And as far as she was concerned, that ship had sailed. Her one chance with Ryker had come and gone a long time ago.
When Ryker had first spotted Garland, he’d experienced the weirdest sensation—a strange combination of calm and excitement roiling through his bloodstream like a virus on a mission. The chemistry between them from the first moment Parker had introduced them had blindsided him.
Today, as they had walked toward one another, their gazes locked, Ryker noted a brief reaction of shock and pleasure in her hazel eyes before it faded away into a welcoming stare. Her short haircut was a tumble of soft, light brown curls, tempting him to run his fingers through its silkiness. She was beautiful and still possessed that same youthful glow she’d had in college.
A shred of guilt snaked down his spine because he had not sought out the family after Parker’s death. The loss of his best friend had left such an empty hole in his own heart. Then losing his wife shortly after she had given birth to Kai had been almost too much to bear. Kai was all Ryker had left of Angela and he vowed to keep her close always.
He was thankful for his family and the way they’d surrounded him with love and support during each tragedy.
Ryker smiled as he pulled into his parking spot at the law firm and got out of his SUV. He checked his watch as he walked briskly across the lot and into the building.
His mother was in with the office manager. She spotted him and gestured for him to wait for her.
“How is my beautiful granddaughter?” his mother asked as she joined him on the walk to his office.
Rochelle DuGrandpre, hailed as one of the top family law attorneys in the state, was passionate when it came to children. He knew that she often worried about him raising Kai alone.
“She is great,” Ryker responded with a smile. “Kai recognizes most of the primary colors and some of her numbers.”
“That’s wonderful,” Rochelle exclaimed. “I’m not surprised, though. She’s a DuGrandpre.”
Ryker nodded. “That she is.”
Rochelle settled down in one of the visitor chairs in front of his desk and studied his face. “Son, how are you doing?”
“I’m fine,” he responded in earnest. “I stay busy here at work and when I’m home, my focus is my daughter.”
“Why don’t you and Kai move in with us?” Rochelle suggested. “It’s just your father and me in that huge house. We would love to have you both there.”
He shook his head. “Mom, stop worrying about me. I would think you’d be enjoying your empty nest.”
“It’s nice, but I have always felt that a house comes alive with children.”
“Mom, Kai and I are doing fine.”
“It’s not that I’m worried,” Rochelle confessed. “I really miss having young ones at home. With all of you gone, the house seems too quiet.”
“Maybe you and Dad should try for a baby,” Ryker teased.
“Don’t let your father hear you say that,” she warned with a chuckle. “He’d have a heart attack.”
“You are always talking about how much foster care is needed. Maybe you should consider becoming a foster parent.”
Rochelle seemed to consider the idea. “Maybe I’ll discuss it with your father, although I already know what he will say.”
He laughed. “Dad just wants to enjoy his grandchild. He’s not looking to raise more kids.”
“Maybe I can change his mind,” she said with a smile. “You think?”
He shook his head again. “I seriously doubt it.”
Rochelle rose to her feet. “I have a teleconference coming up. Don’t forget we’re going to the beach this weekend. We’re counting on you and Aubry to join us.”
“Kai and I will be there,” he responded. “She’s so excited.”
“I can’t wait to see my little darling. Maybe I can get her completely potty trained over the weekend. You were out of diapers by the time you turned two years old.”
Ryker loved his mother dearly, but there were days when she frustrated him to no end. She did not seem to know when to let go when it came to him and Aubry.
Although she had never said it, Ryker believed that his mother had little faith in his parenting abilities. It was in the way that she commented on certain things. For example, whenever Kai had an accident, his mother harped on the fact that he should have let her conduct the potty training.
Ryker did not want to fail Kai, but his mother often made him feel inadequate as a single parent. He tried not to let her words get to him but failed. The truth was that Angela would have been a great mother. She would have done all the right things and would’ve known what to do in every situation. But Angela was no longer there. She was gone and he was left to carry on without her.
He’d vowed to be the best father possible to their daughter. Ryker was determined that he would not let Angela down. He had made that promise to her before giving her a final kiss good-bye.
Ryker had never broken any promise he had ever made to Angela. This would be no different.
* * *
After two sun-filled days on the beach at Edisto Island, Ryker was ready to return to Charleston. He enjoyed spending time with his family and especially with Kai, but the stacks of cases on his desk awaiting his return Monday morning occupied his mind.
They had just finished having lunch two doors down with his family and were on their way to the car. “Look it...” Kai pointed at the dress in a boutique window. “Pretty.”
He glanced up at the name: Fairy Kisses Boutique. “I guess you want to go shopping.”
Bobbing her head, she responded, “Yessh.”
“You are definitely your mother’s daughter,” he said with a grin. “She loved to shop.”
Kai pulled his arm, leading him toward the door.
“I’m coming, honey.”
Once inside, Ryker felt like he had been transported to a land filled with fairies and princesses. The atmosphere was magical. Kai, her expression one of pure joy, immediately walked over to a bear on display dressed in a lavender dress with wings.
His gaze landed on a young woman in a navy and white dress with matching flats.
He approached her. “Hey, you...” No matter how subtle her scent was, Ryker was sure he could find her, even in a room filled with a bunch of over-perfumed women.
She turned around to face him. “Ryker...what are you doing here?”
“My
