Chapter Morgan
Morgan
Though he tried to focus on his time with his brothers, they clearly didn’t miss how nervous he was. He’d tried to keep up with the conversation, but his facade cracked with the glass of water spilled over the table.
“Fuck,” he hissed fumbling to find the cup, only for another hand to straighten it before he got the chance.
“Shit, you’re nervous,” Alexander stated worriedly.
“You’re meeting Ruby’s parents, right?” Jack asked who had joined them for brunch after all.
“Her whole family actually.”
“Is it just nerves or do you have a bad feeling about it?” Manuel pressed.
Morgan shook his head and took the cloth offered to dry his lap.
“No bad feelings. They all seem so sweet. They sent me a video of their home to make sure I can find my way around.” There was silence for a moment that he couldn’t stand.
“Whatever silent conversation you fuckers are having, spit it out.”
Shit, he really was on edge, wasn’t he?
Finally, Jack showed him some mercy. “Your brothers are just staring at each other, but for what it’s worth, I think that video was a wonderful sign. And unless Ruby is drastically different from her family, you have nothing to worry about.”
“I’m a fucking blind dude, who can barely pick up a glass he spilled.” Morgan cringed as soon as the words came out of his mouth. He hadn’t meant to say that out loud.
“Let me just speak for your brothers while they remember how to use their words. Yes, you are blind, but very much independent. Who cares about some spilled water when you can make their daughter happy. And from what I was told, Ruby seems head over heels for you.”
“We barely know each other. We’re still in the honeymoon phase.”
Alexander finally found his voice. “Have you two talked about how you feel?”
“Yes.”
“Then I’m sure she also told you not to worry about it.”
“You have the bank account to make up for it,” Manuel offered with his signature train of thought—money could fix anything.
Morgan scrubbed his hand over his face and let his head fall back.
“Look, everyone is nervous meeting the significant other’s family,” Jack added. “I was worried about meeting you guys as well.”
Morgan lifted a brow. “The big old lumberjack isn’t as tough as he looks.”
“More like a giant teddy bear,” Jack confirmed with a light laugh.
“So, you’re saying I’m overreacting?”
Alexander chuckled. “A tiny bit.”
“Did you get her something for Christmas?” Manuel continued.
“How couldn’t I? She’s obsessed with it. She’s getting some festive earrings.” And a boudoir photoshoot, but he was not about to tell his brothers that.
“Seems like you have it all under control,” Alexander said, trying to soothe him further.
The conversation switched to New Year’s Eve then, and the change in subject only relaxed Morgan more. Jack was throwing a party with his friends and had invited them to join as well.
After brunch, Morgan walked back home and surprisingly, Manuel offered to join him. “Need me to drive you?”
He shook his head and commanded Blue to find his way home. “I’ll take an Uber.”
“There really is no need to worry.”
“Part of me knows that, because… Well, it’s her.”
“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
“Since when are you so sensible?”
Manuel chuckled and patted his shoulder. “Since seeing you so worried. You’re usually the composed one and I guess I just wanted to make sure you’re okay.”
“I’m sure once all of this is done and over with, I’ll be scolding myself for being so scared.”
Manuel stayed until he was changed, then made sure he got into the Uber. He texted Ruby, who’s reply only kickstarted his heart more. The driver was kind enough to park right by the walkway, saying that someone with an excited grin was already waiting at the door.
“Merry Christmas,” Ruby greeted as Blue stopped to alert him to the step. Ruby cupped his cheek with one hand, kissing the other. “How was brunch with your brothers?”
“Good.” His voice was raspy, so he cleared his throat to mask his nerves. “Shoes off?”
“Yes, please. We have slippers, but,” she lowered her voice and closed the door behind them, “I saw a present with your name on it and Mom’s famous for knitting socks. We normally just toss the shoes to the side.”
He did just that, then took Blue’s harness and lead off.
“Uncle Moe,” a squeaky voice called.
“I’m sorry,” Ruby quickly apologised and took the harness. “We tried to tell Jude differently, but she insists on that name for you.”
Oh—the little girl meant him!
“I’m hanging the harness and leash on the wall to your right.”
“Thank you—woah!” He stumbled, a small body crashing into his legs.
“Jude, give him space!” That voice he recognised as Rhett.
“It’s okay.” Morgan reached down and found the girl’s curly pigtails. “Hi, Jude.” Then he offered her father a hand. “Hi, Rhett.”
“Welcome to the chaos.” The tiny arms disappeared, which meant that Rhett had tugged his daughter away. “C’mon let’s introduce Morgan to the others.”
A small hand grabbed his, and he walked after her. With Ruby’s hand on his lower back, she took the bag he was holding and encouraged Blue to follow them too. “Here comes Dad,” she quietly said.
“Ah, you’ve already met the tiny tornado.”
Ruby’s father slid his palm into Morgan’s hand. “Yes, nearly knocked me over with her sweet welcome.”
There was a tight yet tender squeeze before Nathan introduced his wife. Morgan shifted his hand, only to be wrapped in a tight hug by Ruby’s mother, Angela. “Welcome! We have been dying to meet you.”
“Can I pet Blue now?” Jude asked eagerly. “He has no harness on.”
Morgan chuckled. “I’m sure he would love some ear scratches.”
Jude cheered while two more seemed to approach and Ruby was quick to help him out. “Remi and Denise are in front of you.”
“A full house.”
Remi agreed with a grunt. “It always gets a little cramped in here.”
“Oh, you,” Angela scolded. “The house is big enough.”
Another hug, and Denise softly greeted him. “Merry Christmas.”
He turned to Angela and said, “Ruby mentioned you like flowers and I got some Fireball for you, Nathan.”
Remi’s voice came next. “Ah, gifts to win over the in-laws—clever man.”
“Wasn’t sure if the dog would be enough so I had to bring backup,” Morgan returned with a grin as he fetched the flowers.
“They’re beautiful. I’ll have to find a vase right away.” Angela bustled off to find a vase, and Nathan accepted the bottle of whiskey from Morgan.
“I see our daughter has spilled all our secrets.”
Ruby guided him to the couches, and Morgan was relieved to sit down. Jude plonked a present in his lap and as predicted it was a pair of socks. Ruby sat by his side next and handed him two more.
“Technically one is for Blue, but he seems quite happy sunbathing by the window.” It was a new tag, in gold of course and shaped like a heart. “I saw his old one was a bit worn.”
“Thank you.” Naturally, he leaned in and kissed her cheek. “There’s a gift in the bag for you as well.”
While Ruby fetched hers, he opened the one for himself—a limited-edition snow globe Lego set. “I love it!” he exclaimed, unable to hide his inner child.
“And I love the earrings. Let me put them in.”
Ruby jumped off the couch and although he didn’t want to, Morgan felt a little lonely. Fortunately, Jude filled that spot right away. “I like Legos too.”
“I have a whole room full of them. Do you want to see the castle I’m working on?”
There was a pause before the couch dipped again and Ruby softly reminded her niece that he couldn’t see her. “You have to use your words, sweetheart.”
“Yes, please, Uncle Moe.” He pulled out his phone and showed Jude some of the pictures. “Does a princess live there?”
“No, it’s full of witches and wizards. But maybe I should build one for a princess next.”
“I can help!”
“I would love that very much.”
“Will you play games with us?”
“What games do you guys like to play?”
Ruby leaned against his shoulder, her hand softly on his thigh. “Monopoly is the one that keeps us occupied the most, but Uno is a favourite too.”
“I’m down for Uno. Well, as long as the rules are clarified first.”
“You mean the ones that each family makes up as they go?” Ruby laughed and kissed his cheek. “I’ll fill you in.”
“Before the game, right?”
That triggered a few chuckles around the room, and they all soon sat at the table.
At his request, Ruby cleared all the open drinks from the danger zone, and then began to tell him where everyone had chosen to sit and what card they’d laid down.
Soon enough everyone was taking over announcing what they laid down.
During the second game, Ruby, who’s turn was before him, announced a Wild Draw Four card.
“That giggle you’re trying to suppress has me suspicious.” He looked around and squeezed her thigh. “Jude, would you mind coming here?”
The little girl’s laugh drew closer. “Yes, Uncle Moe?”
“I trust you. Did your auntie really lay down a draw four card?”
“No,” she sheepishly whispered.
He held his cards down to her and asked, “Which card should I lay down?” Jude sifted through his cards and pulled at one. He leaned in and saw a red four. “Perfect, do you mind laying it down for me?”
“I can’t reach.”
Morgan had the girl on his lap a moment later, teaming up with her to make sure Ruby didn’t pull anymore tricks.
Ruby’s family asked questions, but there wasn’t a second where Morgan felt like they overstepped.
They were very sweet, especially Angela.
When it was time to start dinner, Ruby took Morgan’s hand and led him and Blue to the backyard.
“You look like you’re having fun.”
He pulled her into his side and tenderly hugged her. “I am. I feel right at home actually.”
“There was nothing to worry about after all.”
“Yeah, I’m kicking myself for being so nervous.”
Stepping back, they found that Percy had escaped the master bedroom. He darted past, with Angela scrambling along after him and furiously apologising. However, it seemed that the animals made quick friends.
They set the table, and Ruby filled his plate with everything he could ask for. “Potatoes are at twelve o’clock, meat at two, vegetables at six. Oh, and the sauce is all over.”
Fuck, he’d known he couldn’t let her go since their first date, but damn—he’d never recover if something happened to them. He demanded to have her hand in his and softly kissed her knuckles. “Thank you.”
Typically, he would have been overwhelmed by new people and unknown spaces, but feeling supported and included whisked his stress away faster than he could think about it.
Throughout dinner—the whole day, really—Ruby didn’t shy away from showing him affection.
She shared tender touches and whispered praises with him.
It encouraged him to do the same, not wanting her to feel uncomfortable in front of her family.
“Now what about a lazy stroll?” Angela asked as they cleared the table—not that he was of much help.
“You know my answer,” Remi grumbled. “But I am bribeable.”
“So, what about ice cream on the go?” Angela pressed. “Morgan, do you and Blue want to join?”
“Yes, I want to walk with Blue!” Jude cheered.
“Maybe let Morgan answer for himself,” Denise instructed.
“I’m sure Blue would love a walk and I’m all for ice cream too.”
While everyone got their shoes on, Ruby asked, “Would you like Blue’s harness?”
“As long as you don’t stand me up somewhere, I think he’d enjoy a stroll off the clock.”
“Let me grab your cane then.”
Once out the door, Ruby had her hand in the back pocket of his jeans while he used the curb to find his way and enjoyed his ice cream.
Blue walked with Rhett and Jude, who was overjoyed and skipping along with the dog from what Ruby told him.
They stopped at the park, where Jude demanded everyone’s attention and Morgan sat down with Blue to take a breather.
The sun still warmed his face, and he closed his eyes, spoiling Blue with some ear scratches.
“You make her happy.” Remi sat down next to him, his voice much raspier than the others. “And you don’t seem to be a prick like her last boyfriend.”
“That depends on who you ask.” He grinned to himself, listening to Ruby and Jude giggle over something her dad was doing. “She makes me happy as well.”
“Good, let’s keep it that way.”
“I have no other intentions.”
“You’ve definitely won over Mom and Dad. They already love you.”
“But you’re more sceptical.”
“Well, you seem like a great guy, but what kind of brother would I be if I let you off this easily.”
Morgan laughed and shook his head. “The second I told my brothers she was taking me to the Zoo Lights, she’d won them over too.”
“She did say they surprised her at work.”
“Idiots—but I guess they also just meant well.”
Gravel crunching announced her arrival. “You look a little tired.”
“And here I was hoping you’d focus on how handsome I look.” She pushed her knees between his and cupped his face. “Admittedly, I am.”
“We’re heading back soon and once mom loads off the leftovers on us, I’ll drive you home.”
“I can call an Uber.”
Remi cleared his throat. “She’s trying to tell you she’s spending the night with you.”
Morgan rolled his eyes, but leaned into her warm palms as his hands found her thighs. “I thought you’d want to spend more time with your family.”
“Mom’s invited us for lunch tomorrow, if you’d like to join.”
“I’d love that very much.”