Page 18 of Crewe
“Okay, I’ll do that part,” Ry said, starting to go through the bags. When she was almost done, she saw her name along with the kids listed as part of Crewe’s family. Ry turned toward Vivi and held it up questioningly.
Vivi grinned. “Well, I thought if I did that, you two would get off your butts and move this romance along.”
“I told you I don’t mix business with pleasure,” Ry said.
“Well, that’s okay. We had a family meeting last night and removed Crewe’s name as an owner ofthe bar. He’ll still receive his cut of the profits, but he is now listed as a shareholder only,” Vivi said as Ellie walked up.
“Umm,” Ry said.
Ellie giggled. “You told her what we did, didn’t you?” Ellie asked.
“I did, and she seems a little stunned,” Vivi said.
Ry stared at the women, thinking through the ramifications. If something went wrong, she’d still need to work by him, but he wouldn’t have the ability to fire her. She needed to kick herself for thinking that. Crewe might be protective, but he was all about taking care of people. He would never have fired her if they dated and broke up. She realized it had been her way of keeping her distance because then she didn’t have to worry that he didn’t really want her. But that wasn’t even an excuse now because she’d felt him against her last night when she snuggled up to him. She bumped it with her knee, and it hadn’t been soft at all.
“Do you hate us?” Ellie asked.
Ry shook her head, not knowing what to say yet.
“Nah, she’s just trying to wrap her mind around the options she now has. Here,” Vivi said, handing her the Crewe Nelson family’s bag. “Go spend the morning playing and checking out the parade. Lunch is wherever anyone wants. We’ll catch up at the family photo and talk some more.”
Ry nodded and took the bag, making her way over to Crewe.
He was talking with Schaefer and Hennessy, but he seemed to have a sixth sense when she was around. He turned before she got there and grinned at her—the same grin that welcomed her every time she walked in the door of the bar or kitchen. Crewe hadn’t changed at all, but she was seeing him in a different light. The light of possibilities, if she was willing to take a chance.
She stood next to Crewe, listening to the conversation and realizing since she’d gotten pregnant with the twins, she’d spent her time playing it safe. Believing that she didn’t deserve more or couldn’t have more. Vivi and Ellie had forced her to face the fact that she was only in her forties with plenty of years left.
Did she want to cut herself off from Crewe because she was scared? Or did she want to open herself up? Sure, she might get hurt. Nothing worth having came without a little turmoil. She was going to enjoy the morning, taking some pictures around the town and enjoying her children having their first vacation.
Then maybe, if she was brave, she’d listen to any advice Ellie and Vivi had about the Nelson men.
Chapter Fifteen
Crewe laughed as he and Wyatt zoomed past Ry and Freya in their go-kart and were coming up fast on Whiskey and Ezra. He loved that the racecars were sized so adults could ride with their kids. There was another smaller track with smaller racecars so the kids could ride alone.
Before he and Wyatt could pass, Roam and his daughter Georgia sped by them, then passed Whiskey and Ezra. As they crossed the startingline, the light switched to white, meaning it was their last lap.
His dad and uncles couldn’t have paid for a better outing. They’d bought everyone the all-inclusive wristbands. It included the arcade, outdoor carnival rides, and the raceways. They could visit as many times this week as they wanted. Crewe was positive that they would be here every day.
Of course, his business mind was wondering if a business like this could work in Dodge City. As the brothers and cousins had kids, Crewe could see a need for places to provide safe, fun, age-appropriate activities. He thought he’d seen on the schedule tonight that the adults were invited to an evening at the MC’s clubhouse. Maybe he could ask one of the members since the raceway, arcade, and rides were run by the MC.
“Yes,” Wyatt yelled. “I beat Freya and Mom.”
Crewe chuckled as he let Wyatt drive them and stop the go-kart. He unbuckled and waited to see if Wyatt needed help. He did fine on his own, so Crewe stepped out and then waited on Wyatt. Crewe remembered that young age when he firststarted wanting to do everything on his own and not have help. He wanted to make sure he didn’t make Wyatt feel as if Crewe were treating him like a baby.
Ry and Freya pulled in a little after them and made their way to where he and Wyatt were waiting outside the fencing.
“Where to next?” he asked.
“Could we try the arcade for a little bit?” Freya asked.
Crewe checked the time. The parade was at eleven, so they had a little bit of time.
“We can. I think we’ll need to head for the parade route in an hour,” Crewe said, placing his hand on Ry’s waist as they walked over to the arcade area. He showed the attendant their wristbands. The attendant handed them each a bag.
“Just come back when you need more. Have fun,” he said.
“Shall we switch?” Ry asked, indicating the kids.
