Page 58 of Waiting for Redemption

“He’s with my brother. He’s safe—and so are you. I’ve got you.” As if the dam of emotions within her breaks from those nine words, she lets herself fall apart in my arms. The frantic gasps for air mixed with sobs take turns stealing her breath.

“Okay, okay. Ruby. Hey.” Keeping my voice as steady as possible, I bend to pull her focus back to me, holding her arms to steady her as I try my hand at one of the only things that’s ever helped me in these situations.

“Tell me what you can see.” Her eyes dart around for a moment before they lock with mine.

“Trees, your tattoos, your green eyes. They look like emeralds.” I smirk, loving how it feels to know she’s looking atme.

“What can you smell?” I ask, remembering vividly the order she’s asked me these questions in.

“You. Sandalwood and musk and your peppermint gum.” When her eyes fall to my mouth, it takes everything in me to stay focused on the task at hand.

“Good. Now, what can you feel?” Her eyes begin to water as she squeezes my forearms. She doesn’t answer but she’s breathing more steadily now, so I pull her into my chest, holding her tight and running my hand through her hair as I plant kisses on the top of her head. I can’t believe I went six whole months without holding her.

God, I fucking missed her.

“Are you actually here?” I hear her muffled voice ask, as she squeezes her arms around me.

“I’m here, Honey, and I’m not leaving you again,” I assure her. Her fingertips dig into my back, like she’s scared I’ll disappear from her grasp. I close my eyes to savor the moment. though it doesn’t last nearly long enough.

Parents begin cheering as the next game starts up, startling Ruby and causing her to step out of my embrace. When I see the tear stains on her cheeks I pull her over to an empty area near the parking lot so we can talk.

“Forgive the ignorant question, but are you okay?” I ask, watching as she spaces out again. She shakes her head no, not meeting my gaze.

“Did he say anything to you? Before I got over here.” Her eyes shift, but she doesn’t answer.

“Do you have any idea why he would show up here?” Her lip quivers and her eyes well with tears again as she shakes her head once more. I take her chin between my index finger and thumb, tilting her head back just enough to make those beautiful eyes of hers focus on mine.

“Why did you say yes when he asked if we were married?” I ask, not at all upset by the idea, simply curious given our distance these last few months. She scoffs, wiping her tears away angrily as she tries to shake her head no again—avoiding answering the question.

“Ruby.” She stills in my grip, eyes unwavering from mine as she visibly swallows.

“I got scared,” she whispers. “It felt safer to make him think–” she trails off, mentally talking herself out of finishing that sentence.

“To make him think what?” My hand caresses her cheek before tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

“It’s so stupid.” She scolds herself, averting my gaze by taking in her surroundings.

“Tell me anyway.” She looks back up at me, eyes bouncing between mine as she takes in a deep breath.

“To make him think I was yours. That way he couldn’t get to me because there was someone like you protecting me.” The way she keeps her eyes locked on mine, when I know she wants to shy away after making such a bold statement is one of the many things I love about Ruby.

“I will always protect you. You should know that by now.” Her vulnerability is quickly replaced by a flash of anger as if what I’ve just said sparked a dormant feeling to life.

“Then where thehellhave you been the last six months? Huh?” My brows knit together in confusion. “You just quit the bar and disappeared then sent Tucker to play mailman.”

She didn’t read it.

“Ruby…”

“You know what? Let’s not do this.” She holds a hand up to stop me as I try stepping closer to her. “I’m sorry you got dragged into the bullshit from my past, but I can handle it. Excuse me, I have to go find my son.” She starts walking away and I hate that it feels a lot like I’m losing her again.

But that won’t stop me from trying to make amends. I know she needs space after everything that happened just now—so I’ll give it to her. But I’m done staying away. I’ve waited long enough, I put in the work to heal, and though she may be refusing to acknowledge it right now, Rubyismine.And God help the man who tries to touch her while she is.

“Consider our wedding officiallyoff.” She stops and calls over her shoulder, making me grin instinctively.

For now, Honey.

* * *

---