She holds up her ring finger to show me the diamond band that now sits beneath her extravagant ruby engagement ring. “I did.”
“Mama’s gonna kill you.”
She backhands my shoulder. “You’re not going to tell her. Besides, she’ll be too busy planning your wedding to care about mine.”
“Would you really deprive Pops of walking you down the aisle?”
Ruby slumps back against the sofa, wine glass in hand. “No. We’ll have a small ceremony eventually, it’s just that we waited so long to get together, I couldn’t wait any longer to be his wife.”
Makes sense. Ruby and Liam danced around their feelings for ten years before they finally got their happy ending. I’m patient, but ten more years of wanting Callie and not having her would drive me to the brink of madness.
“So, are you Ruby Lynn Murphy now?”
“Nope.” She smirks. “They’re legally mine. Liam and Aiden Hayes.”
I press my thumb against the opposite palm, massaging a pressure point. “I’m happy for you.”
She gazes at me sympathetically, and in that moment, she looks so much like our mom. “You need to find happiness for yourself, too.”
“I’m getting there.”
“Good. Eat your tacos. The guest bedroom is all set up so you can sleep it off and drive home with a clear head.”
I pop a chip into my mouth and swallow. “Wanna come back with me?”
The long drive home alone sounds like hell. The last thing I need is more time alone to stew with my thoughts.
“I was planning to stay in Nashville for a few more days, but I could always leave early. Liv wants to go wedding dress shopping next week.”
I wrap my arm around her shoulder and pull her in for a side hug. “I’ll let you have full control of the radio.”
“Deal.”
Chapter 24
Fix You
? Fix You Too - Megan Maroney
feat. Kameron Marlowe
Jaxon
It’searly evening when we make it back to the ranch, and Callie is nowhere to be found. After a string of unanswered texts and a thorough search of the property, I give up and text Mo.
Jaxon: Have you seen Callie?
Mo: I warned you not to fuck with her.
Jaxon: I know. I fucked up. I’m gonna make it right.
Mo: Why should I trust you?
I type out a response, then delete it. This pattern repeats several times before Ruby snatches the phone from my hand andanswers for me.
Jaxon: Because I care about her.
Mo: I’m supposed to meet her at the ridge in half an hour. Fix it.
