I’m considering it, though.
We’re still waiting to hear back from the judge, but Mia and Lucas have admitted that it’s a messy situation. There is clear footage that Stefan kissed me first, leading to me slapping him and him returning the gesture.Butit also shows that Liam may have used more force than necessary to break up the situation, and it had been completely de-escalated when Hudson went back in for round two.
Most people would call those things acceptable, given the circumstances, but that’s not necessarily how the law sees it.
Walking back to the bakery counter, I try not to disrupt Liam’s conversation with Paul and Chuck. His attention immediately pulls to me as I set the empty tray down, and he comes to stand closer.
“Hey, honey,” he murmurs and brushes back a lock of hair that slipped out of my braid. Even though Juanita planned the evening for the kids, I’ve been helping her prep all afternoon, so we haven’t gotten a lot of time together. Everyone should be okay for a few minutes, now.
Leaning against the glass, I press my shoulder into his side. “Hey, babe. Your family need anything?”
“No,” he reassures. “I need you to relax for a minute, though.”
Rolling my eyes, I take a sip from my water bottle. “If tonight goes well, you know Nita will want to host this again next year.”
He chuckles. “That’s true.”
I smirk at him but the door opens, despite theclosedsign, and pulls our attention to the front. The entire room goes silent as Ruby walks forward. Her bright red hair is styled in two fishtail braids and she nervously twists the hem of her sweater dress. Her bright green eyes flit across the room, and she lets out a small breath when she finds me.
Quickly, I step forward, not wanting her to run. I haven’t spoken to Ruby since the recital, but Mia has—and she suggested I give Ruby space. I hoped she’d eventually come around, but I wasn’t expecting her to tonight.
“Hey,” I say, stopping in front of her
She isn’t jumping at a hug, and I’m not one to initiate that.
She gives me a small smile. “Hi. I’m sorry to barge in—”
I shake my head. “No, no. It’s a full house. We’re happy to have you.”
Ruby nods. “Mia invited me.”
Looking back, Mia makes her way closer. “Happy to see you.” She affectionately squeezes Ruby’s arm.
“Thanks,” Ruby says. The room starts to talk again, giving us privacy. She shifts on her feet before steeling her shoulders. “If you still have a job open, I’d love to apply.”
Relief rushes through me. “No application necessary. It was always yours.”
Ruby tries to smile again but it’s watery. “I’ve never baked before.”
“That’s fine.” I wave my hand in the air then cross my arms. “Some of us have degrees, and some of us are self-taught. If you hate it, Lexi always needs help in the bookstore. We’ll figure it out.”
My mom walks up and gently takes Ruby by the arm. “Let me introduce you to everyone.”
Ruby must recognize her—either from the recital or our resemblance—but she eases in her hold and follows her. I watch her move around the room, meeting everyone who has helped me get to this point. Maybe the people who could helpherget somewhere similar.
Bumping my hip with hers, Mia winks. “Told you to give her space, and she’d come around.”
I roll my eyes. “Five years ago, did you ever think this would be my life?”
“No,” she answers immediately and seriously. “But I amreallyfucking proud to see it happen.”
With a soft smile, I step away from Mia, not wanting to get too emotional in the middle of the evening. But she’s right. I never expected so much out of life after my divorce, when it felt like I’d lost so much to Stefan.
When Liam’s arms wrap around my waist, and he pull me against his chest as he talks with my brothers, I have to admit… I feel pretty proud of myself, too.
Liam
A year and twomonths later…
