Hendricks drapes his arm over my shoulder. “I’d rather have a drink first.”
There’s a chorus of approvals, and we all continue to the clubhouse when I stop. “I’ll catch you guys up there. I’m going to find Ruby first.”
“Torres isn’t the only one who’s whipped,” Alex drawls, the cheeky bastard.
“Engaged to be married, engaged to be married, practically married.” I point to all three of them. “Speak for your-fucking-selves. I’m going to find my wife.”
She’s in the first place I look—which, admittedly, is exactly where she said she’d be—leaning against Maverick’s stable door feeding him carrots, and even though I think I’m being quiet, she senses me and turns around.
“Hey, isn’t that the captain of the England’s Cup-winning team?”
“Damn right, it is.” I smile, stroking Maverick’s muzzle as he nudges me. “And aren’t you his wife? Or is it teammate?”
“I think we’ll go with wife for now.”
“Good decision.” I lean forward and surround her mouth with mine, suddenly overcome with exhaustion. Gone are the days when I would party all night after a match and leave with a different woman. Pulling back, I stare down into her beautiful eyes and want nothing more than to leave with her, and only her,forever and ever. “Come on, Trouble. What d’you say we finish this at home?”
“I like the sound of that. Lead the way.”
Epilogue
MILES
Ihop into the back of the Escalade next to Ruby and pull up the hefty armrest separating us so I can slide closer. Her hands are already rammed between her legs, and she’s staring into space.
“Rubes?”Nothing.“Ruby?”Still nothing.“Darling?”
She turns her eyes toward me, her focus drifting for a moment before sharpening. “Oh, sorry. Were you saying something?”
“Only your name, Lady Burlington.” Reaching over, I ease one of her hands out. “It's going to be fine.”
Before she replies, the boot slams shut and the driver gets into his seat. Turning around, he gives us a polite smile. “All set, sir, ma’am?”
“We're all set, thank you,” I reply for us both.
“Journey time to Green Grove should be about two hours.”
“Thank you.” I smile, waiting for him to turn back around before my attention is fully on Ruby again. Throughout our flight here, she’s gotten quieter and quieter, and now she’s to the point of mute. “Rubes, babe, what's going on?”
She’s chewing on the side of her thumb, and I have to stifle a laugh because I’ve never seen her so nervous. Not when we got married, not when she played her first match, not even when she metmyfamily.
“What if they don't like you?” she mumbles eventually.
I place a hand against my chest. “I’m offended. You know I can charm the pants off anyone within fifteen minutes.”
She groans, and her eyes roll. “You haven't met my family?—”
“Hey, they can't be any worse than mine.”
That gets a chuckle out of her, and she reaches out to take the hand I have waiting for her to hold.
“What are we going to tell them about us?”
“Darling, we can tell them whatever you want. I think the truth would be better, especially as everyone knows we’re married?—”
“Polo news doesn’t make it out to Green Grove, Iowa.” She scoffs. “But it’s not like they’ll care either way.”
Lifting her hand, I kiss her palm. I can’t believe they wouldn’t care. But equally, Ruby only ever talks about her family when prompted, so who knows.
