Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 82265 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82265 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
“I can get behind that,” Archer speaks up. “Family time is important. I know for me, she would have to be special to even think about inviting her to something like that.”
“Me too,” Rushton adds.
I make eye contact with Ryder, and he nods. I nod back. That simple gesture is his way of saying that Jordyn would most definitely make the cut. He and I talked for a long time last night. He’s been in contact with her family, and her best friend is texting him updates. They all know he loves her, and he’s willing to wait. He’s not sure if they believe him, but Ryder is like the rest of us. Stubborn as hell. When we make up our minds about something or someone, it’s hard to change it.
I want to be pissed at Jordyn for walking away without talking to him like she promised, but I know the fear of loving someone and being worried that if and when things change, you’ll lose them. I’ve been living it for the past couple of months, but that’s all about to end.
I’ve been working on something for her. A grand gesture of sorts. Something that shows her that I listen when she talks and I want to make her dreams come true. My phone vibrates where it’s resting on my thigh. Flipping it over, I smile when I see her name on my screen.
Alyssa: I’m getting all the baby snuggles while you’re away.
The text is followed by a picture of my girl holding a sleeping Remi. My niece sleeps soundly and looks cute as hell, and Alyssa? Her hair is down, and her face is void of any makeup. She’s smiling, her brown eyes sparkling with happiness. My thumb traces the screen wishing with everything inside me that she was here with me right now.
I snap a picture of the fire and send it to her with a text.
Me: Wish you were here.
Alyssa: How’s the last night been?
Me: Good. Just relaxing. We packed up a good bit, so we just have to take down our tents in the morning. We’re all eager to get home.
Alyssa: Well, we miss you here.
Me: I miss you too.
Alyssa: I told Kristy that I would go shopping with her tomorrow in Atlanta. Her grandparents are renewing their vows after 65 years of marriage.
Me: Damn, congrats to them.
Me: Does that mean I won’t get to see you tomorrow?
Alyssa: Not sure how long we will be gone. I’ll keep you posted.
Me: Have fun with Kristy.
Alyssa: Be safe coming home. Enjoy your last night.
“Sterling?”
I lift my head to look at my dad. “What’s up?” It’s then I realize that Archer, Rushton, Maverick, and Merrick are missing from our group. “Where did they go?”
“If you wouldn’t have had your nose in your phone, you would know your brothers went for a night swim.” Dad smirks. He’s not pissed. He’s just calling me out. That only means one thing. He’s onto me and about to break out his advice hat.
“Right.” I smile sheepishly. “Sorry about that.”
“Alyssa?”
“Yeah. She sent me a picture of her holding Remi.”
“I miss my baby girl,” Brooks says.
“How much longer are you going to wait for someone to take that girl away from you?” Dad asks.
And there it is.
“What?” I turn to look at him.
“Come on, Sterling. I raised you better than that. Don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about.”
I nod and take a long pull from my beer. “When we get home,” I confess. “I just— I don’t know how to convince her to give me a chance.”
“Do you really think you’re going to have to do any convincing?” Ryder asks. “You’ve got this great girl who would do anything for you, and she’s just within reach. You can touch her, hold her, see her smile, and hear her laugh anytime that you want. She’s crazy about you, bro. Take your shot.”
You can hear the heartbreak in his voice, but his words resonate with me. He’s right. She’s right there where I can reach out and grab her and hold onto her forever. There’s a chance she might be getting a job that’s an hour away, and it could potentially have her moving too. Her parents no longer live in Willow River, so I need to make sure that she knows she has a reason to stay.
Me. I’m her reason.
“I don’t even know where to start. I’m in love with her. I’ve been battling with this for the last couple of months.”
“You ask her to stay, son. Stay with you, in your heart, in your life. You tell her what she means to you. Make sure she knows that she’s still your best friend, but you also want her to be your partner in life.”
“She already is,” Orrin speaks up. “You two act like a married couple already. You plan dinner together most nights of the week. You mow her lawn while she does your laundry. Every weekend she’s in your plans, no matter what you’re doing. The only thing you’re missing is sleeping together and the title.”