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I lift her chin to meet my eyes. “Addison, I will always be here for you. Forever.” I pull her to me again and kiss her.
“Forever,” she repeats against my lips. When I hear the sounds of chairs being filled I pull away. I know she wants to finish and the faster she finishes, the faster I can take her away.
It doesn’t take her long to get to the end. But as soon as she talks about shooting and killing Marco, Ryan smacks his forehead, cursing under his breath.
“It’s okay, Ryan. You didn’t know,” she says sweetly.
“I’m still sorry,” he says. She nods in acceptance.
“So that brings me to tonight,” she shrugs.
Nobody knows what to say. It was a lot to take in. Jax is first to say something.
“You definitely drew the short end of the stick in the game of life.” Ain’t that the truth.
Addison grins. “I used to think that fate hated me and sometimes I still feel like she hasn’t been fair about how much I’ve had to go through in my life compared to others, but I have a lot of good in my life, too. I think she led me to very specific people, knowing they would be able to get me through anything.” She leans over to grab Syd’s hand. Syd’s eyes well with tears. She jumps up and lands in my lap, too, hugging Addison.
“I love you, I love you, I love you,” she repeats. “You are my hero.” She hiccups through her tears.
I blink back the wetness pooling in my eyes. “I love you, too,” Addison whispers.
Syd gets up and bundles herself in her blanket, sitting down. “And now I have y’all,” she says, smiling at everyone. They smile back and nod somberly.
Max pushes off his chair and pulls Addison into his arms. He holds her tight without saying any words for a few moments. “I love you, Annie Oakley,” he finally says, kissing her on her head. Her laugh is soft.
“I love you, too, Max,” she says quietly.
When he releases her, Jax is next to pull her in a hug. Max leans down over my shoulder. “I’m going for a run.”
I nod in silent understanding, knowing exactly how he feels. Syd watches him go inside the house. I wonder if she’ll follow, but she stays put. She chews her cheek and then turns her gaze to our direction. Blush creeps up her face. I smile wide. She rolls her eyes and looks away.
“I’m in the city, so if you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to call,” Jax says.
“What?” Addison’s head tilts. “You live in New York City?”
Jax chuckles. “Yes. I’m usually so busy with work, I don’t get out much.” He shrugs, looking at me. I’ve always told him he works too much. He needs to enjoy life a little more. I guess that’s what happens when you’re a lawyer for the rich.
Ryan gives her a hug, too, and tells me that he’ll be back tomorrow so we can fix all the holes. Not quite what I was planning on doing this weekend, but I guess I should get it over with. I walk him out the door as Addison talks to Jax and Ryker.
“Bring Macie tomorrow. We’ll grill out in between fixing this shit,” I say, looking at all the holes.
“Sounds good,” he says. “You doing okay? That’s a lot to take in.” He looks out to the back patio.
I think about it for a minute. I sigh, twisting my lips. “A small part of me feels guilty that everything that has happened to her is a chain reaction brought on by my fucking dad.”
“Aiden, don’t do that,” he says, crossing his arms.
“How can I fucking not?” I say, running my hands through my hair.
“Because it has nothing to do with you,” Addison says from behind me. I exhale sharply.
I slowly turn around. Our eyes lock. Beautiful blue eyes plead with me. “You weren’t supposed to hear that.”
“Kind of glad I did,” she says, her eyes softening.
“That’s my cue to leave. I’ll see you both tomorrow.” Ryan slaps me on the back and then leaves.
“I’m sorry,” she says.
