The brothers were fascinating, every conversation lined with a competitive yet playful edge. Other than Teddy, Hunter seemed the most content. The love he and Josie shared was evident in every glance and touch. She’d never know Eli was Josie’s stepson, the bond there was so strong and real. A lot like watching Ryder and Cody... Her chest ached.
Archer was the most aloof, observing everyone without any obvious reaction. He didn’t smile often or have much to say about anything but work. But when he caught her eye, he raised his glass in a quick salute. She smiled, nodding in return.
Fisher kept people laughing. He knew how to make everyone welcome and entertained. Especially the boys. Eli and Cody were in stitches as Fisher shared a story about one of the fourth-years at the veterinary hospital and a very affectionate Great Dane.
She was smiling, too, caught up in the boys’ laughter, when Ryder shifted. His hand rested on her thigh. And, try as she might, she was instantly aware of his breath on her shoulder, the low rumble of his laughter.
She all but jumped up to clear the table when the food was gone.
“That was delicious.” Fisher smiled down at her. “Thanks for the eats, sis,” he added, winking.
“Glad you enjoyed it.”
“You headed over later?” Fisher asked Ryder so softly she wasn’t sure she’d heard correctly.
But Ryder led him out of the room and she was left with Renata and Josie and cleanup duty.
“You should sit and actually eat something.” Renata shook her head. “You didn’t eat anything except a carrot stick. And you didn’t touch the milk Cody got you.”
She smiled, scrubbing the garlic from the pan. “I’m fine.”
“I bet there’s some Italian crème cake left in the other kitchen,” Renata kept going. “No one can say no to Bitty’s cake.”
“I’m fine—”
“Renata’s gone.” Josie laughed. “She’s right, Annabeth. You’re eating for three. Three.” Josie paused, eyeing Annabeth’s stomach. “Eat some cake and don’t feel guilty about it.”
Renata carried a cake plate back into the kitchen as they finished the dishes. “Y’all sit, and I’ll get plates. How’s the new book going, Josie?”
Josie was a children’s author and illustrator. Her books were about a little country town a lot like Stonewall Crossing. And, to Annabeth, her friend’s illustrations were worthy of framing.
“Things are good. Nothing like finding your rhythm.” Josie took a bite of cake and closed her eyes. “This is too good.”
Annabeth shrugged and took a bite. Good was a huge understatement.
Renata chattered on about her work at the tourism department for the county. Annabeth listened. She had to get through tonight, finalize everything with Ryder, before she could deal with anything else. Would she still be welcome for cake and chit-chat once she was the former Mrs. Ryder Boone? Her stomach clenched and she dropped her fork.
“You okay?” Renata asked.
“Fine.” She tried to smile, but the clenching didn’t ease.
“Annabeth, you look really pale.” Josie took her hand. “You sure you’re okay?”
“I’m fine.” Annabeth stood. “I’m going to check on Cody.” She hoped being on her feet, stretching, might ease the cramps. Cody and Eli lay on the floor of the great room, a game of checkers underway. She waved and decided a walk and fresh air would do her some good. She slipped out the back door and onto the wide wraparound porch. She moved slowly, resting against the support beams now and then, and thinking calm thoughts. She had to relax—all this stress wasn’t good for the babies.
She walked all the way around the house and found Ryder on the front porch, talking on the phone.
“I already told you I can’t make it tonight.” Ryder laughed. “Maybe tomorrow.”
She leaned against the railing.
“I have a few things to work out here...” He laughed again. “She doesn’t know. Not yet.”
Doesn’t know what? Was he talking to Mr. Johannssen? Was this about his new job? His new life? She was sitting with his family, eating cake, talking about their babies and the future, and he was...already moving on. Talking to her was the only thing holding him back. Maybe she should approach the situation like a Band-Aid. It would hurt less ripping it off quickly.
“Ryder?”
He turned, his smile disappearing. “Gotta go.”