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It does. I already knew that, but hearing Iris say so matter-of-factly that Ohio State is an option makes me even more certain.
Ruby has stayed with Scarlett through thick and thin. Even when Scarlett made the choice to try to reconcile with people who didn’t deserve her. Twice. Ruby was there for her, supporting her, loving her unconditionally. Ruby was determined to stay as long as Scarlett and Mariah needed her.
She put her dreams and plans on hold foryears.
Now that she finally has some freedom, her choice is to pursue a career where she can help even more people.
But she put moving to New Orleans for that on hold until everyone here is settled. Including April and Elliot, two people who just suddenly needed her. A co-worker. A friend, but not someone she’s known for years and years.
And here I am, wanting to convince her to change all of her plans for me. I don’t even need herhelp.
I just need…her.
I selfishly want her here because she makes me happy.
I clear my throat. “Ruby is going to New Orleans. That’s what she wants.”
“And what happens if she needs you when she’s there?”
I blow out a breath. “Ruby doesn’t ask for help. She gives the help. So that probably won’t happen very often.”
I want to give her all the support. The money, the encouragement, my presence. I want to be the one to support Ruby being Ruby.
She’s been Scarlett and Mariah’s main support all these years, pinching pennies, worrying, pulling extra shifts, moving around, dealing with whatever came up on her own. And putting off school.
But now she’s got me.
She doesn’t have to do any of that now.
She’s not alone, and she never has to worry about anything again.
“What if you just miss her?”
“That’s…not enough for me to leave the people whoneedme. I know that, don’t worry.”
Bloody hell. Iwillmiss her. It will be miserable without her. But my life is amazing. I have to be grateful for what I have and not pine for what I don’t.
Finally, Iris asks, “You’re okay with that? Really?”
I take a deep breath. Only King Diarmuid, Alfred, Iris, and now Ruby know mywholestory. Cian doesn’t even know everything about my father or how Alfred pulled me out of school and put me into specialized training. Cian knows my mom died when I was a kid and that my father died a few years ago. He knows Alfred hired me. He knows I consider the O’Gradys my family. Those are the important things.
Alfred brought me in as Cian’s companion. He told me the young prince needed me, but Alfred was honest from the very first minute and told me he knew I needed Cian too.
And he was right.
Alfred saved me and I will never forget that.
“I’m okay with everything. She’s got plans. And I’m going to help her make those happen.” That is how I can best love Ruby. I can help make all of her dreams come true.
Watching her face, seeing her emotion around my plans for Ruby’s Way here in Emerald, brought that home for me.
I want this woman to be happy.
Whatever that means, I will make it happen.
I will change this fucking world for her.
“So when Cian comes back to Ohio, you’re staying there,” Iris clarifies.