AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Everyone moved inside, their chatter a low hum through the back door.
“Please, Easton. I need a minute.” I didn’t look at his reaction, but he knew me well enough that when I asked for something from him with the wordpleaseit was truly what I needed. Time. A moment of quiet. Space to reflect.What am I supposed to do with these conflicting feelings? It’s like my heart is burning, and I don’t know how to quell the flames.
When I reached Ragnor once again, he was by my side, ready for me. I hopped over and threw my arms around his neck, burying my face against him. The sudden movement was dangerous despite his trust in me, yet he stood stock still, letting me hold on to him for dear life. I didn’t cry, just let my heart hurt for a little while.
When I finally dropped my arms, Rage nickered and then nudged me in the shoulder before resting his head on it. In the world’s eyes he was a broken beast, but in my mind he was a soul wrestling for ease. And even though he most definitely preferred his own guarded and careful solitude, he had let me in. I wasn’t sure I’d ever be as brave as Rage. So, I took deep breaths, inhaling his fleeting stillness.
I was infinitely calmerwhen I got back to the house this time, though I was hoping the crowd had dispersed. They hadn’t; everyone was still hanging around the kitchen . . . except Easton. I rolled my eyes, because of course, they’d all be waiting for my return.
“Not a word,” I said. This was mortifying.
“You’re not too old for a talking to, and we’re going to have one now,” Ruby said sternly, pointing at the living room.Oh God. I was wrong. Thisismoritifying.
The house hadn’t been this silent since I’d arrived. I wasn’t nervous, but I felt like a teenager again, about to get in trouble. Mitch and Stone gave me sympathetic looks as I moved wordlessly through the kitchen. Mama looked ready to give me an earful. Granddaddy patted me on the shoulder and kissed my cheek as I went past, his smile encouraging.
“Don’t you coddle her, Price,” Ruby said from the other room.
“I can’t break a habit of a lifetime, darlin’.”
I did smile at that, but when Grandmama pointed to the spot on the sofa for me to sit, it faded quickly.
“If y’all don’t stop trying to eavesdrop, I’m going to come in there for my wooden spoon,” she thundered in the direction of the kitchen. I couldn’t tell who it was, but somebody started talking immediately. Probably Daddy.
Ruby reached for my hand, her face softening. “I don’t know how you got Leona to talk to you about whatever’s got her walking around here with her head hanging, but I’m glad you did. She’s been more like herself than I’ve seen in a month.” She was observant. She watched her family like a hawk, took it upon herself to see to everyone’s well-being.
“She’s just growing up.”
“She needed you, and you were there.”
“Of course I was. Why wouldn’t I be?” I asked, affronted.
Grandmama patted my cheek. “I wasn’t insinuating you wouldn’t be. I expect nothing less of you. One day, you’ll be the woman in charge of this family.”
“Ruby—”
“Don’t argue with me, child. I know you’re good at it, but I don’t want to hear any sass.”
I pursed my lips and sighed in acquiescence.
“I just wish you’d talk to somebody about what’s wrong.” She held up a hand before I could interrupt. “Don’t give me any pitiful excuse about work or stress or whatever. You ain’t been right since May. Don’t think I haven’t noticed how scarce you’ve been since then. You’re afraid if you come around, we’ll figure it out or you’ll spill it.”
I swear the woman was psychic. I should have seen this coming a mile away. There was nothing I could hide from Ruby, and most of the time I didn’t want to. But this . . . I couldn’t tell her.
“There are things we do in life we can’t undo. Things we can’t change. Choices we make that alter the course of everything. Sometimes they aren’t so easy to live with.
“You’re smart enough to solve your own problems, but I want you to remember something. You’re lucky to have a lot of people who love you. I’m not going to sugarcoat it or speak for them and tell you it’s unconditional. But mine is.” Ruby paused for a moment to let that sink in.
I knew she loved me unconditionally, but I didn’t want to test it. “I—”
“Hush now. This time, I’m not the one who can help you. I could give you all the advice in the world, listen to whatever is going on with you, but the only one who can settle your soul is that man you just kicked out of here. Stop being such a stubborn ass and let him do it.”
Chapter Eighteen
Easton
“Not to putany pressure on you, but I want grandbabies.”
I hugged Mama tight before I grabbed my briefcase, the words difficult to hear given what I’d found when I was packing the truck this morning.
