AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Okay. So far I’m all for you hiring her,” I tease.
“Yeah.” He laughs. “We’ll see if she’s actually got any skills.”
By the time the family arrives, our halls are thoroughly decked, and then some. Everywhere I turn, there are lights and something pretty and festive. Apparently all those packages she was receiving were sponsors that follow her, and I have to say, it’s pretty fun seeing all the things she gets. And her posts about all of it makes it obvious why she’s been so successful.
Dinner is delicious, and it’s over the pies, which are a hit as always, that we tell them our news.
It’s met with equal parts ecstatic joy and outrage.
First, there are cheers and hugs and kisses all around.
And then it begins.
“But, wait…you already had the wedding…you’re already married?” Grinny clarifies.
“Yes,” I say.
“And you knew that day we talked in the shop and didn’t say?” Scarlett cries.
Ruby makes a face. “I feel so bad about that. I really wanted to tell you, but we’d agreed to wait—”
“And they knew it before we did?” Sofie says, pointing to the guys. “They’rehorriblesecret keepers.”
“Hey,” Theo protests.
“I’m feeling a little left out that I didn’t know about it,” Jamison says. It’s hard to tell if he’s joking or serious. “For the record, I would’ve been happy to go help whip the ex’s ass.”
“You had that international meeting the next morning,” Sutton says. “I nearly called you but didn’t want that pressure on you.”
They clink glasses.
“It’s all good, man,” Jamison says. “Cheers, you guys.”
“Wait, does this mean you’re my Aunt Ruby now?” Dakota cries, clapping her hands.
“Yes, I am,” Ruby says, hugging Dakota.
Owen goes over to hug her too. “I’m happy Uncle Callum’s not alone anymore,” he tells her. He looks back at Sutton. “Now, my dad is the only one who needs someone...and Grinny…and Pappy!”
Sutton looks gut-punched. “I’ve got you in my life, buddy, and our family. I don’t need a girlfriend…or-or a wife,” he sputters, taking a long sip of his wine and looking more than a little unsettled.
“Same here!” Pappy says, cheeks flushing. “But thanks for caring about me, Owen. That means a lot.”
“And don’t you worry about me either, my sweet boy,”Grinny insists, also flustered. “All I need is to see my family happy. That’s more than enough for me.”
“We’re happy. Really happy,” I say, looking at each person one by one.
My eyes reach Ruby last and her eyes well with emotion.
I can’t believe this is my life.
And Owen is right. Now that I know happiness like this, I want everyone I love to have it too.
EPILOGUE
SURPRISES
RUBY
