Page 54 of Waiting for Redemption

“You are unbelievable.” I shake my head at him.

“And I’m so glad that you’re still here for me to aggravate about it,” he teases before his features morph into something much more serious.

“Seriously, Tank. I don’t know how I missed so many signs of what you were going through when I went through them myself not that long ago. But I’m so fucking grateful to be sitting here with you right now. I love you, brother. I see you and we’re going to get you some help.” Tucker’s eyes fill with tears, much like my own and I shake my head in agreement.

“Yeah, I uh… I love you, too, Tuck.” We stand from the table and he wraps me in an embrace that feels like he’s trying to protect me from any harm that may try to come my way—self-made or otherwise.

“Okay.” He takes a deep breath, grabbing my shoulders as he backs away. “Grab your shit. Let’s go.”

“What? Where are we going?” I ask, drawing my brows together in confusion.

“Well, I’m planning to propose to Taylor, and since I’m not letting you out of my sight for the rest of the day, you’re coming with me to get a soft pretzel and pick up the ring.”

“You’re gettingmarried? What the hell happened on that road trip?” I laugh, crossing my arms over my chest.

“Grab your shoes and I’ll tell you.” He wags his eyebrows, making me instantly regret my question.

“You know what, I actually don’t want to know. But congratulations.”

“Oh, it’s too late for that. I’m gonna tell you and next thing you know you’ll be asking Ruby to drive to Canada with you.” He keeps on while I lace up my boots and we head out the door.

Maybe the darkness that’s been taking over my life isn't just my fate after all. Maybe it’s something much more complex that I need to face. Something that I need to remove to see that there are actually people in my life who care about me, andwantme around.

Having Tucker and Ruby both show up for me today made me grateful that by some miracle I’ve been given a second chance—to dig deeper into what’s going on inside my head, and start living a life where I learn to love myself, instead of hating and hurting myself.

After all, if those two think I’m worth saving, then… maybe I am.

CHAPTER20

RUBY

6 MONTHS LATER…

Shane

The game starts at 10 right?

Me

Yes ma’am. You guys coming?

Shane

Of course! We wouldn’t miss it for the world.

Taylor

Tucker and I will be there too!

Leah

If Lauren doesn’t forget to come get me I’ll be there!

Lauren

How could I ever forget you, beautiful? You’ve texted me 15 times to remind me this morning.

Leah

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