Ryder put his hand over mine. “You know I’m here for you, no matter what?”
“I do.” I narrowed my eyes at him. “How come you’re not mad at Wyatt for running off like that and now showing up like nothing happened.”
My brother shrugged and grabbed a towel to wipe the bar. He hadn’t been that upset ten years ago when Wyatt had left which made me wonder if he knew something I didn’t about Wyatt.
Then again, I had my own secrets around Wyatt. It wasn’t until I found out I was pregnant that I confided in Ryder about my relationship with his friend. I’d been in college for a couple of weeks when I realized I was pregnant. Everyone except my brother thought it was a fling with a college boy.
But I’d told Ryder at first to get help in finding Wyatt so I could tell him. I’d been so sure that if he knew he was going to be a father, he’d come back to me and follow through on his promises. While I felt like Ryder wouldn’t be angry at my and Wyatt’s relationship, he’d likely be hurt that he hadn’t been told. And I wasn’t sure how’d he react to Wyatt’s knocking me up.
Fortunately, Ryder was supportive and loving. He was a fantastic uncle, and I was glad to have a father-like figure in Alyssa’s life since Wyatt wasn’t around. But now he was around.
“Did you know he was leaving Salvation?” I prodded.
“No. But I have no doubt that he felt the need to go.”
I admired Ryder’s ability to accept people just as they were, even as it was sometimes frustrating.
“If he’s back though, Sin, he needs to know.”
“What if he doesn’t stay? I don’t want Alyssa to be hurt.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Alyssa or you?”
“Both. He just took off. We had no idea where he was. Turns out he joined the military. Did you know that?”
“No, but it makes sense.” Ryder mixed two drinks for me and Trina, going heavy on the mix and lighter on the booze. “Whether he stays or goes, he has a right to know. Was he a jerk to run off? Maybe. But he didn’t know about Alyssa-”
“That’s not my fault.”
“I know. But if he had known, he wouldn’t have left. I believe that. I don’t know who he is now, but if he’s like the Wyatt I knew, he’ll stay if he knows. He’ll do what’s right.”
I shook my head. “I don’t want him hanging around out of obligation.”
My brother gave me a disapproving glare. “That’s not fair. Plus, you have to consider what you’re denying Alyssa. If she found out about Wyatt, she’d resent you for not telling her.”
Dammit, he was right. “I just need to think. To figure out his plans. If the farm gets sold, he’ll probably leave.”
“Doesn’t matter, Sin.” Ryder shook his head, and it reminded me of my father when he did the same thing when we disappointed him.
“What’d I miss?” Trina rejoined us. She looked at the drink. “Jack and coke?”
He nodded.
“You remembered.”
“I aim to please.” Ryder winked at her.
She gave him a sideways glance as she lifted her drink and turned
to me. “So, what should we toast to?”
“I have no idea,” I said, picking up my drink.
“How about to Wyatt Jones' efforts to kick Simon Stark’s ass out of town?”
“I can drink to that.” I clicked my glass to hers, but before I could sip, I heard a low chuckle behind me. I knew that laugh. I turned in my chair. “Wyatt.”
He smiled. “Still thinking of me, I see.”