Page 56 of Holding You
“I’ll go get it!” Max cheers and runs up the stairs.
Susie follows him.
After they are out of sight, Ruby turns to me. Her skin is sun-kissed, and her smile is contagious. “I’m sorry we were later than my note said. The kids were having so much fun, and I didn’t want to ruin it by making them come home.”
“It’s fine. It looks like she had a good time.”
“She did. I have pictures I can text you later.”
“Great.”
“When do you leave for boys’ night?”
“Just under two hours. Do you want me to cancel?” I ask without hesitation. She’s had Susie all day.
“Nooooo,” Susie says as she comes down the stairs. “You can’t cancel boys’ night. We have plans, Dad.”
I hold my hands up.
“Oh, sorry. I wasn’t aware.”
Ruby laughs at my exaggerated response, and I would laugh with her, but my daughter is now looking up at Ruby, her eyes shining.
And Ruby smiles back.
Now, I’ve seen them smile before, but this moment feels different.
There is a pause that … shit.
It hits me in the chest all too fast, and I have to clear my throat to pull myself together.
I’ve never seen Susie look at someone like that.
Like she trusts her just as much as she trusts me. The noise I make has everyone looking at me now.
“Well, how about I take these two out back for a quick game of soccer before I go.”
“Or,” Max says quickly, “we can play two against two.”
“Girls versus boys!” Susie says and sprints outside. Max follows her.
“I wish I had their energy,” Ruby says, walking into the kitchen and pouring a glass of water.
“I was attempting to give you a break. I can tell them it’s just me if you want.”
“Why?” she replies instantly. “Afraid you’ll lose?”
I chuckle and toss my head back.
“No.”
She places her lips on the glass and drinks.
Nothing about it should even faze me. People drink water every single day, and I’ve never thought twice about it.
But right now, I’m watching the way her eyes close, her head tilts slightly back, and her throat bobs with each gulp.
I step forward. I need to be near her.
