Ruby wakes up and kicks her feet. She’s dressed in the new clothes we got her last night when we went shopping.
The idiot finally looks down at her and runs his hand over her head.
“Hey, Rubes.” He picks her up and kisses her cheek. She looks around, and when she sees me, she breaks into a smile and extends her arms to me.
I snatch her from him, and he lets me take her without a fight.
Chapter 38
Dax
Their voices reach me despite the movements in the hospital hallway. I left Ruby with her grandfather so I could join my wife and mother-in-law, but their conversation prevents me from going inside the room.
“He’s very handsome,” Annette Lamb says.
“Mom, stop.” Cori’s voice is more firm than playful. “How are you feeling? You look good.”
“I feel more optimistic than I have in years, Cori. The doctors and nurses are taking good care of me, and I might go home in a few days. I can get the rest of my treatment in Shadow Cove. Dax has arranged twenty-four-hour care for me for the first month. Then, we’ll go from there.”
I hear a sniffle, and I’m sure it’s Cori. Annette Lamb never struck me as the emotional type.
“I’m so glad, Mom.”
“Me, too, baby. How has your brother been? Have you been looking out for him?”
My instinct is to go in there and do damage control, but I have a feeling that this will be a learning experience.
“Devin is a grown man with a child. He can take care of himself, but let me get you fresh water. Do you want anything to eat? I can go get it for you.”
There’s silence, and I move closer so I can hear better.
“Devin’s not like you, Cori.”
“What do you mean?” I can hear an edge in her voice now.
“He needs us. All of us. And so does Ruby.”
“And what should my role be?”
“Ruby will need a woman’s influence in her life, and you’re a good girl. Always have been. I’m proud of you.”
A heavy sigh follows.
“Really? What are you proud of? I never went to college. I have no degree. I never left Shadow Cove like I wanted. What about me makes you proud?”
I hear a sniffle, and I decide to go inside the room. Annette has her head turned toward the window, while Cori stares down at the floor.
I snake an arm around her waist and kiss her cheek.
“These are for you,” I say to Annette. I put down the bouquet of roses, and she reaches her hands out. I take them in mine.
“My favorite son-in-law. When I get back home, I’m going to make you your favorite dinner. Cori will tell me what it is.” She kisses the backs of my hands.
“I would love that.” She pats the side of her bed, and I sit down. I make sure to pull Cori onto my lap.
“Everything good with you two? Cori won’t tell me anything.” She swipes imaginary lint from my shoulders.
“Everything is wonderful. Don’t worry. I will take care of your daughter.”
