Barbara

I spent the day with Ryan and Jeremy. It was well into the afternoon when I finally decided to go back home. Ryan walked me to my car, Pirate trotting between us.

The one-eyed dog no longer seemed to find Ryan unpleasant. He had gone from growling at him at the beginning, to simply ignoring his presence. Now he looked like he would let Ryan pet him with no issue.

"What are you doing this week?" Ryan asked, moving to my other side and holding my hand. It was as if now that he could, he took every chance he could get to touch me. I didn't mind at all.

"I'm volunteering at one of the shelters on Monday. I have a meeting with my financial advisor on Wednesday. And Eleanor is coming in on Friday, so we'll probably spend some time together. No plans yet."

Ryan sighed and looked skyward. The weather forecast predicted rain tonight, but the sky was an unperturbed blue overhead. "You ever think of going back to work?"

"I don't know. Maybe? To be honest, now that I took a step back from it all, I realize just how stressful it was. Sure, it was rewarding, but I really don't want to be that chronically stressed about anything ever again.

"But at the same time, all the free time is making me insane." I glanced at him. "How did you do it? How did you go from working full time to not working at all?"

"I was pretty busy back then. I had to take care of Jeremy. Being a stay at home parent isn't as easy as some people think. I have nothing but respect for all the parents who juggle a career and parenthood."

"Mhm. We have the privilege of simply quitting work once it gets too much without worrying about financial stability," I said.

Growing up as I did, I never would've thought I'd be this lucky. I never thought there wouldn't be a time when I wouldn't worry about food. No child should have to worry about their next meal. Unfortunately, there are too many children who do in this world.

The guilt of being rich was something I could never seem to shed. I donated and sponsored so many causes and people, to the point where Eleanor jokingly told me that I was trying to give away all my wealth.

However, I got to do many things thanks to money, I got to help many people. So I was grateful for the privilege.

"Now that Jeremy is settling down at school here, I'm thinking about going back. Maybe," Ryan narrowed his eyes. "I've been keeping an eye on a few failing companies that I find challenging..."

Ryan was a CEO renowned for rescuing companies from the brink of death. He would come in at a time of difficulty, save the day, quit once the company made a recovery then look for another failing ship to save. A knight in shining armor in the business world. I smiled to myself, squeezing his hand. Not just in the business world.

We spoke about business, about the latest piece he was working on in his woodworking studio, and about enrolling together in a Taekwondo class. Discussing the future with him made me feel delirious with happiness. I had something to look forward to. Not just work and my pets anymore.

Once we reached my car, I let Pirate in the backseat, closed the door and turned to Ryan. "So?"

"So? About that movies' date? Next Saturday?"

"Okay. Next Saturday," I said. Ryan smiled and kissed me, making me feel afloat.

He brushed his finger across my cheek, a warm smile in his eyes. Stepping back, he tucked his hands firmly in his pockets. "Go before I kidnap you back to my place."

The fact that I wasn't opposed to the idea spoke volumes. I got into my car and drove off, thinking about our next date. The movies.

I should be nervous because I was afraid of the dark. I should be nervous because our last movies' date had been a complete disaster. But I wasn't.

It was like I knew, in the bottom of my heart, that Ryan would not hurt me intentionally. I could feel his love and need in every look, in every touch, and it made warmth spread in my chest and soothed the anxious, hurt woman inside of me.

So this was what it felt like to be loved.

*** **** ***

Ryan and I didn't last until the next weekend. We ended up meeting a couple of days later.

After a couple of hours in the park with Pirate and Lady, who were too excited to meet again so soon, we ended up in our usual diner for lunch.

"If Jeremy knows I'm here with you, he'll be so pissed," Ryan said with a grin. We sat next to each other in a corner booth, the dogs lying asleep under the table. They were exhausted.

"We could pick him up from school together," I said. "Let him spend some time with the dogs."

Ryan's eyes brightened. "Are you sure? I don't want to keep you if you're busy."

I shrugged. "It's fine. I want to see him too. And I don't have any plans today."

His grin widened. He threw an arm around my shoulders and kissed my temple. "Mhm, may I also suggest that Jeremy would love for you to spend the night at our place."

I laughed and slapped a hand over my mouth. "You're shameless."

He winked. "I know. So?"

The waitress arrived with our order before I could respond. The diner was reasonably busy this time of the day. The hum of the conversation and the clatter of dishes only added to the seclusion our corner booth provided.

"By the way, my mother's sixtieth birthday is next week. She's holding a small party with family and friends. You and Eleanor are invited," Ryan said once the waitress left. He picked up half his sandwich and took a big bite.

"Eleanor too?" I asked, popping a fry in my mouth. Ryan's mother had never met Eleanor.

"Yes." Ryan smiled. "I guess she wants to meet your sister since she'll be family."

I chuckled. "Did Jeremy tell her we're getting married as well?"

"No. At least, not that I know of. But Mum figured it out all on her own-"

His phone rang. Ryan frowned and pulled out the device from his pocket. Miranda's name flashed across the screen. He sighed.

"You can pick up," I said.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, go ahead."

He picked up after a moment's hesitation.

"Yes?...yes, in school...Today?" He frowned, then heaved a deep sigh. "I'll ask him once he's out of school... No, I won't be there... No. I'll let you know once Jeremy is out of school. I'll drop him off."

Ryan rolled his eyes. "Goodbye, Miranda."

He ended the call while she was still speaking and dropped the phone on the table, shaking his head.

"Everything okay?"

"Yeah," he said. "She wanted to have dinner with Jeremy."

"Oh." Disappointment sat heavy in my gut. I tugged on my sleeve. Jeremy would want to see his mother more than he'd want to spend time with me, for sure. "We can reschedule-"

"No, we're not," Ryan said. "We'll spend time with Jeremy in the park, then I'll drop him off at his mother's place. She can wait. She doesn't get to make last minute plans and expect us to drop everything and be there."

"Alright. That works too." I patted his hand on the table. "Let's eat before the food gets cold."

He looked at me and smiled, leaning over to kiss me. "I love you."

My heart dipped and soared the way it did every time he said those words. I gave him a cheeky grin. "I know. I think I love you too."

He laughed. "Let me know when you know for sure."

"I will."

We had the rest of our lunch in peace. Pirate and Lady woke up midway through and gave us puppy-eyed looks until we dropped some of our food under the table. With heavy bellies and light hearts, we made our way to Jeremy's school. To say the kid was overjoyed when he saw us was an understatement.

We made our way to a nearby park accompanied by Jeremy's excited chatter, squeezed as he was in the backseat between Lady and Pirate.

The dogs seemed to have found more energy to play with Jeremy. Ryan and I played along for a little while before snuggling on a bench to ward off the cold. The sky was growing darker. The park's lights turned on when Ryan decided to call Jeremy and the dogs. The kid was still perky and bright-eyed.

"Time to go to your mom's," Ryan said, standing up. He pulled me to my feet while Jeremy bounced on his toes in front of us.

"Can I spend the night there, Dad?" Jeremy asked, bouncing on his toes. "Pleaaaase."

"You have school tomorrow," Ryan reminded him.

"I know. I'll do my homework and sleep early, I promise!"

"We'll see. Let's talk to your mother first, see if she has any plans."

"Okay!"

Jeremy skipped all the way to the car. The two dogs trailing next to him, looking at him like he was the source of their joy.

"He's such a happy kid," I told Ryan.

He huffed out a laugh, his breath fogging. "He is. I'm not complaining so far. I just hope his teenage years won't be a plot twist."

I smiled. I couldn't ever imagine Jeremy being disagreeable. But I had no doubt Ryan would be there for him no matter what.

Would I be there as well? Five years from now. Ten years from now. I wanted to. God, I wanted to. I couldn't predict the future, but I could do my best to make my relationship with Ryan work. And I had a feeling deep in my heart that from now on, Ryan and Jeremy would be a constant in my life.

"Today was really fun," Jeremy said once the car was on the way to Miranda's place. "You know what would be great?"

"What?" I asked.

"If you two come with me to Mom's house. We can all spend the night there and watch movies."

"I thought you were going to sleep early," Ryan said, successfully deflecting Jeremy's request.

"I will!" Jeremy said. "I'm just saying."

"We'll have a sleepover with Barbara sometime," Ryan said.

"Okay!" Jeremy said.

Ryan managed to miraculously find a parking spot near Miranda's apartment building. He went up to deliver Jeremy and Lady to Miranda's door while I waited in the car. The night had fallen, but the city that never sleeps didn't care whether it was night or day. It was always busy and bright.

Ryan sent me a text two minutes later, saying he'd be late. Miranda apparently went out to get some groceries before we got here, and he would be waiting for her to come back before leaving Jeremy and Lady.

It was five minutes later when a familiar tall woman walked down the sidewalk, carrying a grocery bag. Her hair glimmered under the bright lights around us, the auburn silk dancing to the wind. Even dressed in a white puffer jacket, jeans and simple black boots, she made the sidewalk look like a runway. She was rushing toward the apartment building.

Miranda glanced over and spotted me. I expected she'd walk right past. Instead, she headed straight for me and knocked on the window. In the backseat, Pirate growled. What a good boy.

I stepped out of the car. "Good evening, Miranda."

"So that's why Ryan won't have dinner with us," she said without bothering with a greeting, her features turned down in a frown. She sniffed. "You know you're in the way, right?"

I stifled a sigh. This really wasn't a conversation I wanted to have. But it was long overdue.

"In the way of what, exactly?" I asked, crossing my arms and leaning against the door. "Your relationship with Ryan? He made it perfectly clear that he's no longer interested in you. You're Jeremy's mother, you'll always be his mother, I'm not interested in filing for that position. So, what exactly am I threatening? Enlighten me."

Her nostrils flared. She was going to breathe out fire anytime now. "Ryan would've come back to me, if it wasn't for you. Jeremy could've had both parents, he could've had a normal family if it wasn't for you. Ryan and I would've mended things eventually."

I cocked my head aside. "Just a question, Miranda. Do you want Jeremy or do you want Ryan?"

She pursed her lips. "I'm Jeremy's mother-"

"That's not what I asked."

"You know what? I don't owe you any answers. You're a cold, dull woman. A home wrecker. And Ryan will soon see you for what you really are. I hope you know that."

She whirled around, her hair missing my eyes an inch, and stomped her way to the building. I shook my head and got into the car.

I didn't even feel angry, I just felt sorry for her. She had a child that adored her, a thriving career, people who loved her, but she was still a bitter woman hung up on a man. Such a shame.

Ryan arrived five minutes later. "Sorry I'm late."

"No worries," I told him. "Is Jeremy settled in?"

"Yeah. He's so excited. I don't think he'll be sleeping anytime soon."

I smiled. "It's fine. Once in a while is okay."

"Yeah, how about-"

His phone rang. He cursed. "I swear, this damn phone today..."

He saw the number and frowned. It stopped ringing and pinged once. Ryan scrolled through his phone, his expression grim. I waited in silence until he raised his head and looked at me. I raised my brows. "What?"

"Don't be mad at me," he started.

"Whenever a conversation starts like that, I end up getting mad, but go ahead," I said, partly amused but mostly worried.

He cleared his throat. "So you know Eleanor's father."

"Derek? What about him?"

"I kind of have him under watch."

I blinked. That was so out of left field, I didn't know how to react. "Kind of?"

"I have him under watch," he said.

"Is that even legal?"

He just grinned. "Technically, it is if he doesn't know about it."

I chuckled despite myself. "Okay, let's hear it. Why do you have that bastard under watch?"

"I didn't like the way he looked at you in the wedding," he said. "And the fact that Meryl Owens is involved with him made me uneasy."

"So you had him followed?"

He nodded. "I hired some professionals to collect information about him and see if he meets with anyone of interest to you."

I gestured to his phone. "I'm guessing this has to do with it?"

"Yes. He met someone today," Ryan said, giving me his phone. On it was a picture of Derek talking with a younger man in what looked like a park.

"Scroll through the other pics," Ryan said. I did. The next photo was the same. The next one was of Meryl sitting with the same young man in a café. The next one was the same, Meryl and the young man sitting on a bench. I recognized the place as the tennis club Grandmother Agnes used to take me to before she lost hope in my tennis skills.

"Apparently, that young guy met Meryl a day before and after meeting Derek," Ryan said.

"So she asked him to meet Derek," I mumbled. "Was this after the wedding?"

Ryan pursed his lips. "This was today."

Today? Anger flared. I had clearly told Graham to put a leash on his wife and son. He'd said he understood.

He wasn't one to take unnecessary risks when it came to his reputation and business, so Meryl probably went behind his back.

"So you're not mad?" Ryan asked, leaning his head down to catch my eyes. He had one of his small grins on. Cute. I couldn't be mad at him even if I wanted to.

I shook my head. "No, but you could've told me, you know."

His grin widened. "I didn't want you to worry. I didn't actually think Meryl would contact him again. I wanted to keep an eye on him just in case."

I handed him his phone back. "I guess we need to find out what kind of deal he made with Meryl, if any."

"I got it."

Ryan made a few phone calls. And one hour later, we parked the car in an underground parking lot and stepped out. The lights flickered on and off, lending the gray, car-filled space an eerie vibe.

"I feel like we're in an action movie," I told Ryan, my voice sounding loud in the oppressive quiet. Pirate sniffed around the car.

Leaning against the hood of the car, Ryan pulled me against him. He grinned. "Maybe we should watch an action movie next Saturday."

I grinned back and kissed him. A car driving closer had us straightening up.

"Pirate, heel." Pirate trotted over and sat next to me. I petted his head.

The black SUV stopped in the way right in front of us. The four doors opened and four people spilled out, including Derek, who looked like he wanted to be anywhere but here.

"Where did you find these guys?" I whispered as the three men led Derek towards us. They were dressed in casual shirts and jeans, and they looked like they ate weights for breakfast.

"An acquaintance of mine runs a private security firm. With the right price, you can hire all sorts of interesting people."

Ryan nodded to the men. "Thank you."

"You're welcome, Mr. Davies," One of them replied.

Derek looked like an angry, wet pony next to the three hulks. He shrugged off one of the men's grips and glowered at me. "Should've known you're behind this. The hell do you want? This is kidnapping, you know."

"Is that so?" I asked with a sweet smile. "I sincerely apologize, Derek. Next time I'll make sure they duct tape you and tie you up to make the experience more pleasant."

He sneered, his eyes flickering to Ryan. I didn't want to waste more time than I needed on him. So I went straight to the point.

"What did Meryl want?" I asked. "Meryl Owens."

"I have no idea what you're talking about," he said.

"Let me refresh your memory," Ryan said, pulling out his phone. He showed Derek the pictures.

Derek's confused frown cleared up. "Wait, so the guy works for your stepmother?"

Ryan and I shared a look. So he hadn't known. Meryl was more careful than I gave her credit for. Unfortunately for her, she didn't take into account Ryan's watchers.

"What did the man want?" I asked.

Derek crossed his arms. "And why should I tell you?"

I raised my brows, looked at the three men behind him, then at Ryan, then at Pirate next to me. "We're six to one, I think you'll tell me," I said.

Derek scoffed, glancing at Ryan, who was kind enough to shrug off his jacket, throw it on the hood of his car, and start rolling his sleeves, revealing corded forearms. I put my hand on Pirate's head and he obliged with a growl. It took all I had to stifle my laughter. These two should be paid actors.

Some of the bravado left Derek's face. He dropped his arms and spit to the side. Disgusting asshole.

"Fine," he said. "But I want something in exchange for the information."

"No," I said. "You're not getting a penny out of me, you old bastard. Either you spill, or I'll make your life a living hell, starting now. So talk."

"Stingy bitch," he grumbled.

Ryan took a step forward. "Watch your mouth," he said in a low voice.

I glanced at him in surprise. He really sounded pissed off. I guess he wasn't really acting. Oh, well.

Derek pursed his lips. Then he said, "That guy's the same one who approached me before Eleanor's wedding. He let me know where it was. He contacted me again yesterday and offered me money to break into your place," Derek said. "Half of it when I agree to do it, the other half when I finish the deal."

I frowned. "Break into my place?"

"Yes, they gave me the address. Said there's a lot of things I can steal if I wanted to. Said I deserve some of it after you put me in jail. Pretty true, in my opinion."

I waved my hand off. "And you were going to do that?"

He snorted. "Do you think I'm an idiot? I'm taking the half he's offering now and leaving this damn city. I don't want to end up behind bars again. You people with your damn money think you can buy anything. Well, guess what? I ain't going to do shit with that money if I'm behind bars."

He looked truthful enough.

My house was very secure. Even access to the private beach was monitored. So he wouldn't have had much luck breaking in anyway.

I shook my head. This was pathetic of Meryl. She simply wanted to inconvenience me in whatever way she could. What a bitter old woman.

"Can I go now?" he asked. "This is all I know. I didn't even know who was behind the guy until you told me."

I nodded. "Sure, you can go."

He huffed and gave me an assessing look. "You sure as hell ain't that scrawny kid anymore."

I gave him my business smile. "Don't you forget it, Derek. Next time we see each other might not be pleasant."

He grunted and turned to the car.

"Wait," I called, reaching into my pocket. I pulled out the envelope of the money I'd pulled out on my way here and threw it to him. He caught it and frowned. Peeking inside, his expression brightened. He chuckled. "Good doing business with you, Barbara."

He got into the car, followed by the three buff guys.

Ryan gave me a wink. "Why don't you get into the car?"

While I settled Pirate in the backseat and got in, Ryan had a few quiet words with Derek and the men. When he joined me, their car drove off.

"What was that about?" I asked.

He grinned, starting the car. "Just making sure we're on the same page. Why did you give him the money in the end?"

"I didn't want him to think he strong-armed me into giving him money in the beginning, that might make him think about doing it again. This way, he's grateful for it and he feels that he got something out of this, so he's not bitter about this ordeal."

Ryan's eyes sparked with admiration. "Have I told you how much I love you today?"

I smiled. "I don't know. But I'm open to hearing it again."

He chuckled and drew me in for a kiss that left me breathless.

"So, what's next, your highness?" he asked.

"Next, I have to deal with Meryl Owens."

Driving back to pick up my car, I went through the situation in my head.

I wanted to throw all caution to the wind and simply rip them apart. A few well-placed articles, a lawsuit or two and the Owens would regret the day they decided to play with me.

Except as Ryan drove off and I had time to cool off, I could take a mental step back and see the picture more clearly. I was no longer alone. Jeremy and Ryan were a big part of my life. Any mess I was embroiled in would affect them.

Ryan could handle it, but Jeremy? If the press went crazy, he would be caught in the middle of it. He was already in the spotlight because of his mother and our last mess when I got known as the home wrecker. Fortunately, the situation died down before it could get ugly. But I didn't want him to go through anything like that ever again.

So I had to play this just right. I couldn't simply let Meryl get away with this. I had to hit her where it hurt, and I knew just the way to do it. 

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