Needing You Close

Chapter One TYLER Two grueling hours of being drilled by lawyers over my past wasn’t an enjoyable experience, but now it’s over. I’m dismissed, and my head pounds when I exit the conference room. I suck in a deep breath and try to calm down while burying the memories of Victoria. As I stand in the hallway, Eric walks up to me. He holds out his hand, and when I take it, he pulls me into a tight hug. “Thank you, man. I know how hard that must’ve been to relive all that.” “No problem. I just hope it’s enough to help you get the justice you deserve.” When I meet his gaze, I notice the dark circles under his eyes. He looks beat down and exhausted. Helping him makes me feel good, but I won’t assume anything will come of it, considering who’s involved. “We’ll talk soon, okay?” he says before leaving with his lawyer. “That went well,” Serena says, tucking her brown hair behind her ears. “I guess. Do you wanna grab some lunch?” She checks the time on her phone. “I actually need to be at the airport in an hour.” “Okay, no problem.” I appreciate that she interrupted her busy schedule for me and flew here. “What are your plans today?” Serena glances at me as we walk toward the elevator. I shrug. “Nothing much.” “And before your flight tomorrow?” I shake my head. “You can say no, but you should come to Sacramento with me, then fly home from there instead. Liam and Maddie came home from the hospital with the new baby yesterday, and I know how much they’d love to see you.” A smile touches my lips at her great idea. “I didn’t think about that. Damn, it’s like you’re a genius lawyer or something with all this amazing logic.” She snorts and rolls her eyes. “I can drop you off at their house. Check if you can get on my flight. It leaves at noon.” We walk outside, and I follow her to the rental car as I contact the airline. Serena drives to my hotel, and by the time she parks, I’ve already purchased a flight and rescheduled my departure. “I’ll wait here while you grab your things and check out of your room.” “Great,” I say, eager to get out of Vegas. It takes less than ten minutes to pack my small bag and turn in my hotel key. Even Serena is surprised when I return in record time. “Damn,” she mutters. “You’re fast.” We chat as we make our way to the airport, and she updates me on life in California, her son, and how busy the law firm is these days. After we get through security, I watch as tourists feed bills into the slot machines, trying their last chance at winning big. After living in this city for so long, I’m still desensitized to the bright lights and noises of the machines. It brings me back to Liam’s gambling problem and how it brought Victoria into his life. I can’t help but shake my head as we walk toward our gate. Serena and I grab something to eat while we wait to board. As I stare out at the crowds of people, I replay what happened in that conference room. Then my thoughts quickly move to Gemma. She has no idea what she does to me and may never understand how deeply I care. I never mentioned I’d be missing work today and haven’t spoken to her since Friday night, so there’s no telling what she thinks about me being gone. I push the thoughts away before Serena notices my silence and asks what’s on my mind. “Liam’s gonna be so damn surprised when he opens the door and sees you standing there. I’m excited to witness the shock on his face.” “Can’t wait, honestly. Maddie FaceTimed me after he was born, but it’s not the same as seeing him in real life.” “You’re right. I spoke with them yesterday, and they’re both worried sick about you, so it’ll be a fun little reunion. Plus, I don’t think I would’ve been able to sleep tonight after hearing those in-depth stories about Victoria and knowing you were in the same city as her.” Genuine concern is displayed on her face. “I didn’t care to stay, anyway. The city harbors too many awful memories for me to ever enjoy it these days. I’m relieved to leave early.” And never return if I can help it. Our plane arrives, and once we find our seats, it doesn’t take long before we’re in the air. For the entire two-hour flight, I stare out the window, and my mind wanders back to Gemma and everything that’s happened since I returned to Lawton Ridge. I wish I could pull her into my arms and kiss the hell out of her to show her what she’s missing. When Robert treats her like an afterthought, I want to tell her I’d always put her first. I might not be rich with a mansion or a successful business, but I’d give her the damn world. Too bad she’s engaged and too blind to see how wrong Robert is for her. Once we land, Serena and I take a shuttle to her car. Within thirty minutes, she’s pulling into Liam and Maddie’s driveway. Excitement rushes through me as I think about seeing my best friends again. Before I get out, I turn to Serena, who’s smiling wide. “Thanks for everything. You’ve been such an enormous help. I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to repay you.” “Liam and Mason helped me through some rough s**t over the years. The least I could do is give back to a close friend of theirs. I still regret not being able to fight a corrupt system that landed you in prison in the first place.” “You did everything you could. Short of a few million dollars exchanged under the table, nothing would’ve been able to get me out of serving those years. I don’t regret what I did that got me in there, but I still appreciate how hard you tried to save me.” “Thank you, Tyler. Means a lot.” She sucks in a deep breath. “I hope justice is actually served to that b***h. She deserves to rot in hell for the things she’s done.” I grunt. “Agreed.” “Now, get out before you make me emotional,” she demands playfully. “I can only take so many compliments in one day. Also, knock lightly. Unless you’d like to feel Maddie’s wrath, don’t you dare wake a sleeping baby.” “Duly noted.” I grin, then grab my bag. Before I get out, Serena tells me she’ll call if she hears anything about the case. I thank her once more, then walk toward the house. Taking her advice, I tap lightly on the hard wood. Serena’s waiting in the car. I look at her with a shrug. She waves me forward, so I try again, slightly louder. Seconds later, the door swings open, and Liam’s face transforms from shock to joy as he pulls me into a giant hug. “Holy s**t!” he says, and I laugh as he smacks my back. Serena lowers the window, and shouts, “You’re welcome!” Liam grins at her with a wave, then Serena backs out of the driveway before she zooms down the street. “Maddie’s gonna freak the hell out. I’m so happy to see you, man!” He hurries me inside. “She’s trying to catch up on sleep. Tyler’s taking a nap too, but when they wake up, prepare to be bombarded—by both of them,” Liam warns. After I gladly accept his offer for a beer, he rushes to the kitchen and quickly returns with two Bud Lights. I nearly drink it all in three big gulps. We go into the living room, and as soon as we sit, Maddie walks in with disheveled hair, looking exhausted. Her mouth falls open, and she slaps her cheek. Chuckling, I stand. “I’m really here.” “Tyler! Oh my God! What are you doing here?” she whisper-shouts, closing the gap between us. I pull her into a hug, and she tightens her grip around me. Almost immediately, she starts crying. “Gah!” She drops her arms before wiping her cheeks. “My hormones are still out of whack.” She goes over to Liam and smacks his arm. “You should’ve woken me up!” “I’ve been here for five minutes, Mads. You didn’t miss much.” “Jesus,” Liam mutters, rubbing his bicep. Maddie gives him her infamous eye roll. “Quit being a baby. I barely touched you.” “Good to see nothing’s changed between you two.” I chuckle. “Don’t worry. I’ll get even in six weeks when the doctor releases her.” “Releases her from what?” I ask. “Liam, shut up!” Maddie scolds. Liam waggles his brows. “Releases her body back to me.” “Okay, now I’m making you wait twelve weeks. Keep it up, and I’ll triple it.” She pouts with her hands on her hips. “Yeah, right. You jumping me is the reason we even have two kids.” “Ugh,” Maddie groans as Liam pulls her into his big arms and kisses her. “There you two go again, being sickly cute. Please, spare me. I didn’t come all this way to witness you making baby number three.” Liam releases Maddie from his hold, and she smirks at me. “Okay, good. The kids are asleep. Tyler is napping in our bed, but you can still meet Tobias.” “I’ll be quiet. Lead the way, Mama.” The three of us walk into their room where a bassinet is next to their king-sized bed. Tyler’s sprawled out in the middle, sleeping peacefully. When I lean over and see Tobias, I instantly smile. “Oh, Mads. He’s beautiful.” Liam squeezes my shoulder, and I’m overcome with joy for my friends. They look at their sons with so much adoration. One day, I hope I get to experience what they have, but for now, I’ll live vicariously through them. “There’s nothing like a sleeping baby,” Maddie whispers. Tyler begins to stir, so Maddie sits on the edge of the mattress and rubs his back. She’s such an amazing mother, and her kids are so damn lucky to have them as parents. I would’ve killed to grow up in a household overflowing with love like theirs. His eyes pop open, and Liam swoops him up in his arms. Tobias doesn’t wake as Maddie watches him in awe. Tyler places his head on his daddy’s shoulder, and Maddie grabs the baby monitor. Quietly, she moves past us, and we follow her into the living room. “I missed you all so much,” I say as I sit on the couch. “Well, it’s not too late to move back and live with us.” Maddie flashes a knowing grin. I look at her incredulously, and Liam chuckles, then goes to the kitchen. Maddie shrugs. “Well, it doesn’t hurt to try. How long are you staying?” She glances over at my small bag on the floor. “I fly out tomorrow afternoon. Have to be back at work on Wednesday morning.” She lifts an eyebrow. “How’s Gemma?” I scoff, shaking my head. “You’re relentless.” “What do you expect? You tease me about this mystery woman, and then when I ask, you don’t give me any details, only crumbs of information. You’re like a vault and should be glad I don’t live closer.” “Oh, I am. There’s no doubt you’d infiltrate her group of friends just to learn all the Gemma gossip.” “I’m still waiting for you to give me your sister’s phone number. We’d be besties, I’m sure of it. Then she’d tell me all I need to know.” “You probably would. Maybe I should give you her number. You might like her so much that you’d consider moving to Alabama. You’d love Lawton Ridge. Everyone knows everyone. Plus, you’d go crazy in Everleigh’s boutique.” “I’m following her f******k page,” she admits. My eyes go wide. “Really?” “Oh yeah. When I googled her name, it popped up. I’ve already bought like five fall T-shirts online. And a coffee mug. And a candle. And a few bracelets. I’m kinda addicted.” She snorts, then lowers her voice. “I’m a lot addicted. Don’t tell Liam.” “Damn. Didn’t realize you were so basic,” I mock, knowing damn well she’s the poster child. She throws a pillow at me. “Basic?” “Bet you’re counting down the days till pumpkin spice season,” I say, tossing it back at her. “Tell me I’m wrong.” “Well...maybe. But who doesn’t love pumpkin spice!” Tyler runs into the living room and giggles. We both look at him. “Mama funny.” She picks him up, then tickles his tummy. “No, you’re funny.” As Tyler’s laughter fills the living room, Liam returns. “There you are! Made you lunch, buddy.” Liam takes him from Maddie’s arms, then carries him to the kitchen. Once we’re alone, Maddie shoots me a death glare. “You’re not leaving this house until you tell me about Gemma.” “What are you gonna do? Keep me hostage?” “I just might, Tyler Blackwood. Plus, I birthed a tiny human, so the very least you can do is appease me while I suffer with raw n*****s and explosive diapers!” “Ahh, Mads!” I put my palms to my ears as she doubles over with laughter. I can hear Liam chatting with Tyler about dinosaur chicken nuggets and wish I could trade places with him right now. “See, don’t you feel sorry for me? Now, give me all the details.” She pouts, sticking out her lower lip, and even though it’s pathetic, it works. “She’s engaged, Mads. Getting married in only a few months,” I explain. “There’s nothing I can do about that but sit back and watch it all happen.” With a huff, she crosses her arms. “Wrong! You can steal her away and go live up on a hill in your little Southern town and have a handful of babies. Preferably girls so when our kids grow up, they can get married.” I snort. “Trust me when I say my life isn’t and won’t ever be like one of your Hallmark movies.” “It could be if you weren’t so stubborn. Have you met her fiancé yet?” I nod. “Unfortunately.” “And how does she act around him? Are they all lovey-dovey with gross PDA, or does she act like she can’t stand the sight of him?” Maddie’s not going easy on me, but I know avoiding her questions isn’t an option, either. “She acts…awkward. I don’t know how to explain it. Uncomfortable might be a better way to describe it.” She contemplates my words. “Regularly?” I think back to the times I’ve seen Gemma around Robert and nod. “Yeah.” Maddie taps her pointer finger on her lips. “I need your sister’s number now. Gonna get this s**t figured out.” “Detective Maddie to the rescue.” I roll my eyes. “Gemma’s too committed at this point to break it off. Even if she doesn’t love him—which is the conclusion Everleigh and I have drawn—Gemma’s very loyal.” “Just like you,” she retorts. “When Sophie dated that psycho, she acted weird too. We’d invite her places, and she’d come up with excuses for why she couldn’t. When we did hang out, I could tell my sister was in love with the idea of getting married, but that’s about it. Maybe it’s kinda the same thing.” “It could be. Apparently, he’s jealous of me.” She lets out a hearty laugh. “Of course, he is. Have you seen you?” Before Maddie can say anything else, tiny cries come from the baby monitor. “Feeding time.” She gets up. “I’ll be right back.” I’m grateful to have some silence to think about how Gemma acts around Robert. She promised she’d tell me if something wasn’t right. I just hope she stays true to her word. Liam explained what happened to Sophie and the guy she was engaged to, and how it ended tragically. I refuse to allow that to happen to Gemma. I’d go back to prison if Robert threatened her life because I would stop him. Even if I can’t admit it to her, she means too much to me. Liam returns with Tyler beside him. He’s more awake and talking a lot more. When he walks up to me, he has a fire truck in his hand. “Look!” “Wow, that’s cool,” I say as he hands it over to me. “People.” He points his little finger at the window, then shoves it in my face so I can see them inside. “Oh wow. There are!” Tyler giggles, and I can tell he’ll be just as outgoing as Maddie when he’s older. “I have more.” He runs off, and I can hear his feet pounding against the carpet. “You’ve opened a can of worms now,” Liam warns me, sitting down next to me. “So how long are you here for?” “Only a day. My flight leaves tomorrow afternoon.” “Not long enough, but I’m so glad you’re here, man. I’ve missed you,” he admits. “Yeah, me too. I’ve missed kicking your a*s in the gym, too,” I taunt, which causes him to snort. “You wish! But I’m glad I re-joined. Just going before work three times a week has helped me gain some muscle. Need to lose this baby weight.” He chuckles, patting his six-pack. “Proud of you,” I say, just as Maddie walks in holding Tobias. “You wanna hold him?” she asks, stepping closer. I can’t remember the last time I held a baby. Maddie doesn’t really give me a choice, though, before she’s putting him in my arms. I cradle him as he stirs lightly and can’t help smiling at the little guy. He has his entire life ahead of him, and I put a little wish up in the universe that the world is kinder to him than it was to me. With parents like his, though, I have no doubt he’ll get the love and support he needs to thrive in life. I watch Tobias with a grin, and when I look up, Maddie and Liam are smiling at us. “Yep, now it’s your turn to have a few mini-yous,” she declares. “Make me an auntie.” “Don’t get any ideas, Mads. It takes two people to make babies,” I say softly. “Not to mention, it helps if you’re dating or married.” “Don’t tell her that. She’ll be setting you up on blind dates in Lawton Ridge. The power of the internet,” Liam says. “Now that’s an idea!” Maddie beams. “Need to get you on a dating app, STAT.” I roll my eyes, trying to ignore her, but it’s so damn hard when she’s steadily talking s**t. Tyler comes back with a bag full of trucks and smacks them down on my leg. “Gotta be careful around your brother, sweetie. Don’t get too close.” Maddie walks over and places his toys on the couch next to me instead. After a few more minutes, Maddie takes Tobias, and Tyler zeros in on me. He climbs on the sofa and takes out each truck, stacking them on my legs until I’m covered. It’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen, and it makes me wish we lived closer. I plan to visit more, though, especially since Maddie and Liam are determined to pop out kids every couple of years. I’m so damn thankful Serena suggested I surprise them with a visit. For the rest of the afternoon, we hang out and catch up. I play with Tyler and keep him occupied so Maddie and Liam can tend to the baby. When dinnertime comes around, I volunteer to cook. Maddie demands I make Cajun chicken pasta, so I do. Once we’re done eating and Tyler’s tucked into bed, Liam grabs a couple of beers, and we sit out on the patio until after the sun goes down. We talk about old times, and I realize even more how much I’ve missed his company. I go to bed with a smile on my face, which is a stark difference from only twenty-four hours ago. The next morning, I wake up and make breakfast—biscuits, country gravy, sausage, and eggs. Maddie’s in love with it all and demands I stay, which sounds just like my sister. After Liam and I clean the kitchen, I realize it’s almost time for me to go to the airport. Just mentioning I need to go has Maddie emotional. Once I’m packed, I give her a hug goodbye, and she squeezes me tight. “You better come back and visit us!” “I will,” I promise. “And bring Gemma with you,” she adds when we break apart. “Sure. I’ll make sure her fiancé comes too. It’ll be a big ole threesome,” I mock. “We better get on the road,” Liam interrupts. I give Tyler a high five, then Liam and I leave. There’s no traffic, so we arrive at the airport earlier than expected. As I grab my bag from the back seat, Liam speaks up, “Our house is always open to you, Tyler. Don’t be a stranger.” “I won’t. But hey, when Tobias is a little older, y’all come visit me so I can show you around. Wouldn’t suggest coming in the summer, though, unless you wanna have a heatstroke.” I chuckle at the memories of Liam telling me stories of Maddie being pregnant all summer and how miserable she was. “Yeah, maybe someday. I’ll miss you, bro,” Liam tells me as I step out of his SUV. “You too. We’ll keep in touch,” I vow, then walk inside. Goodbyes are always the hardest, especially when I’m leaving people I love, which is probably why I try to avoid saying them. Before I board, I text Everleigh and remind her when my flight lands. While I hate to leave my friends in Sacramento, I’m happy to be going back to Lawton Ridge—a sentiment I never thought I’d feel.