Page 4 of Not Over You (Prosperity Ranch 3)

He felt like he’d been slimed, and he discreetly wiped his hands on his jeans, which had seen much better days.

Ruby tore into the third present, then the fourth, and finally, the fifth.

Perhaps Knox had gone overboard. But there’d been plenty of things he hadn’t paid for in his marriage that he should have. And today, he was taking the first step to set that all straight, too. It would still take a while to pay back his brother Holt what he owed, but every bit would help.

Ruby yawned as she clutched her five new toys to her chest. Macie had warned him it was nearly nap time, but Knox hadn’t wanted to wait any longer. Later this afternoon, more family would be around, and all he had the strength to deal with right now was his little girl.

“Are you tired, baby girl?” Knox smoothed her hair back, then kissed the top of her head.

Ruby gave a solemn nod. He loved that about her. She was always true to her feelings.

“Let’s get you inside, then,” he said. “You napping at Grandpa’s house?”

Ruby had the entire extended family wrapped around her little fingers, but especially her grandpa, Rex Prosper, who happened to also be the mayor of the city founded by his great-grandad.

Ruby nodded again, and since she was looking so small and her eyes seemed so heavy, he scooped her into his arms and carried her into the house.

Everything about the house was familiar. His mom hadn’t changed much in the way of décor over the years. The same afghan was thrown over the back of the couch, the leather recliner sat where it always sat, and in the kitchen, everything was the same, too.

There, Macie sat at the table, with her bracelet-making equipment spread across it. He knew she had plenty of room at his brother’s house, but Ruby loved the ranch. Knox guessed that Holt was keeping to the barn during the visit, which was just as well. Although peace had been made between them as far as Macie marrying Holt, it wasn’t like they were going to hang out together. Not unless it was necessary.

Macie looked up as he carried Ruby toward the hallway where the bedrooms were.

“You ready for your nap, sweetie?” she asked, rising from the table.

“I’ve got her,” Knox said. “Evie’s room, right?”

Macie nodded, her gaze tracking him and cataloging the toys gripped in Ruby’s arms.

Knox didn’t explain anything but continued walking until he reached his sister Evie’s room. She was living in San Antonio now and working for a newspaper. Her boyfriend was there, too, and Knox supposed Carson Hunt was a nice enough kid.

The room was dim since the curtains were half-closed, and Ruby’s eyes remained half-open as Knox set her down on the bed. She refused to let go of her toys, and instead, clutched them to her chest as Knox unfolded a blanket, then draped it over her small form.

“Sleep tight, baby girl,” he whispered as Ruby’s eyelids drifted closed. He pressed a kiss to her temple, then stood for a moment, watching his miracle sleep.

A miracle because she’d been unexpected. That first night Knox had met Macie at the rodeo so many years ago, they’d danced, then gone for a drive in his truck about Prosper. It was her first time in the town, and he was glad for a break from seeing Jana Harris with her friends—laughing and dancing with whoever asked them to dance.

Jana hadn’t even cared that he’d come looking for her before the bull-riding. No, when he’d approached where she was sitting with her group, everyone acknowledged him but her. She never once looked up from her phone.

He’d kept silent for long enough, but it was time to finally hear why she’d betrayed him in her own words. He’d let things fester for months. But no more.

But Jana had ignored him. Acted like he didn’t exist. Like he wasn’t even good enough to wipe her boots on.

So Knox had left her little circle of friends and joined up with his fellow bull-riders. No bull could have thrown him that night, and Knox ended up winning the championship. So, he’d celebrated by dancing with a pretty girl from out of town. Macie had been completely different from Jana. Macie had listened to his stories; her laugh was soft and her smile sweet.

Yeah, things had gone too far, too fast that night. And when Macie told him she was pregnant, there wasn’t even a question in Knox’s mind. He proposed marriage on the spot to her, and provided a home for his new wife and kid.

Until he didn’t. Until he could never seem to get a break. Never get both feet under him. Never have a decent night’s sleep. Never stop being bothered by Jana’s betrayal. On one level, he knew that Macie was different. That she’d never do such a thing. But what did he know about women, truly know about them?

He’d hit rock bottom, hard, and Macie and Ruby were the ones to pay the dearest price.

By the time he realized what he’d lost and given up, it was too late to turn things around.

Macie had moved on. Completely.

Knox knew it was over, totally, but moments like this… watching his baby girl sleeping made him wish he wasn’t only stopping in for a few moments. He released a slow breath, then turned to the door. He stepped out into the hall, and closed the door with a soft click.

“She’s asleep?” Macie asked quietly.

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