Lodged (Kinsmen Billionaires #2)

36. Chapter 36

Chapter 36

Ruin MacAllister

I t’s Apple Festival Day, and I’m so ecstatic. The town is abuzz with the remodeling of the fairgrounds. No one has been allowed a peek, and I’m bursting with excitement to see how everything looks. Miles has been working so hard lately that we barely see him at home. I’m not sure who’s behind all of this, but I have an idea. Ever since Gio came to town, everything seems brighter. Or maybe I’m just so down bad for the man that I think he’s behind every single good thing that happens.

It feels nice to see all my siblings starting to find their way again. Rain is in complete charge of the diner now as Mama has decided to take a much-deserved break.

Merlin is doing great in Raleigh. Between classes and soccer, he doesn’t have much free time, but from what he has shared, he’s enjoying every minute of it. He said he would try to make it for the festival but didn’t want to get our hopes up. I really want him to come, since we’re singing tonight, and it wouldn’t be the same without him. River’s still working hard on the farm, pretending he doesn’t need anyone. I just wish he could find someone to get through to him and help him heal.

“Ruin, are you ready? Come see the dress Mama made for you.” Rain comes into my room wearing a gorgeous green shirt with a square neck, puff sleeves, and a corset over it, paired with jeans and her Doc boots. I hope my dress is in the same fabric as Rain’s shirt because I’m obsessed. It has a beautiful and delicate pattern. I’m actually surprised she’s wearing it since she likes to dress more edgy. I guess that’s why she added the corset on top. She’s stunning.

“Yes, let’s go,” I say as I glance in the mirror again and adjust my hair before heading to Mama’s room.

“There you are, dear,” Mama says, coming over from the table where her sewing machine sits. She hands me a dress made with the same fabric as Ruin’s shirt. I quickly undress and put it on. It has the same square neck and hugs my body, but the sleeves are long and have an imperial cut.

“It fits me like a glove, Mama. Thank you,” I say as I smooth the dress down my middle and onto my hips. “I think I’m going to pair it with my brown boots.”

Mama and Rain share a look.

“What?”

“Maybe you should wear more comfortable shoes?” Mama says, worry in her tone.

“I’m fine. Remember I went hiking with Gio a couple of weeks ago? The therapy has been really helping. I feel strong and back to normal.” At least physically. Now, if only my brain could unlock my memories, that’d be great.

“Oh, how can we forget you guys went hiking and then spent the night in a remodeled van? I want to find a man just so I can ask Gio to let me use the van,” Rain says, and Mama and I burst out laughing.

“What? It was a cool thing for Gio to plan.” I nod as I wipe the tears from my eyes. Only Rain would want to have a one-night stand just to use a cool van.

When we get to the fairgrounds, the view takes my breath away. It’s the most gorgeous place I’ve ever seen. All the booths and rides have the same color theme—rich reds, pinks, and oranges mixed with white and gray to give it the perfect autumn vibe. There’s a carousel, a Ferris wheel, a small pavilion, a row of food booths with every option imaginable, and another set of booths for games. This place is magical.

“Do you like it?” Gio whispers behind me. I jump and place a hand on my chest. When I turn to look at him, he looks worried.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you,” he says, but I hurry to shush him with a kiss.

“You did this?” He just grins, his eyes searching for clues to what I might be thinking. “I’m absolutely in love with this. It’s the most amazing fairgrounds I’ve ever seen.” I cross my arms around his neck, and he lifts me as he turns us around. I giggle, feeling all the love this man has for me pouring out of his chest and seeping into me.

“And I would spend every single penny I own to see that smile on your face, every single day of our lives.” This man says the most romantic things. He lowers me to the ground and gives me a quick kiss.

“Ruination, I wasn’t sure that was you,” Steve chirps, and I feel Gio tense up, his grip tightening on my waist.

“Oh, I’m sorry—we haven’t been introduced,” Steve says when he realizes Gio is the man holding me. “Ruin, why don’t you introduce me to this fine gentleman here. He’s the only thing people have been talking about lately,” Steve adds mockingly, and I hear Gio murmuring in Spanish. I don’t think I’ve ever heard him speak Spanish before. He must be really pissed.

“I’m Gio Bianchi, Ruin’s boyfriend.” Gio shakes Steve’s hand firmly, and I notice how he squeezes hard, while Steve struggles not to squirm. “She doesn’t owe you anything. And she’s no ‘ruination.’ She’s the best person you’ve ever had the pleasure to meet. So, next time you need to speak to her, I suggest you treat her with the respect she deserves.” Gio pauses, and right now, he looks every bit the powerful man that he is. “Otherwise, I can foresee very unpleasant times ahead of you.”

Gio gives Steve one last glare, and the moment he releases his hand, Steve winces, shaking his hand in pain.

“Ready, sweetheart?” I’m sure I have googly eyes shooting hearts at Gio; my heart has never felt so full.

“No one has ever stood up for me like this before. Thank you.” He smiles, gently holding my chin with his thumb and forefinger, then kisses me softly.

“I’ve got you. Always.” I lean in for one more quick peck, and we make our way to my family’s booth. But Steve wasn’t kidding when he said Gio is the talk of the town—everyone wants to shake his hand and get a picture with him, thanking him for funding the renovation of our fairgrounds. Gio smiles, but I can tell he’s out of his element. My man doesn’t like being in the spotlight. I think he’d have been happier if no one knew he was behind this amazing transformation. But it’s a small town, and the grannies have a well-oiled grapevine.

“Mr. Bianchi, hi.” Dorothy, the owner of the town’s apothecary, approaches us, and Gio gives her a polite smile.

“I wanted to apologize,” she continues, and I frown.

“I assure you, there’s nothing to apologize for. Enjoy the festival, and have a good day,” Gio hurries to say, and we keep walking, but I’m really confused as to why Dorothy would have to apologize to Gio.

“What was that about?” I finally ask as we approach my family’s booth.

“I have no idea. I’m sure it’s nothing.” He’s being weird, and I want to ask what’s going on, but by the time I get my thoughts in order, we’ve reached the booth, and I see they are nearly sold out. Rain lifts her chin in greeting to Gio, then comes over and gives me a quick hug.

“You get a pass today for not helping out in the booth since you’re with Azalea Creek’s most beloved resident, but next year I expect my twin to give me a hand,” Rain says in a playful tone, and I nod at her. She spanks my bum as she goes back to her job, and I jump in surprise, feeling the heat immediately rising through my neck. Gio tries to stifle his laugh, but it’s impossible, which only makes me blush harder.

“Hey, you two lovebirds. Why don’t you come for a reading?” Granny asks, and Gio smiles but looks at me to see what I want to do. I nod, and we walk to stand at Granny’s table.

“Ah, there you are. I didn’t want to read the tarot to you today; I just wanted to say how immensely happy it makes me to see two souls who have suffered so much finally find each other.” My eyes mist at Granny’s words, and when I glance at Gio, his eyes mirror mine.

“Thank you, Granny,” Gio tells her in a deep voice thick with emotion, and I launch myself to hug her.

“Okay, okay. Today is not a day to be sad. Today we’re celebrating life, family, and love. Come on, Ruin. It’s almost time to sing,” Granny says as she puts her cards and trinkets away in her little rolling cart.

Gio and I walk hand in hand toward the stage, where my siblings are already setting up their instruments.

“I can’t wait to see you perform with your family.” His eyes are shining with something like pride. “And maybe afterward, we can ride the Ferris wheel,” he adds, giving me a gentle kiss. I head to the stage, glancing back at him the entire way.

When I spot Merlin tuning his violin, I run toward him, so happy he could make it.

“You came,” I shout as I hug him, and he chuckles, hugging me back. “Wait, did you grow while you were away? Is this muscle that I feel here?” I say, checking out his biceps.

“Stop it, Ru. You’re embarrassing me.” I giggle but glance around, wondering who might be here for Merlin to feel embarrassed. Sure enough, Meadow is standing near Gio.

“I see little has changed in the crush department,” I say with a knowing smirk, and Merlin looks at me confused. Why does he think his crush on Meadow is a secret?

“Wait, how do you know I have a crush on her?” he whisper-shouts, and I think my little brother’s young love is adorable.

“What do you mean? You’ve had this crush for a while now.” His eyes widen, and I’m starting to get frustrated. Why does he think this is a big deal?

“Ruin, the crush only started a couple of years ago.” His words sink in, and my eyes grow big at the implication.

“I’m starting to get my memories back!” I shout, hugging Merlin as my other siblings surround us a second later.

“Fuck, yes!” Miles shouts as we all melt into a huge group hug.

“You guys, this is amazing,” I say as tears run down my cheeks.

“Wait, what did you remember?” Rain asks as I try to calm myself down.

“My eternal crush,” Merlin pipes up, and we all laugh.

“Anything else you remember?” Rain asks, her voice dripping with hope.

“Let’s not overwhelm her. Remember, the doctor said her memories might come back in waves. Let’s get ready for the show,” River says evenly, but his eyes tell me he’s as excited about this little development as we all are.

We all get into position, but not before Rain gives me an extra hug.

“Let’s do this,” I say, and she counts us down.

“Good evening, Azalea Creek,” I say, and the crowd cheers. “It’s so good to be here. As you all know, I suffered a major accident at the beginning of the year, and right after it happened, I thought my life was over.” River and Miles strum their instruments as Rain keeps a slow beat going, and the crowd claps along.

“But with the love and care of my family, I was able to get back on my feet. And this summer, I met a very special someone who has been my champion since the very first day we met.” I can hear the catcalls from my siblings. Gio covers his mouth, trying to hide a grin, but his eyes crinkle, giving him away. “So, what do you say, Azaleans. Are we ready to party the night away on this amazing new fairground?”

The crowd explodes in cheers and shouts, and I nod at Rain, who changes the beat. For the past couple of weeks, I’ve been practicing the songs that my siblings said have been crowd favorites at previous festivals. Funny how they had no problem telling me about our band and which songs to practice but couldn’t tell me anything about my life in Raleigh. Maybe I didn’t share much with them? Ugh, now that one memory has come back, I want everything back. But right now, I need to focus on this moment and serenade Gio. It’s the least I can do for him.

I make eye contact with him every time we play a love song. When I get lost in his light blue eyes, it feels like the grounds are empty, and it’s just the two of us.

The smell of funnel cake, turkey legs, cotton candy, and apple cider hits my nostrils, and suddenly, I’m transported to another fairground—one where I was with him. A shiver runs through my body, and I close my eyes. A bright light flashes behind my eyelids, and in an instant, a flood of memories rushes through my mind.

I know we’re singing “Willow,” but all I can think of is Gio—Gio at the lab, him and I at the state fair, at the beach, and the pumpkin patch he had made just for us. Our getaway in New York, his graduation. Every single memory of us comes crashing back, and I collapse to my knees. My siblings keep playing, and somehow, I keep singing—it’s an out-of-body experience.

“That’s my man,” I whisper into the mic, pointing to Gio as I catch Mama and Granny grinning wide. When the last chords of the song play, I raise the microphone to my lips, look into Gio’s eyes, and say, “Blue, is that you? Cobalt?”

Hearing the nickname I gave him when we were sneaking around, his lips tremble, parting slightly, as though he wants to speak but can’t find the words. I glance at my siblings, and a silent understanding passes between us. With a smile, I place the microphone back on the stand and walk off the stage, each step charged with memories and meaning.

Gio snaps out of his stupor and rushes toward me. “Baby girl, you called me Blue,” he says, his voice trembling as he searches my eyes.

“I did. I remember you.” My voice breaks, and Gio captures my lips in a bruising kiss. His hands press firmly against the small of my back, pulling me flush against him as my hands cradle his neck. Everything around us fades away—there’s only Gio, filling every part of my world.

I’m not sure how long we kiss, but by the time we come up for air, the stage is empty, all the instruments have been taken away, and the crowd has dispersed.

“Damn, that was a hot, scorching kiss if I’ve ever seen one,” Miles says as he whistles, and my family explodes in laughter.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if Ruin is pregnant after that kiss,” Rain says, and I bury my face in Gio’s chest.

“That’s enough. Last thing I want to picture in my head is Gio going at it with my sister.” River fake gags, and everyone follows suit.

“So, I take it you remember him?” Mama asks, and I slowly peek out and nod.

She giggles, and Granny shouts, “Hurray! Finally! I wasn’t sure how much longer I could keep hiding this secret from you, dear.”

Everyone nods in agreement, and I remove myself from Gio’s cocoon. Straightening my shoulders, I grab his hand and give my family what I consider a mean glare—but judging by their unfazed expressions, it’s anything but.

“You’re all lucky Gio found me. I don’t think I could have ever forgiven you if that accident was the end of us. Of this,” I say, lifting our entangled hands, my voice thick with emotion. Gio places a gentle kiss on each of my knuckles, and I can’t hold back the tears that spill down my cheeks.

“I told you from the moment you met him, you two were meant to be. I never doubted you were going to find each other again,” Granny says, effectively breaking the tension of my momentary threat to my family.

“Granny might have told you Dr. Bianchi was your one true love, but it was me who told him you were fine and thriving.” My jaw drops at Merlin’s revelation.

“And you didn’t tell me?” I ask, indignation oozing through me.

“I couldn’t, Ruru.” He shrugs. “Besides, Dr. Bianchi didn’t directly say who he was to you. But once he started asking so many questions about my family and siblings, I put two and two together.” I glance up at Gio, noticing the cutest blush on his cheeks.

“Hey, you can’t blame a man in love for trying to find his better half?” Gio says.

I give him a peck on the lips, but before things can heat up again, I hear multiple people clearing their throats.

“I think it’s best if Ruin and I leave now. There’s a lot we have to catch up on.” Everyone hoots and hollers as Gio holds me bridal style, walking us toward the parking lot.

“Have fun, Ru.” Rain shouts, and I wave my hand at her as I blow a kiss.

I have no doubt that we’re about to have one of the best nights of our lives.