Page 70 of Waiting for Redemption

I open my mouth to ask her where it came from but I’m stopped by the door to the room opening.

“Let’s go, people. The boys are officially waiting,” Taylor announces as she walks into the room, dropping a small black duffle bag on the coffee table. Lauren clasps the locket around my neck as I grab my phone, checking it once more before handing it over to Leah. Tank and I haven’t talked much since setting this all in motion, so I’m a little shocked when I see his name on the screen.

Tank

See you at the altar, Honey.

Butterflies flutter to life in my stomach, though I’m unsure if it’s from excitement or nerves. With no time to spare, that thought gets thrown onto the back burner as we make our way across the street. I’m so focused on not tripping, and remembering to breathe, that I don’t even realize when we make it to the wall of hedges that hides me from the view at the altar.

“Max is on his way to walk you down the aisle.” My eyes widen as Shane gives me a puzzled look. “What? Do you want to take a chance of tripping down this hill in that dress?” she remarks.

“No.” I mouth off. As soon as Max rounds the corner in a suit, I stand up a little straighter. He freezes in place as if he’s been stunned while he takes in my appearance.

“You ready?” he asks, clearing his throat.

“As I can be.” I offer a tight-lipped smile, as the girls scurry down the hill. When it’s just the two of us, I feel this overwhelming sense of disappointment from Max.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you what was going on.” I drop my head as he walks over beside me.

“Ruby, you’ve been like family to me for seven years. You don’t owe me or anyone else here an explanation. But I saw the pain in your eyes when you told us he was back. I just never want you to forget that you can come to me when you need help.” A tear rolls down my cheek and I swipe it away before my makeup smudges.

“Well, I couldn’t exactly ask for your help withthis,” I tease, trying to lighten the mood. He chuckles and shakes his head.

“Yeah, I suppose not.” His smile fades and he looks at me more seriously now. “You sure you know what you’re doing?” he asks, sending me into an immediate panic.

“No.” I laugh, “But we’ll figure it out.” We stand quiet for another moment before a thought comes crashing to my mind.

“Oh, shit.” I look up at Max with wide eyes. “Um, I really appreciate you offering to walk me down the aisle, but uh, I think I need Tank.” He raises a brow at me.

“Isn’t it bad luck to see the bride before the wedding?” My face drops in annoyance.

“Really?You too?” He looks at me more curiously. “It’s not real,” I whisper, making him roll his eyes as he turns to walk back down the hill.

“Yeah, it is, Rubes. It’s very real. The sooner you realize that, the better.” His words make my stomach drop, he takes another step before turning on his heel. “By the way, you make a beautiful bride.”

“Thanks,” I mumble, then he’s gone.

What the hell is that supposed to mean?

I mean, I’m not an idiot, I know this islegal, but if he meant what he said, in the same wayIdid, then I feel completely in the dark.

“Is everything o–” The deep voice that sends heat throughout my body causes my eyes to snap up instantly.

“Oh my god.”

Oh my god.

He’s wearing his Marine’s dress blues, and he looks so fucking handsome.

CHAPTER25

TANK

The sly winkLauren gives me as they take their seats lets me know she did what I asked. I’m grateful for her participation because I knew there was no way in hell Ruby would let any of this happen without the persuasion of her friends. My palms are sweating as I wait for her to appear over the hill. I can’t wait for her to see the view—there’s a light fog settling over the pond behind the courthouse and the sky is the most beautiful shade of purple tonight as the sun is setting and if that doesn’t feel like fate, I don’t know what does. A few minutes pass and Max appears,withoutRuby.

Shit. What happened?

When he walks up to me he shrugs.

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