28. Chapter 28

Chapter 28

Ryder

Leaving the hospital, I'm bruised and sore, but happy to be alive.

After I found out what happened at the track, I wanted to kill someone, but my brothers and friends reminded me I had too much to lose.

Learning that Scarlett never left my side was just another thing that solidified the fact that I was in love with the right woman. She was my ride or die. She stuck by me and loved me hard.

Even my brothers came to be with me. I never realized how truly loved I was until I almost lost my life.

"Hey, what are you doing?" Scarlett asks.

She's sitting beside me on the couch, concern etched in her features.

Ever since I came home from the hospital, she hasn't left my side. It was pretty easy to convince her to move in with me. Plus, I got her to wear a sexy nurses outfit for me while she helped me heal and trust me, she made sure all parts of me still worked.

"Just thinking about the last few days," I explain.

Scarlett sighs and inches closer to me. I love having her by my side.

"It's been rough, but you came out even stronger," she encourages.

"I wouldn't have been able to without you be my side. Before I met you, I was wild and reckless. I would have lost my temper after the accident. But with you in my life, I want to be better. Knowing the boys at All Gods Children are cheering me on makes me want to think before I act." I pause and run a hand along my jaw. "My life has changed since you and the boys have come along."

Scarlett smiles and leans over and kisses me. "I love you."

Something inside of me sparks to life and I realize that I don't want to wait any longer to make her my wife. It may sound crazy, but I don't care.

"Let's get married," I say.

Scarlett sits up straight and stares at me for a moment. "Are you serious? Like right now?"

"Why not? I know this isn't a traditional engagement, but I want to marry you. I don't want to wait another second. Fuck being engaged. Let's just go do it," I almost shout the words.

"You aren't joking," Scarlett states.

Shaking my head, I grab her hands. "I mean it, let's just go get married. We can find a chapel or hop a plane to Las Vegas. I don't care where we go as along as I leave with you as my wife," I tell her.

Tears brim her eyes as she smiles at me. Our love is just crazy enough for this to make sense. Nothing about us or our lives is traditional.

"Ok," she cries.

"Really?" I yell.

My ribs hurt, but I fight to ignore the pain.

"Yes, really. Let's go get married," Scarlett agrees.

Cupping her face in my hands, I pull her to me and kiss her deep and hard.

I move to stand. I'm slow moving, but I manage to get up and pull Scarlett right along with me. Taking out my phone, I quickly dial Drake's number.

"Hello, how are you feeling?" he asks.

I don't bother answering. I'm too fucking excited right now.

"Scarlett and I are going to get married. We have no idea where we are going, but as soon as we find out, I want you and the rest of my brothers to be by my side," I explain.

Scarlett watches me as she quickly types out a text, I'm sure texting the girls to let them know about our impulsive decision.

"That's crazy, but I'm happy for you. I will let the guys know to be on standby. We are proud of you, Ryder," Drake says.

My heart swells with happiness. I've got my brother's acceptance, the woman of my dreams beside me, and a career I've always wanted.

Life may not always be perfect, but it is one hell of a ride that I wouldn't trade for anything.

Grabbing my car keys, I realize there may not be many places open to get married right now. It's almost eight at night.

"So, where are we going?" Scarlett asks.

I love how she is down for this.

"Road trip to Vegas?" I ask, holding up my car keys.

"Sounds perfect," Scarlett cheers.

I kiss her one more time before we head out to the car.

Our love story took a lot of twists and turns, but somehow we made it. With Scarlett by my side, I know we can handle anything. I can't wait to see what our future holds.