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Holiday Heir

Page 152

by Maggie Cole

She points toward the bedroom. "You were sleeping. And Jagger said you needed sleep.”

My face heats.

Mama smiles sweetly.

Traitor.

I shove my phone back into my pocket. "Did he say when he'd be back?"

"He said he'd meet you at the racetrack."

I stare past the doorway of Jagger's bedroom and at the freshly made bed. Then a slightly terrifying idea forms. But it's also something I know I need to do.

I grab my coat. "Okay. Thanks for telling me."

"Where are you going?"

"To see Ruby."

Mama's eyes narrow.

I smile and walk out before she can interrogate me.

Cold air hits my face as I cross the yard toward the main house. Half the family is already getting ready to leave for the track. Trucks are lined up near the barn. Horse trailers fill the drive. Somewhere behind the equipment shed, Mason hollers something followed by a string of profanity.

I knock once on Ruby's kitchen door before opening it. "Ruby?"

"In here!"

I find her in the dining room wrapping a scarf around her neck.

She smiles. "Everything okay?"

"Yep. I have a weird question."

"Those are usually the best kind."

"Do you happen to have an extra crib?"

She doesn't even hesitate. "Honey, I have eight children and more grandchildren than I can keep track of some days. I've got baby furniture stored all over this ranch."

I laugh. "Right."

"Why?"

Heat creeps up my neck. "I was thinking Charlie could maybe stay at Jagger's tonight."

"With you?"

I clear my throat. "Yes."

Her smile expands.

"Please don't make this weird."

"I didn't say anything."

"You don't have to. Your face is screaming."