Home.
It’s a word I’ve been battling with all week, sitting in the hospital with nothing to do but think. Nashville is my home. It’s where my family, friends, and hopefully, my career are, but Ryder and Amelia are home now, too. How in the hell do I consolidate the two?
“You don’t seem happy about that,” Ryder says, taking notice of the pained look on my face.
“I am, of course, I am. I’m just trying to figure out how to sort through everything.”
Ryder sits on the bed, taking my hand in his. “Together. That’s how we do things, right?”
“Right,” I say softly.
“Come on, let’s get you dressed and out of here.”
Ryder helps me from the car to the house, his arm securely around me. Having spent the majority of the past week in bed, I’m still a little weak.
“Welcome home, baby,” he says as he pushes the door open.
On the other side, Amelia is holding a welcome home sign almost bigger than her. Hazel, Officer Joe, and Rick are standing behind her.
“Rick,” I gasp, tears filling my eyes.
“Hey, pretty girl,” Rick says, moving forward and giving me a hug. “I told you I was on my way.”
“It’s over,” I tell him.
“All over.”
Amelia rushes to me, arms firmly around my legs. “I missed you.”
She saw me just yesterday in the hospital when she and Ryder snuck in some cheesecake, but I feel her because I sure missed her, too.
The small makeshift party moves to the living room, where I sit on the couch next to Rick.
“The record company reached out, and I explained the situation. They’re still interested,” Rick says, his voice hushed.
“Are you serious?” The notion takes me by surprise. I thought I had blown my chances with them the moment I left and broke the agreement.
“Dead serious, and if you’re interested, I could be your manager. I’ve built a relationship with them and learned a few things along the way. I’m not saying I’m the best option, but I have your best interest at heart.”
Reaching out, I slap his arm. “There is no one else I would rather have as my manager.” I pause for a moment, my gaze falling on Amelia. “If I decide to go that route.”
“Built a pretty nice life for yourself here, huh?”
“Yeah, I did.”
“Who wants cake?” Ryder asks, bringing in a cake large enough to feed an army.
“You are too much,” I say with a laugh.
He sets the cake down and presses a kiss to my lips.
“Daddy and Ember sitting in a tree, K—I—S—S—I—N—G,” Amelia sings with enthusiasm.
“I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the party is over. Ember needs her rest,” Ryder says after we’ve all finished our cake,
Considering that rest includes lying in bed with him, I don’t argue.
“Thank you for tonight,” I tell him as I slide under the covers.