Forever After All by Kaylee Ryan

Chapter 13

Rip

Today is the big day. McKenna had to go to Dallas to sit for the bar exam. She left on Tuesday afternoon for the four-hour drive. My sister went with her. They’re going to do some wedding dress shopping while they’re there. I’ve been up since early this morning. Earlier than normal. I wanted to get a head start on things here so I can stop and call her, wishing her luck on her final day of testing. I also want to hear her voice.

“Morning,” she answers.

“Hey, beautiful. You ready? This is your last day, just a few hours, right?”

“I feel sick,” she confesses. “And yes, today is the final day.”

“Hey, now, none of that. You know this information. Your gramps has quizzed you. You’ve aced all of the practice tests. You’re going to ace it. I know it.” I wish I was there to hold her, to look into her eyes, and will her to believe me. I want to be the one to help calm her fears.

“I just want to pass.” She laughs. “I don’t care about acing it. Well, I mean, that would be nice, but I just want to pass. I want to start the next chapter in my life. The next six to twelve weeks is going to be torture just waiting in limbo.”

“You’re going to start helping out at the firm, though, right?”

“Yeah, but I can’t do anything. I can do research and type briefs, etc., but I can’t practice law. I busted my ass in high school to get a college degree at the same time as a high school diploma, then the rest of the undergrad and law school I did, the same to be where I am. I’m just ready to put this dream of mine to work.” She chuckles.

“McKenna, you’ve got this. Go do your thing. Be amazing, then relax. I have a surprise for you, but you don’t get it until after the test. Laramie will give you all of the details.”

“What did you do?”

“You’ll see. Go kick ass, baby. Call me after?”

“Yeah. I will. Thanks for calling. You actually helped calm my nerves.”

“Good. I’ll talk to you soon.” Quickly, I pull the phone from my ear and end the call. I would sit here and listen to her voice all day long, but we both know today is not that day. She’s going to go pass this test, and in six to twelve weeks, all of her hard work and dedication will have been worth it. And when she comes home to me, McKenna Dawson is who I want. When I think about my future, it’s always been McKenna standing next to me. Now all I have to do is make that happen.

Standing, I slide my phone into my pocket. I’m too distracted to get any actual office work done. No, today is definitely a day to be spent doing manual labor. I won’t be able to think straight until I hear from her. From the way my stomach is churning, you would think that I’m the one taking the test. I had this same feeling the day she left for college. If that’s not a telltale sign that we’re meant to be, I don’t know what is.

“Hey, boss,” Cliff, one of our farmhands, greets me. “What are you doing out here?”

“Couldn’t focus.”

“Thought getting your hands dirty might help?” he teases. Cliff and I went to school together. He’s one of my oldest friends, and he knows me too well.

“Something like that,” I reply vaguely.

“Well, I’m ready to ride out and check the fence. You want to ride along?”

“Definitely.” Together we load up the tools into the back of the UTV, double-checking we have what we need before riding out and checking the fence. We have cattle that we raise and sell, as well as horses that we breed here at Callahan Farm. Grandpa started the farm with just cattle. When my parents got married, Dad expanded to breeding horses too. The two together have made the family farm lucrative. It’s provided for my family for years, and it will do the same for my family, and hopefully the next generation too.

I hope that my kids, at least one of them, one day want to take over. If not, well, it was good while it lasted. I would never force them or make them feel guilty for following their dreams. I won’t shame them for not wanting the family business, but I hope that they do—at least one of them. I laugh out loud when I realize the conversation I’ve been having in my mind. When have I ever daydreamed about kids and the next generation of Callahan?

Since McKenna came home.

The answer is easy and enlightening at the same time. Those kids I’m thinking about, she’s their momma. I just need to get her on board with this elaborate plan I have in my head. Easy-peasy, right?

“What’s so funny?” Cliff asks.

“Nothing. Just thinking. Up ahead.” I point to a spot in the fence that needs to be mended. “These damn cows are rowdy fuckers,” I say, shaking my head.

“Always looking for an escape,” Cliff agrees.

We work side by side for the next few hours. We talk about what’s on the agenda for the coming weeks, and McKenna is never far from my mind. I know today is a short day for her, and it’s finally over. After two and a half long days of testing, she’s finally done and gets a break, which is why I planned my surprise for her. I get to spoil her and my little sister at the same time. It’s a win-win situation for me. I might have told Laramie that I didn’t need her help where McKenna is concerned, but it doesn’t hurt to butter her up a little just in case. Not that I need to. My sister wants to see us be together almost as much as I do. Almost.

“You expecting an important call?” Cliff asks, nodding at the phone in my hand. “I’m surprised the damn thing still has any battery left as many times as you’ve checked it.”

“Something like that,” I mutter. I’m not ready to get into it with him. The only person I want to talk to right now is McKenna. I’m starting to get worried. I thought I would have heard from her by now. Before I can check my phone again, the shrill ring sounds, and I grin when I see her name on the screen. “Gotta take this,” I tell Cliff, my feet rapidly carrying me away for privacy. “Hey, baby.”

“Rip! You bought us a spa day?” McKenna asks excitedly.

The tension that was wrapped around my chest like a fist loosens at the sound of her voice. “You deserve it. How did it go?” I make my way inside the barn and close myself into my small office. Taking a seat in my chair, I prop my feet up on the desk, and I know if I were able to see my reflection, I’d look like a fool from the smile stretching across my face.

“Today was much easier,” she admits.

“Good. You’re coming home tomorrow, right?” I ask her.

“I think so. Laramie and I are going to finish up here at the spa and do some dress shopping. We haven’t got to do that yet. I’ve been too exhausted each night.”

“It’s all over, Kenna. You’re going to be practicing law side by side with your grandfather in a matter of weeks.” I leave no room for her to argue. I’ll be her confidence if I have to. My girl is smart as hell. There’s no way she didn’t pass the exam.

“Thank you.” Her voice is soft.

“Enjoy your spa day, Kenna. You deserve it. Be safe, and call me later. Let me know you all are back at your hotel safe.”

“Don’t worry, Colby has already given us strict orders to do the same. We’ll be sure to call one of you.”

I’m glad Colby is there for my sister, and by association, McKenna, but letting one of us know isn’t going to work for me. “Call me, Kenna.”

“Okay. Sheesh. We’ll call and check-in. You do realize we’re both adults, right?”

“Have fun,” I say, ending the call. I can’t get into this with her over the phone. I know McKenna. She’s going to need to see my face, see my emotions, read it in my eyes when I tell her I want more from her. Now that the stress of the test is over, it’s time.

I’m coming for you, McKenna Dawson.

* * *

It’s Sunday afternoon, and I’m pacing my living room floor. The girls are almost home. They decided to stay another night. Apparently, there were a lot of dress shops they needed to take in, and with the spa day I sprung on them, they didn’t have enough time. They both sounded so excited Friday night when they called to tell me all about it. I’m glad that the two of them got to spend some quality time together, but I’m ready for them to be home. I miss McKenna. How I went five years without her while she was away at college is beyond me. In a matter of weeks, the girl has me under her spell.

Laramie called me about thirty minutes ago and said they were almost home. She also informed me that they were coming to my place. I didn’t ask why because I don’t care. I get to see McKenna. I don’t have to make up an excuse to call her or drop by her grandparents’ place. Not that I need an excuse, but it would be pretty out of the blue, considering she has no idea how I feel about her. Sure, I’ve dropped a few hints, but I know McKenna needs the facts. That attorney in her can’t seem to help it. That’s fine with me. I’m perfectly happy laying out the facts for her as soon as I get the chance.

Hearing a car pull up, I peek out the window and see Colby’s truck. I watch as he and Corbin climb out. I meet them at the front door. “What are you two getting into?” I ask, stepping back to let them in.

“Not sure. Lara called and asked for me to meet her here. She told me to bring Corbin. We were hoping that you knew what was going on.”

“Not a clue. She called me too and told me they were about half an hour away and that they were coming here.”

“You think everything’s okay?” Colby asks. I can hear the concern in his voice.

“Yes. Laramie would have told one of us. Of that, I’m certain.” I know my sister, and if there was something wrong, something really wrong, she would have told me. Wouldn’t she? I’m starting to second-guess myself when I hear another car pull in. All three of us move to the front door and step out on the front porch.

My eyes trail over my sister and McKenna as they climb out of my sister’s SUV. They look fine, and both are wearing smiles a mile wide. Now it’s clear that they’re both safe, I lock my eyes on McKenna. She looks more relaxed, and even though I know that it’s more than likely because the exams are over and she’s had time with her best friend, I still puff out my chest a little, hoping my spa surprise helped that relaxed smile find its way to her lips.

“Colby James,” my sister calls out.

Not that she needed to. Colby’s feet are already hitting the steps, making his way to my sister. I watch as he pulls her into his arms, lifting her feet off the ground. They whisper to one another, and my heart squeezes. McKenna ascends the stairs and stops next to me. I can’t seem to help it. I put my arm around her, pulling her into my chest.

“Miss you, Kenna,” I say. My voice is husky as I whisper the greeting just for her.

“Let’s go inside. I have some news,” Laramie announces. Colby releases her but still keeps one hand on the small of her back as we all file back into my house and find seats in the living room. I lead McKenna to the love seat and pull her down next to me. Corbin takes the recliner while my sister points to the couch, nodding for Colby to sit, even though she remains standing.

“Thank you all for coming.” She looks at Corbin, then back to Colby. “Mac and I had such a good time in Dallas.” Her eyes flash to McKenna, who gives her a subtle nod. “I’ve missed my best friend,” Laramie says, her voice cracking. “Anyway, Rip sent us to an afternoon at the spa… thank you, big brother.” She smiles, and I nod. “We went to several bridal shops and just spent time together. I didn’t realize that this trip was exactly what I needed for clarity.”

“Lara, babe, what’s going on?”

“Corbin, can you go sit by your brother?” She must see the panic on his face. “It’s nothing bad, I promise. At least I hope not. I just… this will be easier if you two are sitting closer.”

“Sure thing, Lara,” Corbin says. He stands and moves to sit next to his brother on the couch.

“Babe?” Colby says again. There is a slight quiver of worry in his voice.

Laramie looks to McKenna again. “You’ve got this,” McKenna tells her softly.

“Guys, I’ve thought a lot about life and the future, and if the offer still stands, I’d love to come and work for you at James Construction.”

“What?” Colby jumps up from the couch. “Are you for real? You’ll do it?”

Laramie nods, tears shimmering in her eyes. Colby embraces her again before passing her off to Corbin, who is now standing next to them. They hug it out before I stand and take her into my arms as well.

“Love you, little sister,” I murmur.

“I love you too.” She pulls away and wipes at her eyes. “Okay.” She laughs. “I’m not done yet.” She looks over at McKenna. “Which part should I do next?” she asks with a nervous laugh.

“Definitely the wedding.” McKenna grins at my sister.

“Right, the wedding,” Laramie repeats. “About that.” She turns and locks eyes with her fiancé. Colby sits up straighter, and the fear is evident in his expression. “McKenna and I went to a dozen different dress shops. I tried on some gorgeous dresses, and so did she.” My sister winks at McKenna, and she shrugs.

“You tried on wedding dresses?” I ask, not bothering to keep my voice quiet.

“She needed moral support,” she says with another shrug.

My mind pulls up images of her in a white gown, and I shake off the thought as my sister commands me to focus. I nod, letting Laramie know that I’m listening, and she turns back to face Colby.

“I love you, Colby James. I don’t care about the dress, or the venue, or flowers, or invitations. I just don’t.” She shrugs.

“Fuck, Lara, you scared the hell out of me.” He stands and goes to her, wrapping her in his arms.

“I’m sorry.” She kisses him quickly before pulling away. “I just want to be your wife.”

“Whatever you want, babe, you know that,” Colby tells her.

“I was hoping you would say that.” She gives him a smile, then turns her head to wink at McKenna. What are these two hiding? “I was thinking we could get married here, on the farm.”

“Done.”

“In two weeks.”

My mouth falls open. Two weeks? I turn to look at McKenna, and she has tears in her eyes. What in the hell am I missing?

“Two weeks?” Colby clarifies.

“Yes.”

“You sure this is what you want?” he asks her.

“I don’t want to wait.”

“Then we have a wedding to plan.” He picks her up and spins her in a circle, both of them laughing.

“Oh, one more thing.”

“Anything,” he says, and I know he’s willing to give her the world.

“I think we should all take a trip.”

“Where to?”

“Well, McKenna could use a break from all the college and studying, and we could also say it’s our bachelor and bachelorette parties.”

“Vegas, baby!” Corbin shouts. He’s been quiet, which is unlike him.

“You read my mind, brother-in-law.” Laramie grins at him.

“What?” McKenna asks.

“Did I forget to mention that part?” Laramie asks her.

“You kinda did,” McKenna replies, smiling with a shake of her head.

“When?” Colby asks, only having eyes for my sister.

“A few days.” She shrugs. “I wasn’t sure if you, Corbin, and Rip could get the time off work.”

“We’ll make it work,” Corbin assures her.

“What he said,” Colby agrees.

“What do you say, big brother? You coming to Vegas?”

I look at McKenna. “You coming?”

“She’s my best friend. Of course, I’ll be there.”

“I’m in,” I tell the room, only my eyes stay on McKenna.

“Oh, and, Corbin, you can invite Sara,” Laramie says nonchalantly.

“We’re not—”

My sister cuts him off. “You are. Invite her. Everyone look at their schedules, and I’ll make it happen.”

Just like that, my baby sister is getting married a hell of a lot sooner than we thought, and we’re headed to Vegas. Normally the unexpected trip would irritate me, but I have to admit, getting to spend some time with McKenna in Sin City sounds like a fun time to me.