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Me:But not mine.

**

Me:Any progress?

Ryder:A little. She's finally talking to the doctor you hired.

Ryder:I think she misses you.

Me:I miss her, but we've been called out to a mission. Not sure when I'll be back.

Me:Take care of her, okay?

Me:I get email over there, so email with any updates.

Ryder:Be safe. And she'll be fine, just needs time.

Ryder:It's only been three days. Give her a bit to adjust.

Me:I hate not being there. Hate her being in pain. Hate she has to go through this.

Ryder:I don't know how in the hell you ever thought you didn't love her.

Ryder:Are you always so dense?

Ryder:Maybe Beka is better off without you.

Me:You're kidding, right?

Ryder:Maybe. Did I tell you I called off the wedding?

Me:Did I ask?

Ryder:No, but with Beka still not super chatty, I have to tell someone. You're the lucky guy.

Me:I don't feel lucky.

Ryder:Anyhoo, I'm staying with Beka. Moved out of Kyle's place.

Me:Okay.

Ryder:You suck as a chitchat buddy.

Me:Does that surprise you? Email me with updates, and I'll try to fly in when we get back.

Ryder:I'll let her know.

**

I HELD MY BREATH ASthe gate to the ranch swung open.

Four months.

Four long months since I stepped foot on this property. Since I left Beks in the hands of her best friend and the best therapist in Odessa. Somehow the heat had intensified while I was gone, making the short walk from the Tahoe to the main house miserable.

“Hello?” I called out after shutting the front door, but no one answered. “Beks? Ryder?”

Footsteps sounded against the hardwood.