Ryan's Love - C.A. Harms Page 0,49

down on the ground at my side and stood to face them.

Amber looked like a full-blooded country girl in a tight tank top and jeans that hugged her every curve, but the cowgirl boots topped off the outfit. I couldn’t help the reactions my body had to her. It was as if I’d been in the dark for the last three weeks, and now with her so close, I was instantly lit up.

“What’s going on, Liv?”

My sweet girl stepped forward, closing the distance between us and stopped within inches of me, smiling brightly. “I don’t want you to be lonely, Daddy.”

I wrapped my arms around her shoulders and pulled her against my chest. “I’ve got you, kid. With a best friend like you, I could never be alone.”

She lifted her head, and I looked back at her. “I know you miss Amber. She misses you too, trust me, I know.” Apparently she and Amber had spent some time talking today. “I told her I’m ready to accept the two of you. I want her in our lives.”

My throat tightened as I looked adoringly at my daughter. “What did you do?” I smiled, and she returned an even brighter one.

“I let go of the darkness. I know Momma will always be in our hearts. We’ll never forget her. But Amber can help us heal.” A tear ran down her cheek, and I caught it with my thumb. “I know that now. Momma would want us to be happy.”

I nodded as I fought back my own tears.

“I realized something today,” she said.

“What’s that, baby girl?” The pride in my heart at that moment was overwhelming.

Her chin quivered, and she wrinkled up her nose to try to hide it. “If Momma was still here and she had the chance to meet Amber, under different circumstances, she would have loved her. I’m positive they would have been friends.”

I knew what she meant. Claire would have taken Amber under her wing and made sure she felt welcomed in Livingston. They would have enjoyed each other’s company, I had no doubt about that.

I hugged Olivia close and rocked her from side to side. Knowing she was ready to open up to a second chance warmed my heart.

I looked up just in time to see Amber drying her own tears from witnessing the exchange between Liv and me.

Olivia stepped back and allowed space between us. “I’m gonna go inside with Gran and give you two some much-needed time.” I nodded, and she turned and walked toward Amber.

My stomach already felt like it was lodged in my throat from our conversation. But the moment Amber wrapped her arms around Oliva and they exchanged a hug, I had to fight back the tears. I tried to quietly clear my throat, fighting off the urge to rush in and take them both in my arms.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Amber

I watched Olivia walk back toward the house, afraid to turn around and face Ryan. I wasn’t sure what his reaction was going to be to Olivia’s plan. When she was no longer visible, I had no other option than to face him and deal with his rejection or acceptance.

When I turned around, I was startled by his closeness. I’d been so focused on Olivia I hadn’t noticed him right behind me.

“Um, hi,” I said in surprise, which only made him chuckle.

“Hi,” he said in return, taking one last step toward me. His chest was now within inches of mine. “I’ve missed you.”

His words made my knees weak. “I’ve missed you too.”

He placed his hands on my hips, and I rested mine on his biceps. “That was a huge step for her.” He tilted his head toward the house. I nodded in agreement. “You sure you’re ready to be a part of our craziness?”

“If you still want me.”

He wrapped his arms around my waist and fanned his palms out over my lower back. “Amber, I never stopped wanting you. You’ve made me whole again.”

I tipped my head back and looked up into his gorgeous eyes, combing my fingers through the hair at his nape.

“I’m gonna kiss you now,” he assured me. “But just so you know, we have an audience. My entire family is watching.”

I smiled at him, feeling happier than I had in weeks. “Well then, you better make it good, Cowboy.”

His lips settled over mine, and my toes curled in my boots. It had been far too long since he had kissed me.

***

“Dinner was amazing. Thank you for inviting me to stay,” I