I spun around and found myself face-to-face with Ryker. He looked serious—way too serious. I frowned, running through the meeting in my head. Did I say something out of line? Maybe he caught the look I gave earlier?

But then Ryker—clearly catching on—pulled out a stiff, awkward smile and said, “I’m Ryker.”

I gave him a slight nod. “As someone who was just in that meeting, I’m fully aware of who you are. Can I help you, Mr. Dalton?”

But my demeanor must’ve come off cold, because his smile faltered and something like panic flickered in his eyes. Still, he recovered quickly and added with a calm voice, “I’ve actually spoken to your family before—about marriage, I mean…”

“When you said ‘yes,’ I was happy. But…” His eyes locked on mine. “Can I ask… what changed? Because if there’s still a chance, I’d really like to marry you.”

He cleared his throat right after, and I noticed a flush creeping up to his ears. I blinked, finally processing what he just said.

“You do know I just got divorced, right?”

“I do,” Ryker nodded with a straight face. “That man didn’t know how to treat you right. But I would, if you’d let me.”

He was being so genuine—but I couldn’t wrap my head around why he was so determined. And I asked him just that. “I don’t think we’ve met before, Mr. Dalton. Why are you so set on this marriage thing with me?”

My confusion must’ve shown, because a hint of disappointment crossed his face. Still, he answered me honestly.

“When I was a kid in Austrenka—I was almost kidnapped. You were the one who stopped it. You were just a little girl, but you screamed like a kettle about to blow. Scared them off before they could get to me.”

His face was dead serious as he spoke. And I had to dig through the fog of old memories, but yeah… I vaguely remembered something like that.

I was maybe seven? I saw some creeps trying to drag a kid—about my age—into a van, and I just started yelling my lungs out. Lucky for us, there were enough people around. The crowd chased them off and saved him.

So… yeah, I guess I was kind of a badass back then. Still, didn’t explain why Ryker had feelings for me. Was he really just into… loud kids?

I let out a slightly awkward laugh. I didn’t know what to say. Ryker seemed to notice my discomfort and offered to drive me home. Honestly, I just wanted to escape the moment, so I agreed.

On the drive, he started a few light conversations and, to my surprise, I found myself relaxing. We actually got along really well. He was easy to talk to, attentive without being overbearing. I could tell he really liked me. Not in a creepy way—just… sincere.

But I had just walked out of a marriage that had nearly destroyed me. I wasn’t exactly itching to jump back into another grave. So I turned to look out the window, using the scenery as a shield from Ryker’s hopeful gaze.

After that day, Ryker started showing up at my place. Every single day. My parents, who were totally against him at first, eventually softened. Now, they smiled and waved when they saw him, even called him by name.

I had to admit—it was easy being around him. But it was too soon. The scars from Aaron hadn’t even faded. I made up my mind. I was going to tell Ryker, clearly, that I couldn’t be what he wanted.

One evening, when we got back, I stopped him outside my door. Placing a hand on my belly, I looked him in the eyes and said seriously, “Ryker, I’m almost six months along. I’m keeping this baby. And I don’t plan on having another.”

Ryker glanced down at my hand, then at my stomach. He didn’t say anything right away. I figured maybe, finally, this would make him give up. A part of me was relieved… but yeah, another part ached a little too.

Just as I turned to go inside, he gently caught my hand.