“Mrs. Boone?” Haddie called her.
“I’ll be back.” She glanced at Ryder.
“I’ll wait.” He was watching her, a mix of concern and pride on his face. “Ice cream?”
She nodded, smiling.
He smiled back, a heart-thumping, knee-weakening smile.
“I’ll hurry.” She made her way to the stage, hoping she carried herself with some sense of confidence.
“Annabeth—” Ken caught her before she reached the steps. “Congratulations. Can’t say I’m not a little disappointed, but there’s no one I’d rather lose to.”
She smiled, taking the hand he offered her. “Thank you, Ken, that means a lot.”
He nodded, shaking her hand before joining his wife.
“Here’s the paperwork.” Cutter pushed a manila envelope across the table. “Too much money if you ask me, but no one did.”
“Congratulations again, Mrs. Boone.” Haddie shook her hand. “Meant to give this to you earlier but Cutter forgot it in his truck.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Miles,” she replied, shaking the woman’s hand.
“First a wedding, now the job.” Mack shook her hand. “I’d have to say you’re having a good year.”
And babies. She nodded.
The conversation was short. Review the offer and let them know in two weeks. The board did have some thoughts on some building additions they’d like to discuss with her, but that could wait until all the paperwork was signed. And they wanted to determine next year’s calendar, discuss a new track surface and options for teacher training. None of which seemed to matter right now. By the time she climbed into Ryder’s truck, she was on the verge of tears. She closed her eyes and rested her head on the back of the seat.
Ryder climbed in and turned on the heat, but didn’t move. “You going to take the job?”
She opened her eyes, staring up at the lining of the truck cab. “Of course.”
“You don’t seem happy.” His tone was neutral.
“I am. Besides, life isn’t always about doing what you want to,” she argued. “It’s about doing what you need to do.”
“Okay.” He paused, driving two blocks before asking, “Why do you need this job?”
She looked at him, swallowing hard.
“I was watching you tonight, Princess. You were happy until the meeting. Tired, yes. Stressed, sure. But once they said your name, you looked like Tom when Cody goes to school. Like you’re losing something?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She frowned at him. I am losing you. “I’ve been managing. I can do this.”
He moved across the bench seat and took her hands in his. “Damn right, you can.” His brow furrowed. “But you don’t have to if you don’t want to.”
She looked at their hands. “Ryder.”
“Talk to me,” he said, his voice low.
She shook her head.
“You don’t have to pretend with me.” His words t
wisted her heart.
She glanced at him, but it was too hard. “I have the weight of the world on my shoulders. Medical bills that are sky-high—”