Page 81 of An Unfinished Memory

I had needed support—and what Ray said had confirmed it. He’d been the only one to think the failure of my marriage wasn’t solely on my shoulders. He’d always wanted what was best for me, and Sutton had needed to do what was right for her.

I had framed the failure as due to Sutton not being right for me. But what if I wasn’t right for her?

Then why was I sneaking around with her again so my uptight, oldest brother didn’t highlight all the reasons it was a bad idea?

Ansen popped his head around the corner. “How many burgers you guys want? Catherine’s going to kidnap the marshmallows and start her own bonfire if we don’t eat dinner and start on the s’mores.”

Cody started in his direction. “Can’t leave the ladies waiting.”

“Are you talking to the guy who keeps knocking our sister up?” I asked.

A grin spread across Ansen’s face. “As many times as she wants. Who am I to say no?”

“I seriously don’t need to hear more,” Cody said, back to being grumpy. I laughed. Getting to both of them in one shot was a success.

Eliot followed, and I fell in behind him. That way he wouldn’t see me searching for Sutton.

She was sitting in a camp chair by the fire pit, a beer in the cupholder in the armrest, and Ro giggling on her lap. A lovely sight to a man who’d been missing her each day. Tova and Vienne were on either side of her. Ivy washelping Aggie spread out the plates and utensils. Ansen had the grill going on the back deck with an attentive Grayson by his side. Eliot went in his direction, unable to resist the grill.

Cody swung by Tova, kissed the top of her head, and murmured in her ear. She automatically gripped his hand. I doubt she knew she was clinging to him, and she absently rubbed her other hand on her stomach.

I stopped beside Sutton, wishing I could drop a kiss on her mouth. Instead, I squatted and grinned at Ro. “How’s my little horse princess?”

She gave me a drooly grin and wiggled, her arms seesawing by her sides. She reached for me. The way my nieces and nephew could make my heart burst got more noticeable after they moved away.

Sutton handed her over with a smile. “I think someone wants her uncle.”

I put a knee on the ground and held Ro. Her size and weight brought back memories of Grayson and Ivy. Cody had lived in Buffalo Gully when they were born, but now a new family lived in their home. Cody had sold the house and the five acres around it.

Only Eliot and I were in Buffalo Gully. The thrill of becoming sheriff of the county I grew up in paled when I thought of how much of my family had moved away.

“I’ve gotta get up,” Tova announced. Cody helped her up and was glued to her side as she walked around.

Sutton exchanged a look with Vienne. “You think?”

Vienne cocked a brow a few shades darker than her hair. “Did we really jinx ourselves?”

Sutton turned back to me. “We joked about making the party tonight so she’d go into labor.”

Aggie was at my side and leaning over me to talk toSutton. “Did I hear you guys say labor?” Ivy had ditched her to practice dance moves in the yard with Catherine. Ro squealed and reached for her mama. Aggie laughed and took her from me. “Sorry to ruin Uncle Wilder’s cuddle time.” She took off toward Cody and Tova.

I remained kneeling by Sutton, having no damn reason to explain why I was so close to her.

Vienne’s lip curled, her eyes mischievous. “If only Wilder got cuddle time.”

“Between you and Eliot, I’m not going to survive the night.” I took a seat across from them.

“Eliot’s already given me shit.” Sutton looked around to make sure no one was close to us.

Cody and Tova were making their way back. Aggie was next to them, grinning.

“Well?” Vienne called.

“I think that was a contraction. My water hasn’t broken, so I’m having a burger and a s’more first. Then we’d better head to Bismarck.” Tova sat, and Cody hovered over her. I’d think she was the one who’d been through the birth of two kids already. “Sutton, are you good with staying at the house tonight?”

“Yes. I can run home and get clothes. Aggie, are you able to take them to Grayson’s game?”

“Yes.” Aggie glanced to where Ansen and Eliot were getting the burgers off the grill. “Ansen has a horse getting delivered in the morning, and Eliot’s staying at our place to help him. I’ll have Ro with me.”

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