Page 51 of Lost Without You
“God, how much longer until we finally land?” Ryker moaned.
“A few minutes,” Ethan replied and turned around. “Hang in there, take some deep breaths. And if you do have to barf, aim for Wes.”
“Hey!” Wes moaned.
“For better or worse, Wesley. Remember your vows,” Ethan chuckled and everyone, including Ryker, laughed.
Until the plane dropped again, and Ryker groaned. Luckily, they landed a few minutes later and without incident. Ryker still looked a bit green as he stepped off the plane, but Tina and Rachel paled, too. Nerves were high as Dalton and his team greeted them at the arrivals.
After a ten-minute ride into the heart of Sin City, they pulled into the Las Vegas field office. Unlike the New York location, this building was inconspicuous, just another gaudy glass tower in the city of neon lights.
Oliver stayed behind in the lobby. Ethan held tightly to Rachel’s hand as they were escorted down a long hallway to a conference room. His own heart was beating so loudly he thought others could hear it. Dalton paused before opening the door, addressing them.
“Please remember this is just as much a shock for Walter as it is for you. He’ll tell you, in his own words, what happened. Take as much time as you need.”
“Are you ready?” Ethan asked Rachel, staring down at her worried but beautiful face.
“Now more than ever.”
****
Rachel
Dalton opened the door, and the first thing Rachel saw was blue eyes. Her eyes.
Her father stood up, tall and slim, with a full head of wavy hair that was now more silver than black and a beard to match. Deep lines framed his bright eyes, his weariness, and the toll of time evident. Tears streamed down his face.
But then, as recognition dawned, he smiled. The radiance of his face was something she would never forget.
“Tina, love. Ryker, Rachel,” Walter choked out and rushed forward with open arms.
Rachel, her mom, and Ryker surrounded him, all of them crying and shaking and holding on tight. This family reunion was decades in the making.
Tina kept touching Walter’s face. “Eres real, mi amor?”
“I’m real, I promise, my love,” he replied and kissed her. “I’m very real.”
Tina kept staring at him, her shock evident as her hands trembled.
“I love you more than anything, Walter, but this beard has got to go,” Tina said unexpectedly.
Everyone laughed despite their tears. Laughing and crying at the same time never felt so good.
“Wait,” Rachel murmured as she stepped back. “You need to meet Ryker’s husband, Wes, and my boyfriend, Ethan.”
“You’re married?” Walter said to Ryker.
“Yes,” Ryker replied quietly. “This is my husband, Wes Stewart. He’s an author, and so am I.”
“My boy, an author,” Walter whispered and nodded at Wes. “Very nice to meet you, Wes, but I have questions. I need to make sure you’re good enough for my son.”
“We’re already married, Papa, it’s a bit late.”
“It’s never too late to be protective about my son. My son.” Walter whispered and more tears fell as he pulled Ryker in for another crushing hug. “And my baby girl, all grown up,” he murmured and hugged Rachel just as tight.
Ryker eventually pulled back, wiped his face, and brought Wes in so he could introduce them. Rachel turned to Ethan and did the same.
“If it weren’t for Ethan, we wouldn’t be here,” Rachel proudly declared.