No Turning Back (Breaking the Rules #4) - A.M. Madden Page 0,88

longer something he wanted for himself and that he’d decided to start his own firm. During the conversation, when he recounted parting from Doug and how he’d reacted to Ryder resigning, their mouths gaped. There were a few frowns and a lot of cussing from his father. I felt stupid sitting there silently, not really contributing in any way. But it was more important for him to tell it his way, and for me to hold his hand in a sign of support.

It was difficult watching their concerned expressions while Ryder then admitted what Doug was pulling by dragging Ryder’s name through the mud. Although Michelle had been more emotional up until that point, Richard barked, “He can’t do that!”

“He can do anything he wants, Dad,” Ryder countered. “I hired a very good attorney, and if he’s stupid enough to take his lies further, we’ll be ready.”

“I can’t believe all this, Ryder. How could you keep so much from us?” his mother asked, fresh tears in her eyes.

“You had enough going on with Bryce. And I didn’t want to add to your stress.” He wrapped an arm around me and concluded with, “But it doesn’t matter now. He’s on a better path, just as we are. On a happier note, we plan on getting married at Benson Park next fall. It’s been a place Riana always dreamed of for her wedding.”

“Oh, that’s so lovely,” Michelle said behind steepled fingers. “That gazebo is a perfect place for the ceremony.”

“Yes, my mother loved it there.”

“We will help in every way we can. Riana, whatever you need, darling, I’m here.”

“Thank you. I appreciate that.”

“Not at all… and we are so happy for you. Aren’t we, Richard?”

Her husband smiled through his nod. “Extremely. Riana, sweetheart. Welcome back. We missed you.”

“I missed you too.” I cut my gaze toward a grinning Ryder. “Your son makes me very happy.” He leaned in and kissed me hard, his parents be damned.

Once he pulled away, his mother said, “We’re sad we can’t be with you for Thanksgiving. If I hadn’t invited Uncle George and his freeloading crew, Dad and I would fly down to you.”

“It’s fine, Mom.”

“Really, it’s not. I hate that you’ll be alone down there.”

“We won’t be alone. Ricky and Cooper, the twins’ dads, are great friends and have invited us,” Ryder said, and it warmed me to hear him admit that. “Cooper’s sister has a big house with a pool and two kids. Kayla can even come along. It’ll be a nice day.”

“Okay, I’m glad. But can you please promise to visit us after the babies are born?”

“We sure will,” I answered for both of us.

“We love you guys, and we’ll talk to you soon,” Ryder tagged on.

“Yes, you will, young man. If you pull this nonsense again, your father and I will be paying you a visit. Do you understand me?”

“Yes, Mom,” Ryder said petulantly before we disconnected the call. He looked at me and sighed. “Glad that’s over with.”

“Feel better?”

“You have no idea.” He nuzzled my neck affectionately when his cell started vibrating on the table. “What did they forget to scold me about now?” But when he lifted his phone and frowned, I leaned closer to see Wes’s name on the screen. “Now what?” Ryder mumbled, tapping the speaker icon and saying, “Hey.”

“Dude, put on Sports Game Plus… quick.”

Ryder grabbed the remote and clicked on the TV to the channel Wes mentioned. On the screen was Ryder’s picture with a headline reading, “Sports Agent Ryder Carter Reportedly Cheated for his Athletes.”

“Motherfucker,” Ryder snarled through clenched teeth. Bile rose as I stared at the image of my fiancé accused of a blatant lie for the sports world to see. “God, I hope my dad’s not watching.”

I recognized the handsome sportscaster named Quint Lawson from all the times Ryder had watched his nationally televised show. He shook his head condescendingly while a man rambled over the phone about how despicable it was for ruthless agents to “get away with murder” for a big fat contract.

“My nephew said this Carter person paid hundreds of thousands to ensure his players passed their courses. All those agents care about is the money. No integrity anymore. It’s disgusting…”

“Sir,” Quint said, interrupting his tirade. “Ryder Carter is a very reputable figure in this business. Let’s not jump to conclusions without proof.”

“If it walks like a duck,” the man went on.

“Thanks for the call,” Quint said with an aggravated huff and disconnected the irate caller. “Well, America, my time is