The Rebel's Own(29)

Ryan could barely hear her. All he saw was Kennedy’s dazzling smile as she laughed at Riley causing havoc and recruiting other children into his reign of terror. And when Kennedy turned to her side, he saw the rounded bulge of her belly where his new baby grew. Then there was Rebecca, who, for the first time since he had met her, wasn’t casting him a hateful glare, and his own mother chatting with the other players’ parents at the party while his father announced to everyone who cared to hear that his son was the MVP. All he could see was his family. They accepted him for who he was and loved him in honesty and truth. That was what he wanted, what he’d waited for his whole life.

“I’m sorry Clara. I’ve moved on. I’m choosing her, myself, and my family. I can’t be high school Ryan anymore. You’ll have to find someone else,” he said, truly meaning the words. “I’m happy.”





Chapter Thirteen





Kennedy watched as Riley and the band of misfits he had recruited tortured the waiter. She knew that she should do something to stop him, but she was having so much fun watching him. She turned to look at Ryan, and her smile froze on her lips. Clara was there, pasting herself on Ryan. But he didn’t seem to notice, because his eyes were on her. She gave him a small wave. Kennedy wasn’t going to go there and mark her territory, stake her claim. She needed Ryan to choose her, to come to the decision on his own. But then she was married to him and she was the mother of his two children, what kind of choice did he have.

Ryan started towards her, leaving a stunned Clara behind him. Clara was able to recover from her shock to send a hateful glare her way. But the closer Ryan got, the more Clara seemed to disappear. She couldn’t contain the happiness that burst in her heart. He had chosen her. Kennedy for the first time had become someone’s first choice. She had taken his words to heart but she needed to see them in action. Now he had proved it to her without a doubt. If she was still in high school she would have stuck her tongue out at Clara. But she wasn’t. Just like Ryan, she too had left high school behind and was looking forward to a future with her sexy husband.

“Ladies,” Ryan greeted them in a charming drawl. “I hope you are enjoying yourselves.”

“We are.” Her companions responded.

“This is the wives’ corner.” Kennedy whispered to him, “Apparently the girlfriends are kept away from the wives and the children. They don’t want anyone from the outer circle to get attached. Imagine that, Ryan! I’m in the inner circle.”

Ryan laughed and she was glad he realized that she meant it as a joke. It was ridiculous. Kennedy thought cliques and crews something left behind in high school, but apparently not. “I think it’s ridiculous.”

“They are just trying to keep the single ladies away from their men,” Ryan explained. “Girlfriends bring along their unattached friends who would do just about anything to catch a football player.”

“My God.” She snickered. “Would it bother you so much if I didn’t want to hang out with this clique?”

“Only if you don’t mind hanging out with me.” He smiled, looking down at her stunning gown. “Ivory is my favorite color, by the way.”

“I know.”

Kennedy met his gaze, and the stormy desire that burnt through them sent a shiver down her spine. She couldn’t speak, so instead she took his hand and let him lead her. But they didn’t get far because suddenly the room started chanting Ryan’s name. He stopped and turned to face her, a growl rumbling from his throat. Kennedy laughed, appreciating his frustration over their interrupted alone time. She accepted the gentle kiss of his lips, and watched as he walked towards the large group of football players. Riley’s interest dropped from the waiter and he crawled between his father’s legs and into the circle that had formed around him.

“He’s going to leave you, you know that right?”

Kennedy let out a huff of frustration as she turned towards Clara, “I guess you are going to tell me why?”

“You are just not good enough for him. Once that little brat is healed, he’ll have a clear conscience and he’ll leave you for me.” The Cheshire cat was so sure of herself.

Kennedy couldn’t help but laugh. “He chose me over you, Clara. I have given him so many chances to get out of our marriage but he hasn’t. He chose me, and you will never understand how great that feels. We aren’t in high school anymore, Clara. Move on and stay away from my husband.”

As she watched Ryan address the crowd, her hand fell to her belly; it had already started taking shape. The innocent life in there didn’t know what was waiting outside the safety of her womb. But she was sure that it would be proud of the man it would call daddy. Ryan voice calling her name got her out of her head and into the moment. Without any doubt in her mind, she took a step forward and greeted the crowd as Mrs. Carville.