“She’s the first person I told.” Murray scowled, indignant. “She understands why I had to do this, and she won’t jeopardize anything that gets her out of her mother’s house and into mine. And I’m warning you now, Ramsay, I won’t let anyone else jeopardize it either.”
“Are you threatening me?”
“I agreed to speak with you and Tierney for London’s sake, but I’m beginning to regret it. Who are you to stand there and judge us? Have you lived a perfect life made up of perfect choices?”
While I hated the idea of being at odds with my friends, I couldn’t help but appreciate Murray’s composure in that moment. He was annoyed, but he was always cool and collected. Not hot tempered and aggressive. It was a nice change. I seemed to have always ended up with guys who yelled when they were frustrated or mad. Nick was just the first one to throw a punch.
Ramsay heaved out a sigh. “No, I haven’t. I’m just worried for you both.”
“You don’t have to be.” I directed this at Nee. “I shouldn’t have dragged you into the truth, making you keep this secret. I’m sorry.”
“Spoon, I would have known the truth even if you’d lied to my face. I much prefer you being honest with us. Especially since you’re going to have to lie to a whole lot of people.” She shrugged, her eyes suddenly bright. “Look, I’m hyperemotional right now so I’m going to try to say this without crying. I will always have your back. If you’d walked in here and told me you needed help with burying a body, I’d go get a shovel. So, I’m not judging you. Either of you. I’m just … I’m worried.”
I released Murray’s hand to bridge the distance between me and my friend. Ramsay let her go too so I could pull Nee into a tight embrace. “All you need to worry about is growing my little niece or nephew, okay?” I kissed her cheek and pulled back so she could see my sincerity. “For the first time in two years, I feel almost like myself again. I promise you, I’m good. I’m better than good.”
Nee gripped my arms. “I trust you. But you and I are scheduling a little girl talk in the very near future.”
My lips twitched. “Okay. It’s a date.”
Suddenly a phone rang, piercing the tense atmosphere in the kitchen. Nee let go of me with a huff and reached back for the cell that was vibrating on the island. “It’s Cammie … Yullo?” she answered. I heard the faint sound of Cammie talking. Tierney’s eyes widened as they flew to Murray. “Murray bought two wedding bands from Mrs. Gilchrist yesterday?”
Murray smirked. “Told you it wouldn’t be long.”
“You mean that was deliberate?” Ramsay asked.
Murray shrugged. “Just planting the seeds.”
“Watching them grow.” I snorted, and he chuckled.
“Glad you both find this amusing.” Ramsay crossed his arms over his chest. “Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
I rolled my eyes and gestured to Nee to give me the phone.
Nee widened her eyes but said, “Cammie, London wants to talk to you. I’m handing the phone over.”
As soon as I took it, I said, “Hey, Cammie.”
“London, I was just telling Tierney the gossip?—”
“Murray bought the rings for me and him. We’re married.”
Murray’s choked amusement made me smile, as did the way Tierney rested her forehead against Ramsay’s arm with a long groan like she thought I was an idiot.
At Cammie’s answering screech, I had to pull the phone from my ear. “I think she’s surprised.”
Murray let out a bark of laughter.
It was the first time I’d ever heard him laugh like that.
It was a good sound.
And it heated me in places it had no right giving me the hot tingles.
Okay.
So maybe our friends had a right to be a little concerned …
9.Murray
