CHAPTER NINE
While Lucy tucked Connor into bed again, Ryker stared at the framed photographs sitting on the fireplace mantel. Each picture showed a different stage in Aaron’s life—army, marriage, family, college graduation. Those things were as foreign to Ryker as a three-hundred-pound American football linebacker trying to tackle him as he ran toward the goal.
Footsteps sounded behind him.
“Connor’s down for the count this time,” Lucy said.
Finally. The kid was cool and fun to be around, but Connor hadn’t left them alone all evening. Twice now, he’d gotten out of bed after they’d said good night. “Third time’s the charm.”
“I hope so.”
Ryker did, too. A repeat performance of today’s practice with some touching would be nice, especially if she reciprocated. Having fun wouldn’t hurt an
