Page 59

SKYE

T he ranch was still buzzing from the wild spot wedding brunch—empty beer bottles, discarded heels, and flower petals trailed like confetti in a warzone of joy. I slipped away from the main house, wanting to find Jackson before JD and I disappeared for our honeymoon.

I rounded the side of the barn and froze.

River was there, half-shadowed, leaning over the fence that overlooked the pastures. His kutte hung open, hair a mess from sleep—or maybe a night that never ended. He looked carved from quiet heartache, and it stopped me cold.

“Didn’t expect to find you staring at horses,” I said, walking up beside him.

He didn’t look over right away. “Couldn’t think back there.”

“I was looking for Jackson,” I added, eyes scanning the pasture. “You seen him?”

“He went riding with Cal. Wanted one last lap before you two headed out.”

“Thanks.” I shifted beside him, nudging his boot with mine. “Where’s your wedding date? That redhead from the Vegas chapter was eyeing you fierce…”

River exhaled through his nose, a humorless breath. “Didn’t have one. Thought about asking someone, but... couldn’t do it.”

I tilted my head. “Why not?”

His jaw worked, eyes distant. “Because the girl I wanted to bring is in Maine.”

My brows rose. “Maine?”

“Yeah. Rival MC’s daughter,” he muttered, then finally looked at me, dark eyes clouded with memory. “We were fire. I hid who I was from her to make her fall in love with me. To say she got angry is an understatement. We let each other go. Said we’d grow. And we did. Just not together.”

I let the silence sit for a beat. “Does she know how you feel now?”

River shook his head slowly. “I’m not sure.”

I leaned forward on the fence beside him. “Then tell her. Make the call. Or better yet, make the drive. Fight for love, River. It’s worth it. JD and I almost didn’t make it, and I’d regret it every damn day if we hadn’t found our way back.”

He turned toward me with a crooked grin, sunlight catching the silver in his stubble. “You always did have a soft spot for fools in love.”

“Guilty,” I said, smiling.

River nodded once, like he’d made a decision. “Might be time to make a road trip to Maine. Get my girl back.”

“Send me a postcard,” I teased.

He laughed, low and real. “Only if it comes with a wedding invite.”

I bumped his arm. “Deal.”

I turned toward the main house just as Jackson came galloping up with Cal not far behind. My son’s laugh echoed off the hills, and my heart was full. As I waved them in, I glanced back over my shoulder at River.

He was still there, leaning on that fence, but this time with a little hope in his eyes.

And I had a feeling a certain girl in Maine was about to get the surprise of her life.