Page 109 of Falling

“What are you thinking, Callum?” she asks.

“That it must feel good to be back where you belong.”

Hurt flickers over her face and I want to wrap my arms around her, but I don’t.

“Why are you being so distant?” She moves in front of me. “It’s like the longer we’re here, the more you’re shutting me out.”

“I’m right here.”

She shoots me a look and rubs her hands over her arms.

“You’re not acting like the man I married just a few days ago.” Her arms cross over her chest.

I tilt my head. “Maybe I’m acting like the man you were quick to leave.”

She gasps and I swipe my hand down my face.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”

“You must’ve meant it.”

“I wouldn’t blame you for wanting out of this thing with me, Ruby. You said it yourself—we haven’t known each other long. This is your home—”

Her eyes fill with tears. “You told me not to say that. I felt backed into a corner. I didn’t know what to do.”

“You told me to leave and I can’t just assume you still want me after your situation has changed.”

“I love you,” she says, her face crumbling.

I can’t take it anymore. I hold onto her hip with one hand and my other touches her face.

“I believe you love me, and I love you so fucking much, but I don’t want to hold you back from anything, Ruby. Including me. If you want me, I’m here. If you need to think about it, I’ll wait. If you want me to go, I’ll leavetoday and our marriage can be dissolved without argument.”

She leans her forehead on my shoulder and sobs. I wrap my arms around her, feeling like my heart is being stomped on.

“It’s okay, Ruby.”

“It’s not okay,” she rasps. She looks up at me, eyes blazing, and swipes her face. “You have one foot out the door already and I’m not letting you go.”

Hope blooms in my chest.

And then her finger is poking that same spot in my chest. “We are married. I wasn’t telling you to leave meforeverlast night. I’ll admit, I didn’t know what I might have to do. I was worried for your safety because Junior was obviously unhinged…worried about the rest of the emus.” Her hands fling up. “I told you I loved you last night. You think I just throw those words around?”

I start to smile and her eyes narrow.

“If I hear you say one more word about dissolving our marriage, I’m going to lose it.” She takes a step back and puts her hands on her hips. “I handled it wrong yesterday, okay? He was killing my animals, Callum. I was so scared and all I wanted was you, but I didn’t know what he would do. I should’ve trusted that you’d take care of me. I knew that when I saw you level Junior without even trying. ”

Her lips twitch then and I take a step closer, my hands going back to her hips.

“I shouldn’t have turned you away,” she says softly. “I’m really sorry I did. We’ve got some things to figure out,” she says, sighing, “but I want you to be part of the conversation. Not walling up and turning into the silent, broody man that everyone thinks you are.” Her finger is back on my chest. “Not with me.” Poke, poke, poke.

“So, you’re saying you still want to be my wife?” I ask gruffly.

“Yes, you big oaf, I do,” she grumbles.

I laugh. “I’m your big oaf then, Sunshine.”

I lower slightly so she’ll meet my eyes.

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