“Austin, I am so sorry. I know that doesn’t help, but just know I’m here no matter what, okay? I love you, baby.”
He takes a few more moments before continuing his story in a rush of words.
“So after graduation, I gave up trying to find Amanda and moved on to focus on school and football. My mom never allowed me to talk about the baby, so I tried to move past it in the only way I knew how - football. Anyway, a few weeks ago my mom ran into Amanda, who had a young boy around the age of nine with her. She called me later that day, screaming that they lied all those years ago. She said the boy was the spitting image of me at that age. I wrote it off for a day or two, but she wouldn’t let it go. That’s when I went down there the first time. It turns out she wasn't crazy and the little boy looks just like me. After a confrontation with both Amanda and her parents, my lawyers demanded a paternity test. That is what I went down there for this last time. I knew he was mine from the time I first saw him, but the test was necessary. Anyway, it came back positive. He is my son, the one they told me was dead ten years ago. I haven’t met him yet. My lawyers are trying to work out the rest now.”
Holy crap! How in the world could people do this to Austin? He is one of the beautiful souls in this world. Why wasn’t he there for the results? What will everything else entail? My mind is racing when I see those gorgeous pools of blue focused on me, waiting for my reaction.
“I don’t know what to say. I am shocked, overwhelmed, and pissed off on your behalf.”
The pissed off comment earns me a smile and a small chuckle. “I know what you mean, Ry. I have run the gamut of reactions since I found out for sure, but I feel a lot better now that you know everything. Keeping all of this from you was killing me. Can you give me some idea where you’re at?”
“What’s his name?” I don’t know why I ask that question, but I feel like I need a name to make him real.
“Ryker. His name is Ryker. Amanda named him after me.” His shy smile tells me he is pleased with that little factoid.
Austin Ryker Black. How did I not know his middle name?
“Well, that has to mean something, right?”
He laughs. “Yeah, it means her parents didn’t know my middle name.”
“So you haven’t met him yet? Why not?”
After I ask, I realize he wasn’t there because he came back for me. The look of compassion on his face tells me I’m correct in my assumption. Now I feel like a complete asshole.
“Austin, you should have stayed. This is a huge thing in your life. Why did you come back? It can’t be good that you skipped out your meeting to come home to your murderous girlfriend. Oh my God, are they trying to use my situation against you?”
He laughs again, confusing me in my new, somewhat hysterical, state.
“Calm down, Ry. I came back because you are it for me. It was a rash decision, but at the time nothing there was certain. You are certain for me. You’re it, baby. I never thought twice about getting here to be with you.”
Great. Now my tears are coming, because even in the middle of something life-changing, he chose me. If I wasn’t already completely in love with him, I would be now.
“But Aus, what if they try to use me to keep you away from your son?”
He pulls me into him, kissing my head, with a smile on his face. Why he is smiling, I will never understand.
“Ry, they have already tried that and it didn’t fly with the judge. You did nothing wrong. All you did was show that you are a strong woman capable of taking care of yourself and those around you. According to Ruzek, you are a hero. Trust me, the judge took the word of the Boston Police Department over the words of the people who lied to the world for ten years.”
“So if they aren’t holding anything over you, what do you do now?”
“Well, my lawyers say I have options, considering the wealth of damaging evidence against Amanda and her parents. They say I could push for full custody if I want, but I don’t think it would be right to take Ryker away from his mom. She loves him and I know she is a good person, despite the things she has done.”
His reaction does not surprise me, because Austin is one of the true-blue good guys in the world. He could go after that family for all they are worth, but, as usual, he puts the needs of everyone else first. I have no doubt that he will be a great dad. Ryker is one lucky boy; he just doesn’t know it yet.
“Well, I want you to know that no matter what you decide, I will be with you every step of the way. I’m here for you. You tell me what you need and you’ll get it.”
“All I need is that, Ry. All I need is you. If you are by my side, I know we can figure this thing out. I love you, Rylee Ash.”
“I love you too.”
Chapter 47
Rylee
Two weeks later…
The past two weeks have flown by, with no more life-altering events to turn our world upside down. Austin met his son, Ryker, last weekend and is on pins and needles waiting for him and Amanda to arrive here this weekend.
I am not as excited as Austin is, since I have to face Amanda, the ex-love of Austin’s life. He tells me there is nothing to worry about, but I cannot help being concerned that they will reconnect. They have a son together, after all.
Amanda and Ryker are due in this evening. I am hastily trying to leave work a few hours early so I do not miss the big meet and greet. Austin would not be pleased if I showed up late to meet his son. He has a new glow and excitement about him since meeting Ryker. Apparently they hit it off big time. I cannot say I’m surprised. What nine-year-old boy would be unhappy to find out his dad is the reigning Super Bowl MVP?
Sitting in the heavier than usual Friday afternoon traffic, my phone rings through the speakers of my Jeep. Hitting the answer button on the steering wheel, I answer, certain it is Austin checking on my whereabouts.
“I’m in traffic. I promise I will be there,” I say, in lieu of a greeting.
“That’s good to know, but where is it you’re going?” My brother’s sarcastic voice comes through the speakers.
“Hey, J. I assumed you were Austin. He is all crazy about Amanda and Ryker coming today.”
“Oh yeah, I forgot that was today. So how are you doing with it?” His voice hints at his concern.
“I’m good, I guess. I haven’t thought too much about all of it because it makes me a little crazy. You know I don’t like to share.” I laugh, trying to disguise my mixed feelings on the subject.
“Bullshit, Ry. I know better. Let me guess, you are worried he will get back with Amanda since she is the baby mama. But, at the same time, you are trying to figure out how you will bond with a nine-year-old boy. Not to mention you feel like this isn’t your place, since you and Austin aren’t married. So tell me, am I close?”
He nailed every one of my emotions, the feelings I have tried to keep hidden from everyone over the past couple of weeks. I shake my head with an amused smile while fighting to change lanes.
“Yep, I would say you covered it all. Thanks for that.”
“Rylee, I want you to hear me. Austin doesn’t want anyone but you. I can promise you that. As for how to deal with a kid, you will figure it out.”
I hear what my brother is saying, but I am curious how he can promise me anything regarding Austin. “How is it you can promise me that? Is there something you aren’t telling me?”
My curiosity is piqued and I hope he will share.
He huffs on the other end of the line. “Let’s just say I know and, for once in your life, you will just have to trust me.”
For once in my life? Come on. I have never trusted anyone more.
“Oh, come on, J. Tell me what you know, or I will call Bode. You know he will tell me.”
That comment draws a genuine laugh that makes me smile.
“I have no doubt he would tell you, which is why he doesn’t know. On another matter, I got out of the wheelchair today.”
That was a brilliant change of subject, but I w
ill let him have it since I am ecstatic he finally got out of that damn thing. He is making amazing progress and I am so relieved.
“That is amazing, J! I’m so happy for you. How is everything else progressing?”
“Well, it hurt like hell to get up and wobble around, but I can’t wait to keep it going. Dani made me sit once we got home from physical therapy and she won’t let me do anything else today. But the docs say all things are ahead of schedule and I might be back to myself by preseason.”
Thank goodness for Dani. She will keep him from overdoing it with the therapy in a bid to break records with his healing.
“I am so happy that things are good. I cannot tell you how happy. How are things with Dani?”
I hear a half chuckle, half grunt before he answers. “You couldn’t help yourself, could you? She is good. We are good. I actually think this could last. Well, it would if she would stop being a slave driver and reward me more often.”
I can hear Dani laughing before she yells towards the phone. “Hi, Rylee.”
There is an abundance of laughter coming from the speakers in my car, making me chuckle.
“Tell Dani I said hi. You guys take care. We will see you soon.”
“Love you, sis.”
“Love you, too.”
The silence in the car only lasts a few minutes before Austin calls to check-in. I tell him I’m on my way. He is beyond nervous. It is so cute. He spent the past week turning one of his guest bedrooms into a room for Ryker. He bought everything from gaming systems to sheets and clothes. All the while, he would ask, “Do you think he will like these?”
I have tried to explain that what he can buy Ryker is not as important as the memories they create, but it has not deterred my hunk of a boyfriend from going overboard. We don’t even know if they will see the house, since Amanda insisted on staying in a hotel that Austin then paid for.
Once I walk through the door to the house, Austin’s nervous excitement consumes me. He seems to be everywhere at once. He cleaned today and, judging by the pile of clothes on our bed, he has changed clothes several times.
Sliding my blazer off, I turn to walk into the closet when he catches me by the waist and spins me into his arms.
“Hi, gorgeous. I missed you today.”
His mouth consumes mine before I can respond. Enthusiasm courses through him as he welcomes me home. Knowing we are short on time, I pull back from him.
“Hi.”
He gives me a full-blown smile that melts my heart, before slapping my ass and telling me to hurry up and change. With a mock screech, I make my way into the closet that, to my surprise, has been rearranged. All of my things are now organized on the right side. His sweetness never ceases to amaze me.
As I walk down the line of expertly organized clothes, I feel him near me.
“So I was hoping you might want to make this official.” His aqua eyes are watching me take in his grand gesture as he leans on the doorjamb, looking like absolute perfection. I am running my hand along the hangers when he asks, “Ry, will you officially move in me with and be my girl?”
A smile and slight flush cover my face. He asked me to be his girl. Does it get any cuter?
“Well, since you went to all of this trouble, I guess I would be happy to live with you. And I thought I was already your girl, because I know you’re my guy.”
I start to pull off my shirt so I can get ready when he wraps me up and kisses me.
“Just making it official, love. I have been yours since the day you stumbled down my driveway. You took a little while to come around, but I knew you would.”
With one last quick kiss, I push him out of our closet. Wow, our closet - that has a nice ring to it. I pull on my favorite boot cut jeans and a white button-down shirt, adding a wide black belt and my high-heeled black boots.
It’s official. Austin and I are living together and now it is time to go meet his son. It amazes me daily how this man has come along and turned my world upside down in the best ways possible.
Chapter 48
Rylee
We pick Ryker and Amanda up at the hotel to avoid the circus that would have surrounded Austin at the airport. He is king in this city and people have no problem coming up, asking him for all manner of things and taking incessant pictures. We figured it would be easier on Ryker to avoid the whole scene.
My hope is that tonight will go smoothly and Austin will start to build a bond with his son, who was selfishly hidden from him for nearly ten years. I have to avoid focusing on that point, because the thought of it makes my blood boil and Austin needs me to be supportive, not combative.
Pulling up to the valet stand, our doors are opened by two attendants dressed in black and white. Austin comes around and takes my hand with a gentle squeeze. The attendant remains professional as Austin hands him the keys to the Rover, despite his obvious realization of who is handing him the keys.
Austin looks sexy as hell in his dark jeans, a cream sweater with the high neck unbuttoned, and a khaki overcoat. Hand in hand, we walk through the glass double doors and I immediately notice Ryker sitting in a chair. It’s easy to spot the little man. From the light brown hair and striking blue eyes to his wide shoulders, the boy is a carbon copy of Austin. Holy cow, this is real.
Ryker’s face lights up when he sees Austin and he turns to the woman I assume is Amanda before running to his dad. Austin lets go of my hand to scoop the boy up into a huge hug, with a smile I have never seen. His eyes shine with pride and joy as they exchange hellos.
Austin sets Ryker down before his gaze shifts to me. I try to smile despite my sudden bout of nerves. Austin’s arm slips around my waist as he addresses Ryker.
“Buddy, I want you to meet my girlfriend, Rylee.”
Ryker extends his small hand and I take it into mine for a handshake. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Ryker.”
He looks up to Austin with a smirk, still holding my hand. “She is really pretty, Dad.”
Austin beams as he looks at me and concurs with his son. “Yes, she is very pretty.”
After thanking both boys for their compliments, I glance over to see Amanda watching us with what appears to be sadness on her face. She is an attractive woman with short brown hair and a round face that fits her petite frame. She is dressed in jeans and a tan sweater that draws the brown out of her eyes. Her hands are clasped in front of her, fidgeting.
I have focused on Austin through this time and never stopped to think about how hard this must be on her. Whether she was on board with keeping Ryker from Austin or not, she is now the one with the most to lose as the boy gets to know Austin. The scene she sees now must be hard, as Austin stands between Ryker and me with an arm around each of us. From the outside, anyone would assume we are a family.
Wanting to put her out of her misery, I take a step in her direction, urging Austin to do the same. I give her a smile and vow to make this is as easy as possible on everyone. As we walk in her direction, Ryker takes off running to her before stopping to drag her in our direction as we cross the expansive lobby. My heels click loudly on the marble floor before crossing onto the plush carpet near the luxurious brown couches.
Ryker tugs on his mom before stopping a few feet from us and introduces us.
“Mom, meet Rylee. She is my dad’s girlfriend, and she is really pretty.”
Austin ruffles Ryker’s hair as I extend my hand to Amanda.
“He certainly knows how to embarrass a girl. Hi, I’m Rylee Ash.”
“Hi Rylee, I am Amanda Spurlock. It is a pleasure to meet you.”
She seems polite despite her air of insecurity. Her five-foot-three-inch frame comes up nearly a foot shorter than me. It is odd to me that the last love of Austin’s life is the complete opposite of me. I guess he doesn’t have a type.
“Amanda,” Austin says by way of a greeting. It comes off cold. His demeanor towards her and Ryker are in stark contrast. His attention shifts back to Ryker. “So buddy, shall we go find some gru
b? What do you like to eat?”
Ryker looks up and answers in a sweet, adoring voice. “I like lots of things. I like chicken, steak, and macaroni. Oh and my favorite is French fries.”
Austin squats down to eye level with a loving smile, then whispers something in Ryker’s ear that has the boy jumping up and down with excitement. Austin stands back up, giving me a wink before taking his son’s hand and heading for the front doors. Amanda and I walk silently behind and I admire the view. Damn, those jeans show off the perfection of his ass.
Seeing Austin as a dad is indescribable. All the reasons I fell in love with him are the same reasons this little boy is beyond lucky. He is warm and tender and he hands his heart over without reservations. He is an amazing man. I only hope I can learn how to fit into this part of his life.
The car ride to the restaurant is filled by Ryker telling Austin everything he has done since he saw him last and Austin asking all sorts of questions. As is normal, Austin holds my hand the entire way and kisses my knuckles at every stop light.
When Ryker asks why, he simply replies, “Because I love her.”
It surprises me that he is not more reserved with Amanda around. Maybe I don’t have anything to worry about after all.
Austin chose a restaurant that doubles as an arcade, explaining Ryker’s enthusiasm level. Once we’ve sat down and ordered, Austin and Ryker take off to play games until our food arrives. They ask me to go too, but I stay back with Amanda in an effort to be nice.
Once they leave, our table is clouded with awkwardness. What do you say to the mother of your boyfriend’s child? I opt for meaningless small talk.
“So how was the trip up here?”
Her hands are fidgeting again atop the table. “Um, it was okay. The flight was smooth.”
Silence surrounds us again, since she offers no more in conversation. I start to excuse myself to go to the restroom when she decides to open up.
“Look, Rylee, I appreciate you trying to be nice. It is more than Austin is giving me and more than I deserve. I want you to know that I didn’t want to keep Austin away from Ryker, but I was young and naïve. My parents threatened to throw me out if I didn’t do as they wanted.” Her eyes tear up as she looks up and meets my eyes.
Loving Enough (The Enough Series Book 2) Page 19
