Page 66 of Waiting for Redemption

“My brother. Welcome back to family drink night,” Tucker says with open arms as I walk into the bar.

Curious glances are exchanged around the room, but all the girls end up looking straight at Ruby. I go in for a hug with Tucker and can’t help but notice how Ruby’s gaze is onme, while four others are on her. When I make my way behind the bar the looks of confusion don’t stop, but finally Shane breaks the silence.

“So, what’s going on? You haven’t texted us back indays, should we be worried?” she asks, bouncing Cece in her arms as she sways back and forth. Tucker slides Taylor a water, catching an annoyed look from her as he takes her empty martini glass away, and everyone else looks at Ruby with anticipation.

“Sorry about that, there’s just been a lot going on…” She glances at me with a look of nervousness on her face. When she begins chewing on her lip I know her anxiety is piquing, so I take it upon myself to relieve her of the stress.

“Ruby and I are getting married,” I announce rather loudly to the group.

“Oh my god.” Taylor chokes on her water, holding a hand to her chest as she coughs. With several mouths hanging open and looks of disbelief being directed at Ruby, I instinctively move closer, draping my arm over her shoulder and turning my face into her.

“Do you want to tell them or do you want me to?” I whisper in her ear, earning a look of appreciation from her when she pulls back slightly.

Those fucking eyes.

I could get lost in them for hours if ever given the chance.

“I got it,” she whispers, taking a deep breath in.

“Hendrix’s father recently showed back up.” I notice how Ruby looks over at Max, and when I follow her gaze he looks more pissed than I think I’ve ever seen him before. “After finding us, I was served papers that he’s suing me for custody.”

“But why? After all this time, why now?” Lauren asks, genuinely confused. Ruby hangs her head as she fidgets with her fingernails. Peeling off the plum purple nail polish before looking back up with misty eyes. I’ve never seen Ruby cry this much and I absolutely fucking hate it. Happy tears are the only exception, but the fact that she’s sad andscaredhas me edging closer to the decision to take this guy out and eliminate the problem altogether.

“Because,technically, he didn’t know he existed until recently,” she says, not looking back up.

“Ruby, if you’re not ready to explain this to us, you don’t have to. You don’t owe us an explanation. But, Iamconfused why you two getting married has anything to do with that,” Shane interjects, squeezing Ruby’s hand.

“I promise I’ll fill you in on the details soon, I think I’m still in shock or something. But for now, I can tell you this—me being a single mother who works at a bar with no reliable spouse, no secondary income or care for Hendrix, doesn’t look good for my case. Not whenhe’sthe perfect man on paper.” Her tone is laced with bitterness as she trails off.

“That’s fucking bullshit,” Max growls from his barstool.

Ruby takes a deep breath in, shaking her head to compose herself like the badass we all know and love.

“Tank and I are getting married. He’ll be myreliable spouse,and possibly my only shot at keeping my kid. And I need you guys to make it happen in two days,” she says, holding her head high as she looks at the girls.

“You two are literally trying to kill me, aren’t you?” Taylor says, glancing between Shane and Ruby. Shane just rolls her eyes, but before another word is said, Lauren is on her feet.

“Anything you need babe, that sweet boy isn’t goinganywhere.”

“Yeah, there’s no chance in hell this guy stands a chance against you,” Leah assures her.

“Text me what you want and it’s yours,” Taylor agrees.

“Can I interest you in the world's tiniest flower girl?” Shane smiles, tipping Cece in her direction making Ruby cry,again.

“I don’t know what I would do without you guys.” Then she turns to face me completely, not hiding behind a subtle glance or a whisper this time. “Especiallyyou. I’ll never be able to thank you enough for this, Tank.” I admire her willingness to be so bold in front of all of our friends, but I am not quite ready to tell her what a pleasure it’s going to be for me to do this. So I pull her into me and kiss her forehead. Saying all the things that words can’t, once again.

* * *

Me

You sent $500 to Lauren Long via ApplePay

Lauren

???

Laure

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