Chapter Morgan
Morgan
Before he knew it, they pulled up to Jack’s place with a trunk filled with wine and finger foods. They’d gotten ready together, once Ruby had snuck in a short nap after a busy shift.
They were greeted with Jack’s deep voice calling for them as they got out of the car. “Finally! I get to meet my new sister-in-law.”
“And here I was thinking that Blue and I were the main attraction,” Morgan murmured.
“I’m a hugger,” Jack warned.
“Me too,” Ruby giggled.
Jack offered to take the food, and Morgan had Blue follow them inside. Just like Ruby’s family, Jack had sent him a floor plan of the house and guided them through to the kitchen before he showed them their room upstairs.
“Are you sure Blue will be okay during the fireworks?”
“As long as he’s inside with the windows closed, he’ll be fine.”
“The bathroom is the most inside room of the house if you want to keep him in there just to be safe. I can bring him blankets and food.”
“Even better. I have a bone for him as well.”
“They start rather early in the neighbourhood, for the kids, you know? Let me set it up so he’s ready to go once we hear the first ones.”
Alexander found them downstairs and took them out into the garden where the party was in full swing.
There was music, food, and plenty of alcohol.
Morgan found a spot to sit, and Ruby offered to fill him a plate.
Jack was right; it didn’t take long for some rockets to flare up, so Ruby took Blue upstairs and Jack asked Morgan to follow him.
“I have something in the workshop for you.”
Morgan cocked his brow. “Did Alexander put you up to this?”
“Nah, and he doesn’t have to know if you don’t want him to.”
Morgan laid his hand on Jack’s shoulder and followed him.
“Step,” Jack warned before the scent of fresh sawdust and cedar wrapped around him. “One sec, let me find it.” Jack rummaged around before letting out a triumphant sound. “They’re hooks you can attach to the bed and are rather discrete in case anyone wanders into the bedroom.”
“Like nosey brothers.” He held out his hand, and Jack dropped a small metal object into it. A plate had three holes while the ring that was used for the rope was on a hinge so it could be moved if needed. “How do I attach them?”
“You drill them into the frame or even under the mattress on the box spring. I can come by and help you if you like.”
“I think that would be best, if you don’t mind.”
“Not at all.”
“You sure they didn’t put you up to this?”
Jack chuckled and Morgan handed over the hook. “I had some leftovers from a client.”
“And of course you had to think of me.” He couldn’t help but feel grateful. “I appreciate it.”
“Thank your brothers. If they hadn’t mentioned it, I wouldn’t have offered. Or… better not mention it, they know enough as it is.”
As soon as they were in the garden again, Ruby appeared by his side. “Did you two sweethearts bond?”
“Very much so,” he confirmed with a kiss to her hair. “Do you mind if we sit?”
“I would love to. I do hope I can stay awake till midnight.”
“Where’s the alcohol?” Jack asked, seemingly already heading off to find her a drink.
“So how many of those drinks until you dance for me?” he asked as Ruby sat down beside him.
“You want me to dance for you?”
“Yes, like no one is watching.”
“I’ll dance with you,” she countered.
“Then why the heck are we sitting down?” He pulled her back to her feet and laid his hand on her waist, the other lacing their fingers together.
He was never a good dancer, but there was a slow, twangy country sound filtering through the air, so he got away with twirling them around in the same spot.
“Close your eyes, darlin’. Forget anyone is watching. It’s just the two of us now.”
She pulled his face down, demanding a kiss as she followed his lead. Sometimes not knowing how many eyes were on him was a blessing, one he wanted her to experience for just a moment.
“It’s been a whole four weeks since you asked me out, darlin’.”
“Feels like forever.”
“It does, doesn’t it?” he hushed against her lips. He couldn’t help but stare at her gorgeous features, eyes still closed as they slowly twirled around in a circle. “We’ve already managed so many hurdles, meeting our families, talking about boundaries…”
“It felt right though.”
“It did. Everything fell in place perfectly and all because you were brave enough to ask me to wait up on you. I can’t wait to see what the new year will give us.”
“More cake dates, evenings drawing and building Lego, family dinners and lunches.”
“Maybe even that Christmas trip to Germany?”
“Don’t get my hopes up now.”
He softly chuckled and rested his forehead against hers. “I’m all about spoiling you.” When the song ended, he drowned himself in a tender kiss.
Throughout the next hour, Ruby was whisked away, socialising and getting to know Alexander and Jack better. She never stopped checking on him and Blue, and he didn’t mind sitting back and listening to the conversations happening around him.
“You’ve caught yourself quite the social butterfly,” Alexander said, dropping down beside him and handing over a new drink.
“I hope she never holds back because of me.”
“I don’t think so. She’s all over the place mingling and throwing you swoony gazes every few minutes.”
“She does, huh?”
“Yep, just now actually. Is your Gingerbread Village date exclusive tomorrow?”
“I’m sure Ruby would love if you and Jack joined us.”
“He said it’s not really a big deal, but maybe we can snag a few cool pictures.”
Ruby returned to him just before midnight, taking him out to the curb where they’d have a perfect view of the fireworks. Then they counted down, and Morgan rang in the new year with a kiss, and the prayer that his time with her would never end.