Stone Cold Cowboy by Jennifer Ryan

Author:Jennifer Ryan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2015-12-27T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 17

Rory pulled up in the drive and parked behind his brothers’ trucks. Sadie leaned against his side. Not asleep, but not really aware of where they were or the long drive home. He’d left her long enough to make a phone call to his family to let them know what happened and that they were coming. Sadie took care of the paperwork at the hospital and made arrangements for her father’s burial.

The headlights cut out when he shut off the engine. He didn’t move, but waited for Sadie to come back to herself. He stared at his home. The lights in the windows welcoming him, letting him know his grandfather and brothers were there waiting. He didn’t want to take Sadie back to her empty, dark place. Too many memories for her right now. Besides, this was where he wanted her to want to be.

“I thought you said you were taking me home.”

“I did.” He didn’t say whether he meant that’s what he’d said, or that’s where he’d brought her. He wondered which one she thought he meant.

“I like it here. I like seeing you with your family. You’re so close to all of them.”

“They like having you here. And so do I.” Rory opened the truck door and slid out. He held his hand out to her. “Come inside with me.” Sadie took his hand. “Bring your purse and bag.”

“You’re not taking me home later.”

“Stay here with me.”

Their gazes held for a breath, then Sadie grabbed her stuff and slid out of the truck, her fingers linked with his as they walked up to the house. Rory opened the front door and greeted his brothers and grandfather with a nod.

“Come here.” His grandfather held his arms open. Sadie let Rory’s hand go and walked right into them. She held tight to his grandfather. “I’m sorry for you loss, pretty girl.”

“Thank you.” Sadie choked out the words and gave his grandfather a squeeze.

Granddad released her and Ford stepped in to hug her, too. “My condolences.”

Ford released Sadie into Colt’s embrace. His little brother kissed her on the head and held her close. Rory wanted to smack him, but refrained because Colt only meant to comfort her. “Sorry about your dad. I don’t really remember mine and the loss is a pain that aches. I can’t imagine how it feels for you when you’ve had him so long and it’s still not long enough.”

Rory thought about his parents all the time. He tried to keep his memories fresh, but they faded over time and he had to work to bring them into focus. He’d often wondered if Colt’s few memories stayed clear, or if he remembered them at all now. The sadness he felt for Sadie’s loss intensified with his brother’s poignant words.

“Thank you, Colt. That’s exactly how it feels.” Sadie stepped back and kept coming until she ran into him. He wrapped his hand around her middle and hugged her close. She pressed her hands to his arm at her stomach and held him tight.

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