Page 52 of Love You More

“Things work out for a reason, I guess,” she says.

I nod.

Ella crumples the hem of her paper gown and looks at me. “Distract me, please. Tell me about your boss.”

Anyone else would want to talk about ectopic pregnancies, but not my sister.

“Fine,” I tell her. “But first, we’re getting some food in your stomach.”

“I could eat a burger.”

I reach over and hug her, which gives me a chance to dry my tears before she can see them. She’s all the family I have.

ChapterNineteen

Jax

It’s a lazy Sunday, and it’s Ruby’s first day off in weeks. I know this because I’m half the reason she hasn’t had a break. On Friday night, when she left my house, she told me her sister is feeling better after her doctor’s appointment and plans to spend today with her boyfriend at a volleyball tournament.

So Ruby is spending her day off here. And I know for a fact she hasn’t seen the pool.

It’s nestled at the base of the looming hill, whose peak gets shrouded in fog most mornings. The pool is near Archer’s house, but it functions more as a common area where my various siblings sometimes entertain. There’s a broad patio and outdoor kitchen under the shade of live oaks. The pool house has changing rooms, restrooms, steam showers, and a dry sauna. It’s like a mini spa, which seems like the perfect place to spend a Sunday.

Trix hung the tiny lights between the trees, and I have to admit it was a good idea. The place is magic at night. Not too bad during the day either.

“It was all Fi’s idea.” I lean a forearm against the doorframe of Ruby’s guest cottage and explain our plan for the day—swimming and a picnic lunch.

Fiona pops out from behind me. “No, it was daddy’s idea.”

Betrayed by a seven-year-old. The truth is that I didn’t want to wait until tomorrow to see Ruby.

My little traitor is practically jumping out of her skin with excitement, bouncing on her toes. Her hair flops around like a golden mop. “Actually, it was my idea too. I want to have a diving contest with you.”

Ruby nods at me, cheeks pulling her mouth into a smile. “Well, I guess she’s the boss,” she agrees. I love that she has as hard a time resisting my daughter as I do.

“I’ll wait in the car.” Fiona darts back to the Jeep, leaving me to sort out the logistics of this poorly conceived plan.

“Do you have a swimsuit? I can ask one of my sisters about borrowing one.” I realize I’ve made assumptions that might put her in a bind.

Ruby smooths the crease in my brow with a finger, and I feel my breath hitch. I try to follow her instructions to relax, but it’s hard when she’s just touched my skin.

“Don’t worry. Pretty sure I have something. Give me a minute.”

“Bring a book. The pool’s a relaxing place to spend a Sunday.” My voice sounds like gravel, the result of that small bit of contact with her.

The door closes, and a few minutes later, Ruby emerges in an oversized white shirt and flip-flops. She hops into the car, and we make the short drive to the pool.

The weather is perfect, not blazing hot but warm enough that the pool is the right place to be. When Ruby goes to the trunk to take out the bag of sandwiches I brought from Sweet Butter, I shoo her away. “You’re not working today. Take a load off, Ginger.”

She mock-sulks away, and I can’t help but look at the shape of her legs as she goes. I tell myself that will be the last wolfish glance I give her today. We’re just three people enjoying a swim and a picnic.

If only I could make myself believe it.

* * *

Ruby

“I’m ready,” Fiona calls a few minutes later from the changing room next to mine.

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