Page 58 of Cinnamon Strudel
Fuck, he’d known he couldn’t let her go since their first date, but damn—he’d never recover if something happened to them.He demanded to have her hand in his and softly kissed her knuckles. “Thank you.”
Typically, he would have been overwhelmed by new people and unknown spaces, but feeling supported and included whisked his stress away faster than he could think about it. Throughout dinner—the whole day, really—Ruby didn’t shy away from showing him affection. She shared tender touches and whispered praises with him. It encouraged him to do the same, not wanting her to feel uncomfortable in front of her family.
“Now what about a lazy stroll?” Angela asked as they cleared the table—not that he was of much help.
“You know my answer,” Remi grumbled. “But I am bribeable.”
“So, what about ice cream on the go?” Angela pressed. “Morgan, do you and Blue want to join?”
“Yes, I want to walk with Blue!” Jude cheered.
“Maybe let Morgan answer for himself,” Denise instructed.
“I’m sure Blue would love a walk and I’m all for ice cream too.”
While everyone got their shoes on, Ruby asked, “Would you like Blue’s harness?”
“As long as you don’t stand me up somewhere, I think he’d enjoy a stroll off the clock.”
“Let me grab your cane then.”
Once out the door, Ruby had her hand in the back pocket of his jeans while he used the curb to find his way and enjoyed his ice cream.
Blue walked with Rhett and Jude, who was overjoyed and skipping along with the dog from what Ruby told him. They stopped at the park, where Jude demanded everyone’s attention and Morgan sat down with Blue to take a breather. The sun still warmed his face, and he closed his eyes, spoiling Blue with some ear scratches.
“You make her happy.” Remi sat down next to him, his voice much raspier than the others. “And you don’t seem to be a prick like her last boyfriend.”
“That depends on who you ask.” He grinned to himself, listening to Ruby and Jude giggle over something her dad was doing. “She makes me happy as well.”
“Good, let’s keep it that way.”
“I have no other intentions.”
“You’ve definitely won over Mom and Dad. They already love you.”
“But you’re more sceptical.”
“Well, you seem like a great guy, but what kind of brother would I be if I let you off this easily.”
Morgan laughed and shook his head. “The second I told my brothers she was taking me to the Zoo Lights, she’d won them over too.”
“She did say they surprised her at work.”
“Idiots—but I guess they also just meant well.”
Gravel crunching announcedherarrival. “You look a little tired.”
“And here I was hoping you’d focus on how handsome I look.” She pushed her knees between his and cupped his face. “Admittedly, I am.”
“We’re heading back soon and once mom loads off the leftovers on us, I’ll drive you home.”
“I can call an Uber.”
Remi cleared his throat. “She’s trying to tell you she’s spending the night with you.”
Morgan rolled his eyes, but leaned into her warm palms as his hands found her thighs. “I thought you’d want to spend more time with your family.”
“Mom’s invited us for lunch tomorrow, if you’d like to join.”
