Page 6 of Saved By Love at Christmas
“Did you see the bruise on her temple?”
I should’ve known he’d notice that. “Yeah, I did.”
“Do you think he did that to her?” His voice almost broke.
“I’ve no idea,” I lied. “But you know Ruby. She won’t tell us about it until she’s ready. Let’s give her some time to get settled before we ask her.” I watched through the mirror as he stroked her forehead.
“You’re right, son. We need to make her feel safe and loved.”
When I pulled up outside their home, Ruby woke with a start. She sat up straight, eyes wide. When she saw where she was, she sighed her relief. I imagined she must have been disorientated after the events of the last few hours.
“You’re home, Rubes,” I assured her.
A small smile curved her lips. “Yes, I am.”
“Tom, you get her settled. I’ll see to the luggage.”
I hauled her bags out of the trunk and placed them inside the hall. After shutting the front door, I headed for the kitchen. This had always been the hub of their home. Ruby, Marie, and I had spent many hours in there discussing all kinds of things. My eyes went to Ruby, who sat at the kitchen table, staring at unseen terrors.
“Would you like me to take these up to your room?” I asked her.
“Sure. Thank you.”
I nodded and grabbed the cases in the hall. Ruby had never had a place of her own. The property around Woodbridge was pretty expensive, and Tom’s house had plenty of room. Plus, I don’t think she liked the idea of him being on his own. Well, until Jamie came along and turned their world upside down.
After placing the bags inside her room, I went back to the kitchen.
“I’ve made a pot of tea. Would you like a cup? I’m also going to make a late breakfast. You’re welcome to stay.”
I’d have loved nothing better than to stay, but I knew Ruby needed some time and space. I didn’t want to intrude.
“Thank you, Tom, but I’ve got a shift at the practice this morning, and I have some paperwork to do.”
“Okay. I’ll see you out.”
When he left the room, I knelt in front of Ruby and took her hands in mine. Again, I was filled with anger at how pale she was.It’ll get better.And I’d make certain of it.
“I’ll give you some time to rest. You call me when you’re ready to see me again. Promise?”
“I promise. Thank you, Ben.”
I placed a kiss on her forehead. “Anytime. I’m always here for you.”
Tom stood by the front door. His jaw was clenched and there were dark circles under his eyes. I gave him a hug.
“I think we’re going to have a long road ahead of us.” Tom said the words almost to himself.
“You could be right, but at least she has people around her who care. I’ve told her to call me when she’s ready. I think she needs some time to process what’s happened.”
“She looks so broken,” he whispered, on the edge of tears.
“But we can help put her back together again.”
CHAPTER3
RUBY
I sat and stared at the aga in Grandad’s kitchen. Happy memories of him teaching me how to cook on it when I was younger came back to me. He and Nan had done an amazing job of being parents to me; their love and support was wonderful.
