people who didn’t want to fill in for a missing role and Hudson was more a grandfather she’d always known.
As we drove back onto the ranch and stepped out of the car, the dry, warm air washed into my lungs.
Carter opened the door. “Ridley, we should talk.”
I waited until Chelsea and Hudson were far enough away then glanced out the window to the tall grass.
In Pittsburgh, my view was the street or the houses behind me. In his ranch, he had clear fields without anyone else in sight. I heard his footsteps and turned around.
I crossed my arms under my chest. “We’re getting married because we want to help Chelsea, right? My questions about the contract today triggered you.”
He swallowed and took a step back. “Right and my lawyers want us to rewrite the custody arrangement so we can start on proper adoption proceedings soon and settle everything.”
Marriage meant we both had a say. I shrugged. “Have them talk to Frank. He knows more details on what I signed than I do.”
“Of course. The lawyers can talk.” I met his brown-eyed gaze and wished there was more he had to say. But he just stared at me, without another word.
Minutes ticked past and the silence was palatable.
My phone rang and it broke the moment. I glanced at my screen and then stepped away from him. “My sister Indigo is calling and it’s probably a conference call with the others. Can I have a few minutes alone to tell them what we’re doing here?”
He massaged the back of his head. “Of course. See you for lunch and to discuss the wedding ceremony. Pop and Chelsea want to be there.”
I held the phone in the air. “Sounds perfect. Be back soon.”
I walked down the hall to my room, so I’d have some privacy. As I locked the door, I breathed. I’d never expected a happily-ever-after in my life. I’d never get a second offer with half of what he'd offered me here.
I ought to be grateful. At least here, no one saw my tears that I had no right to shed. I should be happy as this was everything I'd ever wanted, but water streamed out of my eyes like I was fooling myself.
Chapter 11
Carter
