“Fuck you, Jaxy.”
Wilder barks out a laugh. “Just talk to her, man. It’s been five years. A lot has changed since then, and you’re both grown adults.”
“She asked for an annulment the other day.”
I wasn’t sure if I wanted to tell anyone, but I could use their support. Those papers have been weighing on my mind ever since, even though I tried to play it cool.
Jaxon’s face falls. “Shit, man. What did you say?”
“Told her I don’t make mistakes, and then lunch showed up. I left without signing the papers.”
Ruby grins. “Never thought Griffin would be the last Hayes to fall.”
Wilder nods in agreement. “I thought for sure it would be Jax.”
“Fuck you, Wild Man,” Jax says. “I’m by far the best brother.”
We reach a fork in the path that diverts toward the waterfall where we used to swim as kids.
“Anybody up for a dip in the creek?” I ask.
“Always.” Ruby takes off like a shot. The creek is her favorite spot on the ranch.
Jaxon spurs Copper into motion, taking off after her.
Wilder sidles up next to me on Storm. “If I thought it was serious, I would’ve said something sooner. You know that, right?”
I nod once. “I know.”
Growing up, Jaxon and Ruby were joined at the hip. As for me, I had Wilder. He’s the one who encouraged me to start the sanctuary. We all doted on Ruby because she was the baby of the family, but Wilder was and still is my best friend.
“You’re good for each other, you know? She balances out your gruffness, but she’s tough enough to handle your bullshit, too.” He lets out a humorless laugh. “She’s your Olivia.”
“Nobody’s ever made me feel the way she does. I don’t know what I’ll do if she wants to go through with the annulment.”
“I think you know where I stand. Just don’t fuck it up. Angie’s important to my family.”
“I know. Do you think…”
“Yeah. Jess would be ecstatic.” There’s a flash of sadness in his expression before he clears his throat and jerks his head toward the creek. “Come on. Can’t let the youngins have all the fun.”
When I get to the waterfall, Ruby and Jax are already wading in while Wilder ties Storm to the hitching post with the other horses.
“I’ll text Liv to bring us some towels and spare clothes,” he says.
My brow furrows. “Won’t they be on their second bottle of wine by now?”
He stares down at his phone as the screen lights up with aresponse. “Her stomach’s been bothering her the last few days, so I doubt it.”
“Shit, man. That sucks. Hope she’s not getting sick or something.”
His only response is a grunt. There’s something he’s not saying, but I have enough of my own shit to deal with.
After securing Phoenix, I wade into the cool water until I’m waist-deep. Ruby’s in the middle of the creek, floating on her back. When she spots me, she rights herself and splashes me.
I get her right back, but it doesn't faze her. Ruby’s always loved the water. She shakes it off and runs her fingers over the shimmering surface.
“Do you remember when we used to come here as kids?” she asks. “We’d trudge home soaking wet, and Mama would be pissed.”
