Chapter 35 Bill
thirty-five
Bill
The night air has cooled down quite a bit in the last hour, and we eagerly slide back into my SUV.
Engaged for only an hour, I’m unable to stop grinning.
I start the car, but my gaze immediately goes to Ruth.
Neither of us has had a whole lot to say tonight.
We seem to both be reflecting a lot and enjoying the time together, even if it does feel surreal.
“I obviously want you to have the wedding you want to have. I will go along with whatever you decide, but if we do anything in public, you need to be prepared for the press to be there, and it’s going to make headlines. ”
“Oh really?” She chuckles, like she doesn’t have a care in the world. “I’m not worried. Maybe you’re newsworthy, but I’m boring. They will figure it out quickly and move on to something that sells.”
Tapping my fingers on the steering wheel, I ponder if I should press the issue.
I don’t want her to be nervous, but I also don’t want her to be ambushed by the possibility of being approached in public, or worse, having her photo taken secretly and finding out after the fact when it’s viral.
“Well, I’m glad you’re not stressing about it. ”
Her eyes twinkle. “Well, put it this way, if I have to have a few people take my photo to make a few bucks in order to marry you, it’s worth it, because I’m the lucky one.”
I keep my smile easy, the kind that hides just enough.
“Oh, let’s get one thing straight, I’m the lucky one.
” I focus on the road and pull out, heading back into town.
Unable to resist, I catch the river in my rearview mirror.
The void where the bridge had been is still a little jarring, but I’m slowly getting used to it.
I stop at the old, tilted stop sign at the end of the dirt road. I look both ways. No one is coming. Just as I’m about to press my foot on the gas pedal, my phone buzzes. I glance down, expecting a team update, but it’s a number I don’t recognize. I read on.
Hey Bill, it’s been a long time. Some things from the past aren’t done yet. We need to talk - Blake.
His name seems to pulse on my screen, taunting me.
“Who is it?” Ruth asks, her voice light as she tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear. The gesture is so casual it might look innocent to anyone else, but I know her better. Her new engagement ring catches the light, deliberately flashing at me like a spark she knows I can’t ignore.
I can’t look at it without my chest pulling tight. That ring isn’t just a gift, it’s my promise. To her and to God, and I love her more than anything.
And Blake, texting right now when my life is better than ever, better not so much as even try to talk to her.
Because he doesn’t understand I would burn the whole world to protect Ruth from him.
I would stand in front and take every bullet if it meant she could keep smiling that smile, keep tucking her hair behind her ear, keep breathing the same air I do.
My jaw clenches as I reread his text. There is no reason for him to bother me now. He’d better stay away from me, and especially from Ruth and Noah.
I’d die for her.
Without hesitation.
Without regret.