Heart & Hope (Rosewood Ranch #2)

Chapter 34

RUBY

I wait outside the Heritage Inn, pacing the sidewalk like a woman possessed. The family lawyer told me to leave it alone. But I can’t do that. Too much is at stake to let this play out and go whichever way a judge decides on any given day. And having enemies in a small town doesn’t sit well with me.

The fact that they are two women tugs at my soul. We may come from very different backgrounds, but we should have each other’s backs, not be fighting like street cats over stupid shit—and especially not over the opposite sex. So I am going to fix this. The Ruby way. I guess you could say I’m getting into the Christmas spirit a little early this year.

The door swings open, and two women spill out into the midday sunshine. By the way they are chatting and shouldering their bags, I’m guessing it’s their lunch break. I stride up to where they stop, checking their phones. My heart hammers, nerves lit up like lightning through a rod.

“Ladies?” I say, pulling my best smile and wringing my own phone through my hands.

Starr glances up from her screen. “Say what? Where’s your fake husband, Robbins? Or is it really Rawlins?”

“No, it’s not. But I’m not here to cause trouble. I want to apologize.”

Skye slides her phone into her bag and folds her arms, raising an eyebrow. “I’m listenin’.”

“No way, she only wants out of the lawsuit, don’t give her an inch, babes.”

“This isn’t about the suit, I promise. It’s about Reed.”

Now Starr snaps her hands to her hips and harrumphs. “Fine, what is it?”

“I have a proposition for you.”

Starr’s eyes go wide. “We are not hookers, bitch.”

Good Lord.

Okay, let’s try a rephrase. “I have a deal for you. I want to help you.”

“In exchange for what?” Skye tilts her head.

“So, here’s the stats, I can help you to make headway in your careers, or help you find something better than this waitressing gig. Something that pays better, something you love. Name it, I’ll help you get there.”

“Why would we want that, and what does that have to do with Rawlins?”

“You want to be waitressing the rest of your lives?”

I study their faces. I’ve seen enough of small towns and low socioeconomic families to know how this will play out for them both. Work as a waitress, get married, get knocked up. Back to waitressing, a tiring job with shit pay. Having to pick up a second job to make ends meet.

Nope, it doesn’t have to be this way.

“So like, any job we want?” Starr says.

“Probably nothing with NASA, but you never know. My connections are pretty vast.”

Their faces don’t change. Okay, no more jokes, Ruby.

“What about nursing? I always wanted to be a nurse. Mama wouldn’t pay for the studies.”

“Sure, we can do that.”

Starr’s face lights up. “Are you for real?”

“I am.” I beam at her, arms wide. She pulls out her phone and taps on the screen for a moment before turning it to show me a site from her favorites tab. A nursing college one town over sits on the screen. “That looks amazing, we can do that.”

Skye chews her bottom lip between her teeth. “And what do you want in return?”

“I need you to leave Reed be—his business, his family. He has worked so hard to bring the holiday ranch to where it is, he can’t lose it. Please, anything to help the ranch prosper and grow would be amazing.”

“So, you will give us tuition and stuff and we just have to not troll his business?” Skye’s brows lower.

“That sums it up, yes.”

“Why are you doing that for him? Your fake marriage was busted and shit.” Skye tilts her head, as if trying to comprehend.

“Look, all I know is that sometimes it’s hard to do the right thing. And sometimes instead of fighting, we should all make the best of what we have.”

“Sounds alright to me. I can take down the review. And the lawsuit, I’ll ring the lawyer and drop it,” Starr says. A smile peaks over her face.

“Wonderful. Skye?”

Her gaze drops to the sidewalk, and it takes a moment before she returns it to me. “I want to leave this place. I wanna write, you know. Not like a journalist or anything. Stories or whatever.”

“How about a literary degree?” I prompt.

“Really?” Her face turns stunned.

“Sure.” I grin, and her mouth gapes. “I know a fantastic online degree. You can keep working while you study, and when you’re done, you can submit some work to publishers.”

“Oh shit! You’re serious, aren’t you. I don’t know what to say.”

“Nothing to say. You’re welcome.”

“Maybe I could do a blog or something for the ranch? And of course, I will take down the shitty review and drop the suit also. Was Morley’s idea, anyway.”

“Figures. And we’ll see.” I chuckle. “What about a town gazette or the likes?”

“Can I grab your number?” Starr asks.

“Sure, give me your phones and I’ll pop my number in. Text anytime you want.”

“Can we attend R & R events?”

“Sure thing. But please, leave Morley at home.”

Starr nudges her friend.

“I dumped him last night, such a creep.”

“Yeah, I can see that.”

I hand their phones back to them and they glance at each other. “You want lunch?” Skye asks.

“Oh, I don’t want to impose.”

Skye readjusts her bag over her shoulder. “Can you tell me some more about this degree?”

“I can. Actually one of my friends back east just graduated. She loved it.”

“Come on, then. The pub has the best steaks in town.”

I walk with the two women toward our reconciliation lunch. They chat about their dreams and plans that don’t include Great Falls, Montana. And a little spark of warmth blooms to fill my chest, knowing I have taken something sour and turned it sweet, filling me with happiness.

Lou’s red sauce should be outlawed. It’s that damn good. The earthy flavors hit so right. So good. We stand shoulder to shoulder in her huge kitchen, making Christmas dinner for the family. My family. The one I have waited twenty-eight years for.

The Robbins household doesn’t do Christmas, and I have spent half of my childhood holidays with Addy and her family. This year, Addy’s parents are in Greece. So we are here, at Rosewood Ranch, and it feels like home.

The men are outside grilling. Addy wanders in, arms loaded with more wood for the hearth, Charlie at her heels. Light snowfall drifts outside, and the trees covered in glittering white are lit up with the fairy lights.

Reed insisted the lights be on, and the entire homestead yard looks like a nativity scene, lights glowing from under the snowy branches and up the massive trunks. A mix of carols sung by country artists plays over the stereo that Reed is once again designated DJ for. Mistletoe hangs in the front door, in the arch of the hallway, and over every bedroom door.

Harry’s idea.

Apparently, the only day Harry Rawlins softens is Christmas with his family. Figures. The man is a walking human barometer, and the holidays bring out the kindness in most people. I think he is secretly trying to give Louisa the grandbabies she so desperately wants.

It’s sweet.

The pot on the stove in front of me bubbles over.

“Shit!”

I turn the heat down and slip the lid off. The pasta I was assigned to cook has risen to the top. The white frothy cloud simmers down, and I stir it.

“I think it’s done, hon.” Lou nudges my shoulder with hers, smiling.

“If you say so, Lou. I’m not the best with food. Maybe you should have Addy help next year.”

She hugs my shoulders with one arm. “But I love cooking with you, Rubes. Luckily, since we are going into business, sweetheart.”

“True, but when we created this event and catering partnership, I was imagining me doing the planning part, not the cooking part.”

She laughs and whips her tea towel at me. “You do just fine. Anyway, I think both sides are a two-woman job. I’ll teach you food, you teach me events.”

“Sounds amazing.” I can’t wipe the smile that has spread over my face and Lou rests her hand on my cheek. “I’m so glad you’re here.” Silver lines her eyes.

Tears burn. “Wouldn’t be anywhere else.”

Strong arms slide around my waist, and the smell of Reed tangles through my senses, shrouding out the Italian fragrances we have been working on for over an hour. His face buries into my neck. “Don’t go gettin’ all emotional on me, baby. The day is only just started. Long lunch, lazy supper, and then wine by the fire. I don’t see us fallin’ into bed any time before midnight.”

I lay my head back on his and close my eyes. Louisa chuckles, clicking the stove off. I cover Reed’s hands with my own. He pushes upright and spins me round to face him before pushing me into the counter beside the stove. He kisses me with equal parts hunger and playfulness. Fingers crawling through his hair a second later, I forget we are smack bang in the middle of his ma’s kitchen.

“Alright, you two. Save it for later.” A familiar chuckle.

Breaking apart, we turn to find Hudson carrying in the tray of cooked meats. The door stays open behind him as Lawson files in with Harry.

I release Reed and skirt the counter as Lawson pulls me in for a hug. “Hey, Ruby.”

“Lawson, you made it. Merry Christmas.”

“We did,” he whispers with a wink. When he loosens his hold, I step back, and Reed grabs his hand, and they pull in close for a one-arm man hug. At least, I think that’s what it is.

“Can you give me a hand, Ruby?” Addy pipes up. I wander to the hearth where she sits stacking logs. The Christmas tree that almost touches the ceiling stands over a pile of presents. Another thing the Robbins family never does—gifts.

Reed and Hudson talk to Lawson, cracking beers as they sink into the sofa. But my smile fades as I realize not every Rawlins made it.

“You okay, Rubes?” Addy says softly.

I glance at Reed. “Yeah, I wish Mack was home.”

I force a happy face. I know how much Reed loves his brother and worries when he is on tour. The stress eats at him. He tries to hide it, but I notice it slip through some days. What I wouldn’t do to make that go away.

The wind picks up outside, a low whistle funneling past the snow-coated windows as the white fall gets heavier.

“Dinner, y’all.” Lou stands by the counter. The men file into their seats like they have since they were small, and Addy and I take our places by Hudson and Reed. Lawson sits by his mother, Harry at the head. One seat remains empty beside Reed. Mack’s.

Harry holds out his hands on either side of his plate. Lou slides her hand into one. Hudson places his hand in the other. We link hands until everyone is joined.

The soft twang of the country Christmas songs fills the quiet moment as we hang our heads and Harry starts. “With these and all his merc?—”

The door swings open. Snow swirls inside around a camo silhouette. The tall figure of dulled green and greys moves. “You not startin’ without me, are you?”

Mack.

Emotion bubbles up my throat as I look to Reed. His face is wrecked in an instant. He is up and across the floor before the next heartbeat. Mack drops his duffle bag and hugs his brother tight. Louisa stands, hand over her mouth as she sucks back small sobs.

“Hey, Ma. Merry Christmas.” Mack folds her into the hug.

“They let you off early, Mackie?” Lawson says, pulling Mack’s seat out.

“We got pulled out.”

Louisa fusses over him, and Reed comes back to my side, dropping into his seat with a kiss to my cheek. His hands tighten to fists on his thighs. I slide my hand under his and lace my fingers with his. “Breathe, gorgeous.”

He huffs a strangled laugh.

We eat, chatting and laughing, wine and whiskey flowing. Mack entertains us with his funny barracks prank stories. Reed hangs on every word. And when my gaze tracks back to Louisa, she beams at me. She raises her glass, and the table goes quiet. “To all my beautiful children.” She gives Addy and me pointed looks, and the men chuckle.

“Welcome to the family, darlins’.” Harry’s blue eyes sparkle and Louisa stares at her husband with something so ethereal it sends butterflies soaring in my stomach.

Lawson slaps the table. “Must be time for presents!”

“God, yes.” Reed shuffles out of his chair and drags me along with him. I stumble behind with a giggle. I’ve never seen him so eager to sit on the floor before. He sinks onto the rug by the fire and pulls me into his lap. A moment later, he’s hard underneath me. I lean back and whisper in his ear, “Don’t think we’re going to make it to midnight, baby.”

“Don’t need a bed to make you come, beautiful.” His lips brush my temple, his words so soft they send goosebumps over my entire body.

When every last Rawlins is settled in by the fire and whiskey and wine is repoured, Louisa kneels by the tree and hands out presents. Harry unwraps a new watch. The navy-blue velvet box looks something like a TAG Heuer piece. Fancy, Lou, nice work. Our shopping trips are brushing off on her.

She flashes me a smile.

Addy hands an envelope to Lawson, and he opens it. Tickets to a Yankees game. Four of them. One for each brother. Reed gets to go to New York, after all.

When only one more present sits under the tree, Reed bends forward and plucks up the silver-wrapped box and hands it to me. An envelope rests on the top, larger than the box and red ribbon. I shoot him a curious glance and slip the card out. The room is silent except for the crackling fire.

Opening the card, I take in the handwriting. Reed’s.

Hey beautiful,

I know I’m probably sittin’ right by you. But since I want this to last, I thought I better write it down.

That way there’s no faking it . . .

I stare at Reed. Every single face is homed in on me. Addy is almost jumping out of her skin on Hudson’s lap. Hudson has a hand over his mouth, head tilted down, eyes drilling into my face. My heart picks up the pace.

Faking it . . .

The fake husband thing.

“Reed,” I breathe.

“Keep readin’, baby,” he rasps.

Harry and Louisa beam at me. I drop my eyes back to the handwriting.

I literally can’t breathe without you. I want to take care of you, Rubes. No, strike that, I love taking care of you. I want you as much as I need you. I adore you. Dammit woman, I love you so damn much.

Will you

Just open the box, baby.

Reed xxx

I let the card fall from my fingers and tug the red ribbon from the silver paper. But I hesitate and move off his lap, settling on the floor to face him. I want to watch his face. You only get one chance in this life to see what I think is coming when I open this small box.

The paper falls away, revealing black velvet. I glance up at Reed. The most gorgeous smile stretches his face, his green eyes lit up.

I open the box. A solitaire diamond sits nestled in a white velvet cushion.

“Holy shit...” The air leaves my lungs as my mouth gapes.

Harry tosses his head back with a hearty laugh. Louisa leans into him, tears rolling down her cheeks as she smiles at me. I look up at Reed. He’s stilled, that gorgeous grin has slipped, and his hands are in his lap. His breaths are shallow. All three brothers’ concerned gazes are locked on his face, and something like surprise and worry tangle on each of their handsome faces. They haven’t seen him like this before.

I crawl back into his lap and take his face in my hands. “Breathe, baby. Then put that pretty rock on my finger.”

He smiles through a ragged breath. Pressing my forehead to his, I run my thumbs over his jaw. His eyes close, hands on my waist as he pulls me closer. His body is trembling. I hold him tight, whispering, “I will always be yours, sweet man.”

When he relaxes and releases me, I lean back and hand him the box. He takes the ring out and finds my hand. Green eyes lit up, he slides the engagement ring onto my finger. Now tears burn their way past my eyes and roll down my cheek.

God, I love this man.

Every single part of him.

But there is one more surprise for the day, thanks to Lawson’s help. And this moment feels like the right one.

“You alright?” I ask.

“Am now, Rubes.”

I smile and push up from the floor, pulling him up with a hand. His family watches as I lead him to the door. Slipping on my boots with the pink tops I love so much, I hand him his coat and nudge his shoes toward him with my foot. He dons both as I pull my coat over my shoulders.

Outside, the snow swirls around us as we head for the barn. It’s freezing out here, but I don’t plan on being in the cold long.

“Where are we going, Rubes?”

“Close your eyes. This is your Christmas gift, but I couldn’t wrap it.”

“Don’t tell me Huddo palmed another horse off on us.”

I turn back. His face is lit up with mirth.

“Close your eyes, Reed Rawlins.”

“Yes, ma’am.”