One big, happy family.
It just feels right. Righter than anything I’ve ever done, felt, or experienced.
Amelia and I are dancing, twirling, and laughing our heads off. When I come to a stop, Ryder is standing in the doorway, sporting the most relaxed smile I’ve ever seen on him. Again, the feeling of being a family with the two of them washes over me. Just for a minute, I want to pretend. I want the feeling to last—just a little longer.
“Join us, Daddy.” Amelia rushes over to Ryder, attempting to drag him further into the living room.
“No, thanks.”
“Oh, come on. Don’t be a spoilsport,” I tell him dancing my way over to him.
He shakes his head. “Not happening.”
“Please, Daddy?” Amelia says, her bottom lip sticking out in a pout.
“I have a bad knee,” he reminds us.
“Mm-hmm. I know.” I take his hands in mine and make a weak attempt to tug him farther into the living room.
He drags his feet begrudgingly to the center of the floor. Amelia and I continue to dance around as Ryder stands there, arms folded across his broad chest. He thinks he’s hiding it, but I can see the hint of a smile on his face. He wants to join in, and I’m not sure what’s holding him back.
“Please.” I pout, my bottom lip jutting out just like Amelia’s has. “It’s fun.”
I’m so focused on his face, my foot gets caught on the rug, and I fall headfirst into him. Calloused hands attached to strong arms reach out and catch me before my face plows into his groin.
“Jesus, Ember, are you okay?” Ryder asks, concern etched on his face.
“Aside from total embarrassment? I’m fine.”
Ryder holds me in his arms with seemingly no plan of letting go. There’s an intense look in his eyes as he brushes a piece of hair away from my face.
“Ryder…” I breathe, the heat radiating off him clouding my mind.
We’re drawn together, and while I swear neither of us moves, somehow the distance between us closes. Ryder’s head dips down, his lips so close to mine, I can practically taste the whiskey on his breath. My senses on overload, my eyes flutter shut, every piece of me begging for him to kiss me.
Right. Wrong. It doesn’t matter. All that matters is he’s close, and I need him.
“Look at me,” Amelia calls out. Hearing her voice, we jump apart. She does a little jump twirl thing, and we both cheer.
“That’s great,” Ryder says as he moves closer to Amelia, putting as much distance between us as possible.
I mouth ‘sorry’ to him, but the only thing I’m sorry about is that we didn’t get to kiss.
Amelia’s presence doesn’t allow for awkwardness. She forces us to be present, to have fun, to laugh. How can you not laugh being around this sweet little girl who is so full of life? Ryder finally joins in, realizing that even Mr. Navy Seal can’t resist the pouty lip of a four-year-old.
Our dance only lasts a few more minutes before I catch Amelia yawning. I turn off the music abruptly, resulting in a resounding ‘aww.’
“Sorry, girlfriend. It’s bedtime. We have a big day tomorrow.”
“What’s tomorrow?” Ryder asks.
“We’re visiting grandma,” Amelia shouts joyously.
“Come on, now,” I tell her. “Off to bed.”
I feel Ryder’s hand on my arm as I follow Amelia toward the stairs.
“I’ve got it. You relax.”