Total pages in book: 46
Estimated words: 42479 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 170(@250wpm)___ 142(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 42479 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 212(@200wpm)___ 170(@250wpm)___ 142(@300wpm)
“All right, boys. What are we working on?” I asked, bumping River’s shoulder playfully.
My son grinned up at me, his eyes bright with excitement. “Dad let me help with the throttle! But he made me do the safety stuff first. Extra padding, see?”
He pointed proudly at the reinforced bars.
Ryot straightened, wiping his hands on a rag, and pulled me against his side. “Can’t be too careful with my kids. Especially when this one’s already got his mom’s lead foot.”
I laughed and elbowed him. “Says the man who still rides like he’s trying to qualify for the track every weekend.”
River giggled. “Mom’s faster than you on the dirt though.”
“Hey now,” Ryot protested, but his eyes were sparkling with amusement. He ruffled River’s hair again. “Don’t encourage her. She’s already got me wrapped around her finger.”
The three of us worked together for the next half hour. River asked a million questions, just like I used to with my dad. Ryot answered every single one. I caught myself watching them more than actually working, my heart so full it almost hurt.
Through the window, I could hear Rae’s laughter as she swung higher and Rhett’s happy giggles as he competed with her.
Rae’s voice carried through the open garage door. “River! Come push me on the swing! Rhett tried, but he’s too little!”
River looked up from the bike, torn between his project and his little sister. He glanced at his dad, then back toward the yard. “I should go help them.”
Ryot’s mouth curved into a proud smile. “Go on, buddy. We can finish the bike later. Family first.”
River nodded, then looked at me with the same protective glint his father often had. “You stay with Mom, okay? I’ll make sure Rae and Rhett are safe.”
He ran off toward the swing set, and we watched through the window as he immediately took charge. He carefully pushed Rae on the swing and kept a close eye on Rhett as his little legs pumped him higher.
I leaned into Ryot’s side, his arm wrapping around my waist as we stood together in the garage.
“He’s just like you,” I murmured, resting my head on his shoulder. “Protective of everyone he loves.”
Ryot pressed a kiss to the top of my head. “You’re the one who taught me what it really means to fight for family.”
I looked up at him, my eyes misty. “I love you more than I ever thought possible.”
Ryot turned me in his arms, cupping my face with grease-streaked hands. “Love you too, baby. Always have. Always will.”