“Annabeth,” he murmured, lying down on his side to face her. His chest hurt, a pain he’d never felt before. “I’m not asking for anything half-assed.” And he sure as hell didn’t like how willing she was to let go of what he was offering.
She smoothed the hair from his forehead, a slight smile on her lips. Her touch left him breathless. “How many times have you said it, Ryder Boone? You’re not the forever type.” Her voice trailed off and her eyes closed. “But you are a good man. And a real friend.”
He was an idiot. Hearing his careless words from her lips only confirmed that. Amazing how much a week could change a man’s perspective on life. Forever had never included Annabeth before. He wanted Annabeth to rely on him, to count on him. He wanted to be there for her, Cody and their baby. It would take time to convince her he was in this for the long haul, but he had time. Sure, this might put his plans with JJ on hold, but his child came first.
One look at her told him how exhausted she was. She’d said yes—it was a start
. She had every right to doubt him. Actions spoke louder than words. Hunter’s words replayed through his head. He’d find a way to show Annabeth he was serious about this.
She sighed, her hand falling to rest on her stomach as she rolled onto her back. He stared at her hand, then covered it with his own. A baby. His baby. He had all the motivation he needed right here. The baby. Cody. Annabeth... A family. His family. Was he scared? Hell, yes. For the first time in his life, he had something to lose. He’d let her make her plan, but his wasn’t going to change. He was in this, for real, for life.
Chapter Six
“Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Boone.” Mack McCoy smiled at her.
Annabeth Boone. She was Annabeth Boone.
“You’re a lucky man, Ryder.” Mack shook his hand.
Right now, that’s exactly how she was feeling. She was lucky. If Ryder hadn’t proposed, what would she have done? Would she have asked for his help, like Josie suggested? Or would she have tucked tail and run to her in-laws’ place? Would they take her in? It’s not like this baby had anything to do with them. But, thanks to Ryder, nothing had to change...for now.
“I am.” Ryder pulled her close, planting a soft kiss on her mouth before she could respond. Her body, on the other hand, was definitely reacting to his touch. Being close to him seemed to light an instant fire inside her. Waking up next to him, wrapped in his scent and warmth and arms, felt too good. So good, she’d lain there until he’d woken up. Even then, she’d have happily stayed cocooned against him. But he’d hustled her from the bed and to the justice of the peace.
Now she stood, wearing a cream sweater and jeans, married to the rebel Boone.
Mr. McCoy laughed, handing her the wedding certificate in its faux-leather holder. “Not to rush you two, but the missus has a honey-do list a mile long waiting for me at home.” He winked. “I imagine the two of you have your own plans for the day.”
She focused on the certificate she held, not the mix of emotions Mack McCoy’s teasing caused. Ryder had made it clear he wasn’t attracted to her from the beginning. If it hadn’t been for Mr. Ego at the bar, he wouldn’t have pretended he was, and she wouldn’t have jumped him... For all she knew, their time together hadn’t been anything special for him. Considering he’d all but bolted out of the bed when he woke up this morning, she didn’t think his interest level had changed.
The smart thing to do, the thing she was best at, was focusing on the positive. And, right now, she had a lot to be positive about.
“Appreciate you coming in on your day off.” Ryder nodded.
“Yes, thank you,” she agreed.
“You can name one of your kids after me and we’ll call it even.” Mack McCoy smiled. “Middle name is Joshua, just in case you don’t like Mack.”
She smiled, trying to find something to say. She’d been a little tongue-tied all morning, ever since she’d woken up with her cheek on Ryder’s bare chest, wrapped in his rock-hard arms.
“Morning, Mack.” Renata Boone’s singsong voice startled them all. “Saw your truck was out front so I thought I’d drop off those new tourism department brochures.”
They hadn’t really talked about how they were sharing their news with everyone. They hadn’t really talked about a lot of things. And now Ryder’s sister was here, staring at them in total confusion. “What’s happening?” Renata asked.
“Give your brother a hug, Renata. It’s not every day a man gets hitched.” Mack clapped Ryder on the shoulder.
“What?” Renata’s blue eyes went round. “Married?”
Annabeth waited, smiling what she hoped was a suitably excited smile.
Renata squealed, tossed the fliers she was holding onto the entry desk and hugged her brother. “It’s about time. I thought you’d never get the nerve up to ask her.”
Annabeth shot Ryder a look. He shrugged, hugging his sister. “You can’t rush these things.”
“Then why are you marrying her at the justice of the peace?” Renata let go of her brother and pulled Annabeth into a strong hug. “I’ll have to apologize for my brother, Annabeth. He’s not exactly a pro when it comes to romance.”
“No.” Annabeth smiled. “I liked the idea. Getting married here.”
“You did?” Renata asked.