Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 97724 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 489(@200wpm)___ 391(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97724 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 489(@200wpm)___ 391(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
Riley is big, which means his kennel is, too. And I’m a small girl.
“Hello, my sweet boy,” I croon as I take his face in my hands. “I’m okay, baby.”
He cries, resting his head on my shoulder, and I can’t help but cry with him.
“I know, you had to be so scared. I’m sorry that you were hurt. But I’m just fine, sweet boy.”
He whines again and licks my tears away.
“We’re okay,” I repeat, resting my forehead against his neck. I can hear the vet talking to Brad about his care once he goes home tomorrow.
Part of me wants to tell everyone that I’ll take him to London with me, but I know that’s not what’s best for Riley. The trip over is rough on him when he’s healthy. It would be agony when he doesn’t feel well.
“I love you so much,” I whisper to him. “You were so brave. You scared that horrible man, and that’s exactly what you were supposed to do. I’m proud of you, baby.”
When I look over my shoulder, I see Beckett squat next to me and reach in to pet Riley’s neck.
“You guys okay?” Beck asks softly.
“We are. Happy to see each other.”
“I can see that,” Beck replies with a smile in his voice. “Are you sure you still want to leave today, Irish? No one will mind if you need a day to regroup.”
Part of me wants to say yes, but it’s time for me to go to work.
“No. We’ll go.” I take Riley’s face in my hands. “I have to go for a little while. You’re going to stay with Brad and Sadie while I’m gone.”
Riley tilts his head to the side, listening. He’s such a smart boy.
“Don’t worry about me, okay? I’ll be home before you know it. You be good.”
He whines again and rests the full weight of his head in my hands as if he’s hugging me, and my eyes fill with tears once more.
“I’ll miss you, too.”
“Irish, you’re breaking my heart over here.” Beck’s voice is rough, and he’s rubbing circles on my back. “Fuck the performance. We don’t have to go at all.”
I smile at that and wipe my tears away.
“Yes, we do. I’m just not good at leaving my boy behind.” I kiss him once more and then nod at the doctor. “Thank you for everything. I can pay you before we leave.”
“It’s been taken care of,” she says, shaking her head. I don’t miss the look she shares with Beckett, and I turn my attention to him in surprise.
“You didn’t have to—”
“You don’t have to worry about anything,” he says, pulling me into his arms. “Not one thing, baby.”
Brad makes plans to pick up Riley the following morning, and then we’re back in the truck, headed for the airport, and the nerves settle in again. I’m not excited to be back here, where the worst moments of my life took place just hours ago, but when we arrive, I see my family’s jet waiting for us. Gallagher Resorts is written across the side, and even that is a comfort to me. I’m willing my brain not to think about anything that happened here last night.
I refuse to give him any more real estate in my mind.
He’s gone. He’ll never get near me again. No more taunts. No more messages. No more touches.
Beck and Brad meet the grounds crew with our luggage so they can stow it inside the plane, and I thank Brad before I climb the stairs of the jet. I know that everyone’s already here waiting for us, but when I turn to look at all of the faces, tears form again.
Connor’s watching me through his glasses; he's so stoic and strong the way he always is.
Dani and Billie are grinning, almost dancing in their seats.
Beckett’s brothers look so solemn, and I feel Beckett behind me. His arms wrap around my shoulders as I find Mik’s gaze, and I smile at him. He’s holding Benji’s hand tightly.
“You are all right then, malishka?” he asks me.
With a nod, I skim my gaze over everyone here. “Yes. I’m fine and well, and grateful that you’re all here for this.”
“Look at this cool airplane!” Birdie exclaims, making us all laugh. “There are snacks and everything.”
“She’s never going to want to travel any other way,” Dani adds, brushing her hand over Birdie’s hair. Bridger leans in to kiss her temple.
“Let’s do this.” Beckett kisses my head.
“I love you all,” I say before anyone looks away from me. “Every single one of you is important to me, and it’s a lucky girl that I am that you’re all here with me.”
“There’s nowhere else we’d rather be,” Blake says with that devastating grin. “We’re proud of you, Skyla.”
My gaze finds Connor’s again, and he’s almost smiling now, which has me blinking in surprise.