Sheltered(54)

Saying “I do” to Ryker was the easiest decision I’ve ever made, and everything since has just fallen into place.

Fritz is still in jail serving a life sentence for his crimes. After he was convicted Ryker tried to reach out to him a few times, but without luck. He seems to think Fritz needs more than just a jail sentence and had a therapist brought in to see him a few times a month. We don’t talk about it much because it’s a painful subject, and I hate the sad look Ryker gets in his eyes when I bring it up. I know it’s an inner battle for him. He hates Fritz for what he did to me, but he’s still his little brother. I’m not sure it’s something Ryker will ever get past. It reminds him of all he could have lost.

Kathleen is usually the one I talk to about Fritz. I think I understand it better now after having Chloe, because I’d never give up on her. Kathleen seems to think that one day he’ll come around, so I hold out hope for her.

I know what Fritz did was wrong, but I don’t hold it against him. I don’t have room in my heart to hold grudges or hate. I spent most of my life being angry at my mama for not being better, but forgiving her and moving on has healed my own heart. I just want to live a happy, quiet life with the man I love while we grow old together. It’s simple, but I don’t need much.

I feel the baby kick, and I grab Ryker’s hand, placing it over the spot. The baby kicks again and his whole face lights up, and for a second, I can imagine him as a child on Christmas morning. I want to tell him that I found out last week on accident that we’re having a boy and that he’s right. But seeing him so excited in this moment, I know it’s going to be a hundred times better when he’s born. So, I keep the little secret and kiss Chloe’s chubby hand as the sun warms my back.

I’m in my happy place surrounded by my loves. Life can’t get much better.





Epilogue





Ryker





Five years later…





I open the back door of the SUV, and Jack hops out of his booster seat. He holds his hand up and I take it as we walk into the elementary school. We pick up Cricket and Chloe every Tuesday and Thursday from the school. Blair started volunteering at the school when Chloe started kindergarten on those days having always wanted to be a teacher but still wanting to be a stay-at-home mom more. This gives her both of those worlds, and I couldn't be happier that my girl is getting everything she ever wanted.

The office buzzes us in and I wave to them as I make my way towards the library. I’m early today, but I knew there was a reading circle happening today and Jack would love to join in. When I walk into the library, Jack takes off running towards his sister and sits down next to her as the librarian continues to read. I glance around for my wife, and my eyes lock on her.

My jaw clenches when I see Coach Barns talking to her. Fucking prick has been pissing me off since he started working here. I knew hiring him would be a bad idea. I was on the school board. Had been since we picked what school we would be sending our children to, along with donating a shit ton of money to build onto the school. This brand-new library was one of those additions.

My fist clenches at my side. The young prink is about to learn a lesson. I stop myself and take a deep breath, glancing over at my two little ones. I remind myself to not make a scene. I should wait and say something to the fucker when I can get him alone, let him know to stay the fuck away from my wife. I’ve seen the looks he gives her. I can’t blame the man. Hell, I kidnapped her to make her mine, so I understand, but now he’s getting a little too close for my comfort. When he reaches out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, I’m on it, grabbing his wrist to stop him.

“Don’t you know not to touch things that don’t belong to you?” I give him a hard look, one that has him stepping back, but I keep my hold on his wrist, applying a little more pressure.

“Ryker.” Cricket says my name in a soft voice, placing her hand on my shoulder and pulling my eyes to hers. She commands my attention so easily. She gives me a small smile and I know what she wants, and like always I give her it. I let the man’s wrist go.

“Ryker, man, I was just—”

“Leave,” I tell him, not even bothering to look back over at him. I know what he just wanted, and he wasn’t going to get it. Not even a simple touch of it. He practically runs away, leaving me standing there with my wife.

I tuck the loose hair behind her ear before pulling her towards me. I wrap one arm around her, and I cradle her small bump with the other.

“He was only talking to me.” I know she’s trying to cool my jealousy. I’ve learned to not even fight it anymore because it’s a battle I’m never going to win. When it comes to her, I’ll always be jealous and wary of men because I know the lengths I went to have her.

“Talking, hmm?” is all I give in response, looking down at her. “You won’t be doing any talking tonight.” I lean down, turning us a little so my big body shields her small frame from view. I nuzzle her neck. “You’ll be screaming and moaning for me.” I bite her neck gently.

She moans a little, her fingers digging into the front of my shirt. “You act like all the women around here aren’t always checking you out. One man talks to me and—” I kiss her, cutting off her words.

I pull back her and her mouth is swollen from mine. “What women?” I ask, because maybe they do, but I’ve never noticed. Nor do I care to. “You know I only have eyes for you.”