Page 57 of Cinnamon Strudel
“Thank you.” Naturally, he leaned in and kissed her cheek. “There’s a gift in the bag for you as well.”
While Ruby fetched hers, he opened the one for himself—a limited-edition snow globe Lego set. “I love it!” he exclaimed, unable to hide his inner child.
“And I love the earrings. Let me put them in.”
Ruby jumped off the couch and although he didn’t want to, Morgan felt a little lonely. Fortunately, Jude filled that spot right away. “I like Legos too.”
“I have a whole room full of them. Do you want to see the castle I’m working on?”
There was a pause before the couch dipped again and Ruby softly reminded her niece that he couldn’t see her. “You have to use your words, sweetheart.”
“Yes, please, Uncle Moe.” He pulled out his phone and showed Jude some of the pictures. “Does a princess live there?”
“No, it’s full of witches and wizards. But maybe I should build one for a princess next.”
“I can help!”
“I would love that very much.”
“Will you play games with us?”
“What games do you guys like to play?”
Ruby leaned against his shoulder, her hand softly on his thigh. “Monopoly is the one that keeps us occupied the most, but Uno is a favourite too.”
“I’m down for Uno. Well, as long as the rules are clarified first.”
“You mean the ones that each family makes up as they go?” Ruby laughed and kissed his cheek. “I’ll fill you in.”
“Beforethe game, right?”
That triggered a few chuckles around the room, and they all soon sat at the table. At his request, Ruby cleared all the open drinks from the danger zone, and then began to tell him where everyone had chosen to sit and what card they’d laid down. Soon enough everyone was taking over announcing what they laid down. During the second game, Ruby, who’s turn was before him, announced a Wild Draw Four card.
“That giggle you’re trying to suppress has me suspicious.” He looked around and squeezed her thigh. “Jude, would you mind coming here?”
The little girl’s laugh drew closer. “Yes, Uncle Moe?”
“I trust you. Did your auntie really lay down a draw four card?”
“No,” she sheepishly whispered.
He held his cards down to her and asked, “Which card should I lay down?” Jude sifted through his cards and pulled at one. He leaned in and saw a red four. “Perfect, do you mind laying it down for me?”
“I can’t reach.”
Morgan had the girl on his lap a moment later, teaming up with her to make sure Ruby didn’t pull anymore tricks. Ruby’s family asked questions, but there wasn’t a second where Morgan felt like they overstepped. They were very sweet, especially Angela. When it was time to start dinner, Ruby took Morgan’s hand and led him and Blue to the backyard.
“You look like you’re having fun.”
He pulled her into his side and tenderly hugged her. “I am. I feel right at home actually.”
“There was nothing to worry about after all.”
“Yeah, I’m kicking myself for being so nervous.”
Stepping back, they found that Percy had escaped the master bedroom. He darted past, with Angela scrambling along after him and furiously apologising. However, it seemed that the animals made quick friends.
They set the table, and Ruby filled his plate with everything he could ask for. “Potatoes are at twelve o’clock, meat at two, vegetables at six. Oh, and the sauce is all over.”
