Page 70 of Theirs to Take

“It’s okay for me to travel, right?” Ruby asked.

“Yep,” the doctor said. “But if you have a long trip ahead of you, make sure that you stay hydrated and get out of the carevery two hours to head off the possibility of blood clots. Other than that, I think you are safe to travel.”

Ruby sat up and pulled her shirt down. “Thank you,” she said. “For everything.” The doctor nodded and turned on the lights. “When you both are ready, come out and we can give you your prescription for prenatal vitamins and you can be on your way.”

As soon as they left the room, she turned to Luke. “What are the conditions?” she asked.

He chuckled, “I knew that wouldn’t sit long with you, honey. First, I want you to move into my house once we get back home. Your apartment isn’t safe, and I’ve got great security at my place.”

She didn’t even have to think about agreeing to that part of his conditions—her answer was an easy, yes. “Sure,” she said, going for casual. “Anything else?”

“I’d like for us to go into the office and leave together after work,” he said. “I won’t take any chances with either of you, Ruby.” Luke put his hand protectively over her tummy and God, she lost another little piece of her heart to him.

“Deal,” she agreed.

“I’m sorry that I fucked things up earlier. I feel like I’ve been doing that to you since we met—fucking up your life. If I hadn’t shown up on your doorstep, you wouldn’t have been in so much danger that you had to go on the run with me,” he said.

She didn’t let him finish, covering her hand over his mouth and cutting him off. “I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she assured. “I’m happy with the way things turned out. I honestly, wouldn’t change a thing,” Ruby admitted. “Not even this,” she covered his hand with her own and smiled.

“Really?” he asked.

“Yeah, really,” she said. “My life before you was boring and you opened up a whole new world for me. You gaveme something that I never thought that I’d have—a baby. I’m so thankful that you showed up on my doorstep, Luke,” she admitted.

“I’m pretty okay with the way everything turned out too,” Luke agreed. “And Ruby, I do mean everything.” He rubbed his hand over her tummy again and she knew that she had finally found a guy worth giving her forever to. She just hoped that Luke felt the same way about her.

Luke

They had spent a blissful month in his house, and he had to admit, having Ruby there with him, dreaming about their future together, felt right. They had discussed baby names and tonight, he was finally going to admit that he had fallen in love with her. He just hoped that it was well received because there was no way that Ruby would be able to run away from him if he fucked this all up.

He found her in the kitchen, making some dinner, and he like the way that she looked in his space. He could see her there with him long-term, he just needed to convince her that was a good idea. “Hey,” he said, wrapping his arms around her from behind.

“Hey yourself,” she breathed. “I’m making dinner,” she said.

“So I see,” he said. “You’re becoming very domesticated,” he teased.

“Well, I have to do something to fill the time. I can’t wait to go back to work.” He didn’t feel the same way about her going back to McTavish. All he wanted to do was keep her locked away at his place and keep her safe. At least at work, he’d be able to still keep an eye on her since it’s his job to keep all of the employees safe.

“You’ll be very happy to hear that I’ve spoken to Ranger today,” he said, “and you’ve been cleared to go back to work.”

“They were able to put in extra security measures then?” she asked. Her concern wasn’t for herself, but her boss and everyone on the top floor. That was just like his girl—always worrying about everyone but herself. That was something that he both loved and hated about her. If push came to shove, she’d protect everyone else around her—even sacrificing herself, and he couldn’t let that happen.

“Yep,” he said. “Everything is safe, and we can both head back into the office on Monday if you’re still up for it.”

“I’m more than up for it,” she said. “This is going to be stellar.”

He chuckled and kissed her cheek. “I’m glad that this makes you happy,” he said.

“It does,” she agreed. “Now, all we have to do is eat my delicious dinner.” She looked at it and grimaced, making him laugh again.

“Okay, but before we sit down, I have something that I need to say,” he breathed. She turned in his arms and wrapped hers around his neck.

“Shoot,” she said.

“Well, I wasn’t sure when the time to say this would be, but there’s no time like the present,” he said.

“That sounds pretty serious,” she said.

He shrugged, “It kind of is,” he admitted, “I’m in love with you, Ruby.”

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