Page 104 of Rules

"He's going to be fine," I told her softly. "The vet said he needs to stay calm for a week." I repeated. "Irene has his medication."

Ruth looked up at me, her one good eye filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Tobias."

I shifted awkwardly, shoving my hands in my pockets. "I should have been there to protect you both. I'm sorry, Ruth."

"You couldn't have known."

"No," I interrupted. "I don't mean just about the break-in. I mean for everything. For pushing you away. For hurting you. For being too scared to admit how I really feel."

Ruth went still, her hand continuing to stroke Joey but her gaze fixed on me. "And how do you really feel?"

The moment of truth. No more running. No more excuses. I crossed to the other side of the bed.

"Do you need your pillow fixed?" I asked remembering what she said when I opened the door.

"Yes, the one right behind me needs to be higher please." She sat forward allowing me to pull the pillow up. "Thank you, that's much better." She looked up at me with her one eye. "Now, how do you feel?"

I sat on the edge of the bed and took her hand. "I love you, Ruth. I have since that night at the Chamber event. I love your honesty, your courage, your passion. I love how you've built this business on your own. I love that you never let anyone make you feel small, including me. I had no right to talk to you the way I did. I know it's just an excuse but I was afraid. Afraid of what people would think about us. Afraid of losing you the way I lost Joan. Afraid I wasn't enough for someone like you. So, I pushed you away, told myself I was protecting you by keeping my distance. I let you believe my lies of how sexy you are. I hurt you Roo and I couldn't be more sorry about that. I know I don't deserve it but please forgive me."

Ruth's eyes were wide, tears slipping down her cheek. She brushed them away. "You could have told me all this before. What were you worried people would say?"

I shook my head. "I was worried people would say you were too young for me. Say I'd robbed the cradle. Things like that. You know how the town loves to talk. I told myself they wouldn't re-elect a sheriff like that. I know I was a coward. And when you confronted me at the grocery store, I panicked. But seeing you in that hospital bed..."

"I don't remember you being at the hospital."

"I was, I spent the first night with you. I had to know you were alright." My voice cracked. "I realized what really matters. You matter. How I feel about you matters. Nothing else does. Even if it costs me my job. I don't care. I want you. I love you."

She was quiet for a moment, and I prepared myself for rejection. I deserve nothing less.

"I love you too," she finally said, her voice thick with emotion.

Hope flared in my chest. "You do?" I locked eyes with her.

"Of course I do. Tobias, why do you think I was so hurt? Why do you think I lashed out? You made me feel like there was something wrong with me, with my body."

"I know and I was wrong," I said fiercely. "You're perfect. God, the things you do to me, Ruth. Please believe me, you're amazing and I was the problem."

Ruth gave a watery laugh, then winced as the movement pulled at her injuries. "We need to work on your timing. Confessions like this should end in kisses but my lips are sore."

Gently, I leaned forward and pressed the softest kiss to her forehead, avoiding her injuries.

"More kisses give you a goal to get better for," I murmured against her skin.

She laughed again, softer this time. "That's presumptuous, Sheriff Trenton."

"Just hopeful, Ms. Manchester."

Joey, sensing the shift in mood, gave a small approving yip from his spot beside Ruth, causing us both to smile.

"Rest," I told her, standing reluctantly. "Focus on getting better. I'll be here."

Ruth caught my hand as I turned to go. "Tobias, the men, I heard one of them say that he heard on the scanner that the cops were on the way. They're listening to you all."

I brought her hand to my lips, kissing her knuckles gently. "I know, I read the report. I want so much to tell you how proud Iam of you fighting back. But, Ruth, we talked about you working late."

"I know Tobias, I even thought about what you said." She looked at our hands. "But I ignored your warnings because I was frustrated with you."

I put my finger under her chin and raised her eyes to mine. "Do you remember what I said I would do if I found you working late again?" I laughed at the redness that rose up her face as she remembered.

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