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26

Hendrix

T he barn sparkles with white lights, and wedding guests flood the dance floor as the reception continues past twilight.

Leaning against a sturdy wooden beam, I watch our friends dancing to the music. Gloria and Sandra are the owners and partners here at Second Chance Stables. They gave Zane a place to heal when he came back angry and injured. Craig, who I haven’t seen enough on this visit, and his wedding-planner-boyfriend Clint groove together.

I don’t know a whole lot about weddings, but this one seems custom-designed for Zane and Rachel’s quiet, smoldering romance.

Standing beside Jack and Garrett, watching Zane look so intensely into Rachel’s green eyes as he recites his vows, watching her hold him so close after their kiss, I’m really kind of gratified my loner older brother has found his person.

I like how Rachel’s floor-length dress has a square neck and a lace skirt that hangs in three layers down the front. I think Raven would look beautiful in something like that. She’s so pretty in white.

Rachel’s bouquet of white and red flowers is one of the biggest I’ve ever seen. Raven said they’re camellias and white jasmine, and they smell really good. Hell, the whole place smells really good, like Christmas.

A wreath of flowers is woven into her blonde hair, similar to how Raven wore her hair at our wedding, and as pretty as my brother’s ceremony is, with the horses hanging their heads over the stalls like they’re taking part in it, I think our wedding at the courthouse was just as special.

I know for sure my ladies were just as beautiful. A little smile crosses my lips as I remember Haddy in her cute white dress trying to get that wreath off her head. Raven’s eyes were so scared when they met mine, but I had it all under control, rings and everything.

My brothers and I wear traditional black suits, but the bridesmaids wear floor-length, pale green dresses with different styles up top. Raven is the hottest in her off-the-shoulder gown. It’s my favorite look on her.

Her dark hair hangs in soft waves, and the way that top moves, I have to distract my thoughts from her luscious breasts.

Last night, I’d meant to stay up and wait for her, but I must’ve dozed after getting Haddy to sleep. Waking to her warm lips pressing against my skin, I didn’t hesitate. I took her.

It was so easy, so fundamental, like breathing or walking or catching a perfectly thrown spiral when I’m wide open in the end zone and ready to score.

Complete satisfaction .

The final bridesmaids photo is taken with all the girls surrounding Rachel under the arch near the open back doors. The pale moon is just visible in the light blue sky. Garrett lifts Gigi out of Liv’s arms, and I watch as Dylan runs to Raven to take Haddy.

My sister hasn’t stopped holding Haddy since we got here, and I know she’s trying to get in all her auntie time before we leave for Atlanta in the morning. Dylan loves her family so hard. I try to play it off, but I always feel guilty when it’s time to go.

Watching the whole scene, Raven holding hands with Liv and laughing with my family, the thought of a brief separation and a quickie divorce grinds my jaw. It’s all wrong, and it just doesn’t make sense.

“Hey, bro, you okay?” Garrett walks up to where I’m standing, holding a beer, and thinking all these thoughts.

Clearing them away, I smile, nodding. “Dylan hasn’t put Haddy down since we got here.”

My brother laughs, and his little girl wraps her chubby fingers around his bow tie, intent on putting it in her mouth. Gigi has strawberry-blonde hair like Liv’s, but she has Garrett’s big blue eyes. It’s how you know Haddy’s her cousin—all the Bradford boys have them.

He laughs, following my line of sight to our sister.

“You know I like messing with you, but seriously. Isn’t this the best thing in the world?” He puts his hand on his baby daughter’s back. “Did you ever think you could love someone this much? I mean, Liv is the love of my life, but Gigi’s something different.”

I can’t argue with him. “It’s pretty life-changing.”

“This little lady depends on me.” He kisses her head, and she pulls his now-untied tie into her mouth. “I catch myself having pretty ferocious thoughts when I think somebody might try to hurt her or make her feel bad.”

“You always stood up for the underdog. Look what you did for Craig.”

“That’s what I mean. Kids can be really shitty in school.” He shakes his head. “I’d better not hear about it.”

Chuckling, I nod. “I’m pretty sure Liv knows this about you.”

“Speaking of school, you were a jock, but you were really smart. You always made straight A s.” Squinting up at him, I wonder what he’s getting at. “Maybe you could work with Jack, be his assistant coach and teach… I don’t know… something.”

Shaking my head, I look down. “I’m not interested in being a teacher.”

“Logan would put you on the air in a heartbeat. You’re a natural at sports radio.”

My throat tightens, and I look up at him, doing his best to give me options to move home. “I’m not ready to retire, Grizz. I still love the game.”

“I know.” He nods, exhaling a laugh. “You want to play until you’re too old to run. I remember. But maybe one day you’ll want to be closer to family. Just letting you know, we have a lot of fun. You wouldn’t be sitting around watching the grass grow.”

Raven gives Dylan a hug, and her eyes meet mine. She smiles, walking to where I’m standing with my brother, and I nod, blinking up at him.

“Thanks, man. I believe you.”

This little town where we lived all our lives surrounded by people who knew and loved us has a lot to offer. If only I knew how to make it enough for me.

“It’s nice to meet you at last, Mr. Bradford.” Jeffrey Harrison Gale shakes my hand, and a heavy Rolex watch slides down his wrist.

After all the drama of saying goodbye to my family this morning, which included tears and hugs and kisses from Dylan and more hugs and pictures and promises to FaceTime every day and “stop being such a stranger, Hendrix,” we made the drive to Raven’s father’s estate just south of Atlanta.

I gotta say, it’s a lot bigger than I expected. Hell, this place makes Miss Gina’s mansion on the bluffs look like somebody’s fishing camp.

Raven said her family had money, but this is a ten-foot-tall, wrought-iron gates at the end of the driveway, massive fountain in a circle drive, tall columns at the door, and even a marble foyer with a table holding a bowl of roses as big as something you’d see in a hotel lobby mansion.

I’ve been to grand estates like this for charity events in Hollywood, but I honestly didn’t expect this to be Raven’s scene. She’s so down to earth—and cheap.

I remember the time she was so excited to find a pack of ten tube socks for a dollar at the Safeway. Then she got a twelve-pack of Jolt cola from the dollar store. I didn’t even know they made that shit anymore.

She showed them to me like she’d found buried treasure. Treasure nobody wanted, I pointed out.

“It’s nice to meet you, sir.” I stand straighter, wishing I’d worn my blazer over my short-sleeved navy T-shirt and jeans.

Raven is as casual as I am in an off-the-shoulder burgundy sweater, leggings, and brown Uggs. Haddy is wearing her On Sunday, we watch football onesie with pink baby joggers. As usual, she’s taking in the whole scene with big eyes, a pacifier, and Axel in her grip.

My muscles are tense, and I’m ready to go protective daddy-bear at the first sign of trouble.

A man about my age stands behind Raven’s dad watching us with a scowl. His dark hair is smoothed back from his face, and a gold chain peeks over the collar of his gray sweater. He’s wearing a pinky ring.

Not that I’m judging. I’m not much of a jewelry guy, but some of the fellows on the team are into it. What I don’t like is the way his brown eyes follow Raven’s every move like he has some ownership stake in her.

“Raven.” Her dad steps forward, putting both hands on her upper arms and kissing her cheek. “You look good.”

“I am, Dad.” Her voice is bright and strong. “I’m very good.”

I’d like to think I have something to do with that, but I imagine inheriting six million dollars helps .

“May I see your ring?” He takes her hand before she can answer, and his tone rises. “That’s it ? You can get that for fifty dollars at an outlet store.”

My chest tightens, and, Fuck me—again!

I was so proud of myself for remembering to bring rings to our ceremony. Now I feel like a cheap, unromantic asshole.

“We decided quickly,” Raven sputters. “Anyway, it’s not about the ring. It’s about me doing what I want to do, and Haddy being healthy and happy and getting to know her dad…”

“Doing what you want to do,” her dad huffs. “Chasing down hurricanes? Doing your best to stand still in a windstorm as trees fly past your head? That’s what you want to do?”

His challenging tone sends a surge of adrenaline through my chest, but Raven lifts her chin, not the least bit shaken by his attitude.

“I haven’t exactly been doing those things, but I’m getting there.”

“When you could be here, working in a plush office space in Atlanta, making a good salary with your family around you.” He exhales a huff. “It doesn’t make any sense, Biscuit.”

My jaw clenches, but Raven beats me to the punch.

“Please don’t call me that.” Her voice is sharp, and he throws up a hand like she’s being impossible. “I see you have Larry by your side, as always.”

“I heard you were coming into town.” Lawrence Calder O'Halloran stops lurking and steps forward to join the conversation. “I take it this is him .”

My eyes clash with his dark ones, and I nod.

“Hendrix Bradford.” I extend a hand. I’m not afraid of this guy, and I don’t like the way he’s looking at my wife. “I’m Raven’s husband.”

“Lawrence O'Halloran.” He places his hand in mine, and I give it a nice firm, back the fuck up squeeze.

He winces, and I’m ready to go, when a sweet voice I recognize from their weekly FaceTime calls interrupts the face-off .

“Raven! Haddeeee!” Amelia calls, and Haddy starts to squeal when the younger woman races into the room.

“Mimi!” Raven grabs her sister, and they hug each other so tightly, swaying side to side. “Oh my goodness. I’ve missed you so much.”

Raven laughs, and they both wipe tears from their smiling eyes.

“Give me my baby girl!” Amelia takes our daughter from Raven, squeezing her and swaying side to side.

Haddy squeals and talks baby talk, patting her shoulders like she’s reuniting with an old friend. Amelia is a little taller than Raven and skinny, but they have the same amber eyes.

“She has teeth !” She blinks at her sister then at me. “And… Hendrix? Is that really you?”

“Nice to meet you in person.” I smile, reaching out to shake her hand, but she skips forward and hugs me.

“It’s so nice to meet you!” Her hand is on my chest, and at least somebody in this house is friendly and warm. “I’ve missed my Haddy boo-boo so much. She’s just my little squishy baby—yes, she is!”

Mimi wrinkles her nose, shaking her head in Haddy’s face, and my daughter lets out the loudest squeal. I chuckle, but her grandfather recoils.

“Honestly, Amelia.” He puts a hand on his chest. “Must you make her scream like that?”

“She’s just happy, Pappy!”

“Don’t call me Pappy.”

“You got it, Pops!”

“Amelia.” His tone is sharp, but neither of his daughters seem particularly intimidated by the tall, elderly gentleman before me.

I’m not completely sold on the guy, but their attitudes soften me. Still, I remember what Raven said about her mother, how she used to be treated, and how her father never stood up for her. So while he might be okay eventually, I’m ready to have her back when she needs me.

Amelia, on the other hand, leans into Raven. “I’ll take her to my room so y’all can do whatever you need to do. Come find me.”

Raven slides her hand down Haddy’s little arm, passing the purple bag to her sister then turning to face her father again. “How have you been, Dad?”

His expression relaxes as Amelia leaves with the baby, and he takes a step toward the large window at the back of the room.

“I’ve been better,” he sniffs. “I know you aren’t interested in what we do here, but you could come around a little more. At least you could call once in a while. Pretend to care.”

Her gaze slides to mine, and I can tell she’s holding back an eye roll. Pity-party much? “I do care, Dad. I just don’t like being manipulated.”

“Who’s manipulating you?” His tone is offended. “Is it manipulation for a father to want the best for his daughter? Is it manipulation to want my family close in my old age?”

Her jaw tightens, and I take a step forward, between them. “It’s true, my job keeps her away from home.” Clearing my throat, I put my hand on Raven’s shoulder. “But Raven talks about you and this place all the time. She cares about her family.”

It’s not a lie. She’s told me things about him, things she wished she didn’t care about, and it seriously pissed me off. I’m ready to find my baby girl and take them both out of here, but I’m trying to let Raven lead—at least until her business is settled.

The man’s brown eyes search my face, and he takes a beat. “I’ve watched you play, young man. You’re very talented.”

“Thank you.”

“I believe I read you’re originally from south Alabama?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Perhaps you’ll consider moving back to this area in the future. ”

My brow lowers. “Eventually, I’m sure I’ll move back to Newhope, but we’re pretty set where we are.”

Raven puts her hand on my arm. “Hendrix’s career plans aren’t up for discussion. We came here to settle my business, so if you would just let me know what I need to do…”

“I don’t understand the rush.” Her dad glances from her to me.

“Hendrix has a game, and I have work.” I don’t like her explaining herself to him.

I don’t like this manipulation , which is exactly the right word regardless of how he tries to spin it. He should understand her needs and cooperate, make it easier not harder.

Instead, he walks over to the table where a few envelopes are lying. “Donald is the trustee. He’ll want documentation that you’ve met the requirements your mother outlined…”

He glances up at Larry, whose expression is tight. Raven doesn’t seem to notice, but I don’t like these two exchanging glances. I don’t like Larry’s judgmental sneer.

I’m having a hard time not grabbing that guy by the collar and telling him to get the fuck out. Why is he even here?

“I sent the official papers to you and Donald three months ago,” Raven notes.

“Yes, but he’ll want to verify where you’d like the funds sent and other things, I don’t know. He’ll tell you.”

Raven’s lips twist, but she doesn’t argue. “I assume he’ll be in his office tomorrow?”

“I can have him come to the house if you’d like.”

“I can go to him. I’d like to wrap this up as soon as possible.”

“Of course,” he huffs. “You can never get out of here fast enough, can you?”

Her shoulders drop, and she crosses the space. She puts a hand on her father’s chest and gentles her tone. “I love you, Dad. I’m just not interested in being a jeweler.”

“Trust me, you’ve made that abundantly clear.”

Her lips press into a frustrated half-smile, and she rises onto her toes to kiss his cheek. “I’m sorry we don’t see eye to eye on this, but I hope one day you’ll understand.”

“We had a plan, Raven Lorrain.”

“ You had a plan, Dad. I was never consulted on it.” She returns to where I’m standing. “Let’s find Amelia. I want to see my baby.”

“I’ll be right behind you.”

She walks out at a pace that I recognize as anger, and I turn to the two men watching her go. Their eyes meet mine, and I take a step forward.

“I don’t know what’s going on here, and I appreciate that we’ve just met. But I’m going to make one thing clear, and I won’t say it again.” My voice is quiet but firm, and I like that I’m at least an inch taller than both of them. “Raven is my wife, and while she’s clearly strong enough to stand up to you, I don’t like her being made to. So listen up, I’m not going to stand around while you play with her emotions and manipulate her.” I hit the word hard. “And if I hear either one of you call her Biscuit again, you’re going to wish you hadn’t. You got me?”

Her father’s dark brown eyes narrow, and he places a hand on his midsection, sliding it down his blazer. My shoulders are bowed, and I’m at the point now where I wish one of them would test me.

After several seconds, he lifts his chin and offers a simple “Understood.”

Lawrence Calder O’Halloran scowls, falling back. “I’ve heard enough.”

He turns and leaves quickly through the front door, but I stay a minute, holding her father’s gaze and allowing him to assess my level of seriousness.

His lips quirk, and he nods, dropping his eyes and leaving me alone in the room.

Looking around, I wonder how the heck I’m going to find my girls in this four-story museum. A happy baby squeal gives me a hint.