Ruby

by Shanna Handel

  “I can’t help myself, Jacob. It worked for me. David ‘took me in hand’ as they say, and it was my saving grace.” She gave a low whistle before continuing. “I can’t tell you what he would have done to me if I had said a word like that, even that early in—”

  “Mom.” Jacob gave her a look that told her their heart to heart was over.

  “Hearing you call me Mom, now that warms my heart through and through. More than I deserve, but I’ll take it.” Heather reached out, hugging her son.

  “That’s in the past, Mom. You made the best decision you could, and it all worked out.” He tightly returned the embrace.

  Holding Jacob at arm’s length, she looked him over proudly before releasing him to dab at her teary eyes. “I just love you, baby. You’ll figure this out. Maybe you should talk to your Uncle Luke. I know it might be awkward for you to speak to David or me about this, but you and Luke have gotten to know each other well under the hood of that automobile.”

  “It’s called a Camaro, Mom.”

  Luke was a man that he admired and respected. He and his wife, Lila, had an enviable marriage. “You’re right. I should have a chat with Luke. Thanks, Mom.”

  Jacob enjoyed the smile that crossed Heather’s face every time he said that word.

  The next date with Ruby was a whirlwind of laughs and fun mixed with deep conversations. He was fascinated with the way her mind worked. She seemed to see things from a more in-depth angle than he did— always a step ahead of everyone else and quick witted. Many women in her situation would rightly feel jaded by the universe, but Ruby lived with a moment to moment awe of life. She accepted any adventure and new friend that crossed her path.

  The warning spank he had given her never came up, but Ruby’s language was much improved this time. Unfortunately, this date came complete with a huge, confusing speed bump, this time at the end of the evening instead of the beginning.

  He had taken her ice skating, at her request, something he hadn’t done since he was a kid. Although a lifetime athlete, he struggled on the ice, much like a fish out of the water. Ruby laughed as she glided across the smooth surface, seeming to almost hover over it, her long colorful skirt and unruly mane flowing behind her. Jacob ‘walked’ in careful choppy steps until he could skate beside her.

  Enchanted by the presence of the angel beside him, he wanted to hold her but would settle for her hand. “Would it be too forward of me to ask if I could hold your hand?” he said as they skated in sync around the curve of the ring.

  Ruby came to a stop, causing ice skaters to move around her to avoid a collision. Jacob turned around cautiously trying not to fall, dodging skaters as he did, and faced her.

  A strange expression registered on her face. Suddenly, she looked down, tears spilling from her eyes. Oh man, he must have over done it. Onlookers went by slowly, staring at the couple frozen on the ice ring.

  “Look, Ruby, if it’s too soon, I’m sorry. I just really like you.”

  Looking up and wiping the tears away her smile shined from her face, beaming towards him. “No, it’s not that Jacob, it’s just that no one ever asked me before. It took me off guard. I guess I’m just used to guys that— take. You know?”

  The last words she said brought a flash of red in his mind’s eye. He was surprised at how much anger he felt about these ‘guys’ of which he knew nothing. If anyone ever were to hurt her… well, no one was going to if she was with him. He would die before he let that happen.

  “You can hold both my hands,” she said giggling. She grabbed both of Jacob’s hands in hers and started skating backward, almost toppling several people as she did. Jacob couldn’t keep up, and eventually, they had to settle for holding hands the traditional way, gliding peacefully next to one another. The feeling of the energy where their bodies connected was electric.

  They held hands in the car, as best he could while driving stick, on the way to get ice cream, held hands while they ate their ice cream, then held hands all the way on the drive back to her house. As they pulled up the dark gravel driveway, he rubbed his thumb back and forth over the back of the hand he held. He parked the car in front of the porch, running his thumb over the elegant finger of her left hand, hoping that his ring would adorn it one day.

  Walking up the stairs to her dark, empty house, Jacob felt dread. He knew which subject was going to come up, and he knew he had to come clean with her.

  She looked down at the porch floor, “So, I hate that I can’t invite you in, it’s just a wreck in there. But we could go back to your place for a while.” She looked up at him with the sweetest smile, her eyes sparkling playfully.

  Jacob took a deep breath and both of her hands in his. “I can’t. I mean, I won’t.”

  Ruby looked dismayed. “Don’t you like me?” she asked in a tiny voice.

  Jacob sensed her self-doubt and quickly reassured her. “Ruby. I like you. A lot. A whole lot. Too much, in fact, to trust myself if we were to be alone at my house right now.”

  She looked up at him, and his heart melted at the wounded little girl he could see in her eyes.

  “Won’t you at least kiss me?”

  He looked down at the porch and sighed. “Ruby, I’ve never kissed anyone.”

  She was apparently shocked and didn’t reply to him.

  Heat coursed over the back of his neck. The warmth seemed to be frequently happening around Ruby, as she often pushed him out of his comfort zone. It quickly passed, though. He believed in his convictions and was one of the few men of his age who was completely comfortable with himself, exactly how he was. He looked back at her in a quiet reply.

  “What?” she whispered, waiting for further explanation.

  “It’s simple, Ruby, my first kiss is for my wife.”

  Chapter 2

  The clean morning sun shone over the workshop. Jacob stopped polishing for a moment to take in the beauty that surrounded him. The workshop, land, and cabin all belonged to David’s mother, Grace, who had passed away a few years ago, and the family was letting Jacob rent the charming mountain home, for what Jacob guessed was a lot less than the going rate.

  After graduating college, he had a lucrative career planned as a professional soccer player, but an injury had ended that dream. Things seem to work themselves out, as his mom always said, when he met Heather and had the opportunity to move to the close-knit community of David’s small hometown. He was even working for David, helping out with his local real estate company.

  The final wipes with a soft cloth completed the waxing of the car that he and Luke had restored in their spare time. They were getting it ready to show to a potential buyer. Having finished the project together, they were splitting the profits. Jacob shook the idea out of his head that it might be enough to buy a lovely little ring for Ruby, knowing it was way too soon for him to be thinking like that. Especially after what had happened on her front porch last night. He hadn’t even talked to her since the botched drop-off.

  Luke entered the workshop, his face lighting up at the thorough job Jacob had done on the gleaming vehicle. “Hey man, looks great. I thought we were doing this later, though. Didn’t you have plans this morning?” Luke looked at Jacob, concerned.

  “I was supposed to have breakfast with Ruby, but she canceled.” Jacob discarded the rag that he held, tossing it onto the growing pile by the back door.

  Worry crossed Luke’s face. Jacob had talked a lot about Ruby over the past few weeks. “What’s up?” Luke crossed the shop to where Jacob stood and leaned against the workbench.

  He joined Luke, crossing his arms across his chest, then lifting one hand to the back of his neck, rubbing it as if he could erase the red coloring that he knew was there.

  “We had an awesome date last night. Then we walked up to her porch, and when we said good night, I had to tell her that I wasn’t going to kiss her, or anything, that I was saving that for my wife,” Jacob paused to gauge Luke’s reaction.

  Luke contemplated silently before answ
ering, “I respect that Jacob. I do. That’s an excellent way to start a marriage. How’d Ruby take the news?”

  Jacob took a deep breath, then explained to Luke his utter confusion when his confession sent Ruby into a total tantrum. He couldn’t believe the girl standing in front of him was the same one he had likened to an angel just a few short hours earlier. She had ranted about not being good enough for him, telling him not to bother picking her up for breakfast, then slammed the door in his face.

  A small chuffing noise started to come from Luke.

  “You okay, Luke, you choking on something?” Jacob pounded him on the back, knowing good and well Luke was trying to cover up laughing at Jacob’s predicament.

  “I’m sorry Jacob, I don’t mean to laugh, it’s just that you picked such a fiery little thing. You are going to have your hands full, my friend.”

  Jacob shook his head. “I just don’t get it. One minute she’s crying because I asked her permission to hold her hand, then next she’s slamming the door in my face because I said I wouldn’t kiss her until she’s my wife— I mean until I have a wife— not that she would be my wife.”

  “Ahh, I understand. You think Ruby’s the one.” Luke raised an eyebrow at Jacob.

  Again, Jacob tried to rub the increasing heat off his skin. “I know it’s soon and I’m young and all that jazz, but…”

  Luke interrupted him, his tone now serious. He placed a heavy hand on Jacob’s shoulder. “I am not, for a moment, saying that to you. I knew the first night, at Elizabeth and Cole’s wedding, in the first few hours I met Lila, that I wanted her to be my wife. And let’s be clear, I do not think for a second being a young adult makes you any less of an adult. You are a solid young man with a decent head on your shoulders, and you know what you believe and stick to it. That’s commendable.”

  The praise Luke offered to Jacob was fulfilling. He hadn’t had a male mentor in his life since his father passed away, and he looked up to Luke. Luke was the kind of man Jacob hoped to be one day. A leader, thoughtful, and a hard worker. His wife, Lila looked at him in absolute adoration and trusted him to lead their family.

  He wasn’t blind: he had seen Luke quietly admonish Lila when she said something borderline disrespectful to him, though it happened infrequently. What Luke said, went. Watching their interactions left Jacob desiring a similar marriage. He felt hopeless that Ruby would ever trust him to guide her and look to him to protect her.

  “She brings out this incredibly protective side of me. I just want to take care of her and lead her, I guess.” Jacob sighed.

  “Jacob from what you’ve told me about this girl, you’re crazy about her, and it sounds like she has a great heart. Don’t give up until you tell her what you want. See what she says. You can’t settle for a relationship that you won’t be happy in; that isn’t true to who you are.”

  “So, let me guess, in short, you’re telling me I can’t let this little heck-raiser walk all over me?” Jacob asked, his eyes twinkling.

  Stifling another laugh, Luke said, “I’m speaking from experience. Any man who wants to be the Head of his Household is going to be unhappy if he’s not. As for last night, you’d have to ask my wife to be sure, but it sounds like Ruby’s feelings got hurt.” Luke paused before continuing as if debating whether or not to say something. “Lila used to be a pretty strong-willed little lady herself.”

  “Really?” Jacob knew Lila was a capable, independent woman, but she always seemed to bend to Luke's will happily.

  “Oh, yes.” Now Luke laughed heartily, this time at his own expense. “The first few years of our marriage, I was doing her bidding, she was in charge. I thought I could trade in who I was to give her what she wanted. But I was miserable.”

  “What changed, if you don’t mind my asking? What was the turning point for your guys?”

  The memory brought a soft smile to Luke’s rugged face. “Finally, she crossed the line, and I had enough. She told me she should be my boss. After all those years, for whatever reason, that little comment pushed me over the edge. I took her right over my knee, and let’s just say when she was sitting in that office chair the next day; I knew her mind was on me.” Luke laughed at the memory. “It still took me a few days to finally get up the courage to tell her what I needed for our marriage. There have been a few bumps, but really, it’s been smooth sailing ever since. And we are both happier.”

  “I don’t think that would work with Ruby,” Jacob said, willing himself not to imagine her pert little bottom over his lap for a sound spanking.

  “Look, I’m not saying you have to discipline your wife to have a happy marriage. What I am saying is that you must be honest with yourself, and with her, to have a happy relationship.”

  Shaking his head, Jacob was unable to believe it could ever work out with Ruby the way he desired.

  Sensing the matter was closed, Luke said, “Let’s get this thing down to town to show off to our buyer. We don’t want to be late for your mom’s cooking.” He winked at Jacob, knowing Heather would dress them up and down in her Southern belle way if they were late for her weekly Sunday dinner.

  Opening the door of David and Heather’s impressive, historical white colonial, Jacob stepped over the threshold. He paused in the foyer for a moment, taking in the warm family scene in the kitchen. Growing up as an only child, the house was peaceful, but always a little too quiet for Jacob. He couldn’t believe that just a year ago he thought he had no family left on this Earth. When he laid eyes on Heather, there wasn’t doubt in his mind that she was his birth mom. They looked so much alike. The memory of the moment still crossed his mind daily. Heather’s tears, apology, and the outpouring of love left him feeling oddly serene.

  Spotting him hovering in the doorway, Elizabeth called, “Jacob, I thought you were supposed to be cooking with your mom, didn’t you learn anything in my class?” Her husband Cole laughed with her good-naturedly.

  “He’s too busy with his woman to be cooking with his mama.” Cole winked as he came over and put an arm around Jacob, smiling. Cole was a laid back guy and a lot of fun to be around. Jacob played on Cole’s team for the baseball league and sometimes hung out with him when volunteering at the fire station. His wife, Elizabeth, was a talented cook and he and Heather had taken some classes from her. Their twins, Jacob and Abby, were running around, playing chase with baby Gracie.

  “You’re still coming to the game tomorrow night, right? We are going to need you. We are up against the Rangers, and unlike the Pioneers,” Cole rolled his eyes at the memory of the last team they played, “these guys were born in this century.”

  “Of course, somebody’s gotta get a run in for us,” Jacob said, laughing.

  “Ruby coming?” Cole asked, wiggling his eyebrows up and down and grinning like a high schooler. The whole family was excited that Jacob had met someone so soon after moving to their beloved hometown.

  Jacob looked down at the floor. “I’m not sure,” he muttered, his neck burning. Luke came over with four root beers in his hands, “Hey guys, let’s hit the back deck. Heather needs some men to man the grill.” He steered them out back, Jacob grateful to escape the womenfolk before they started the third degree on his love life.

  Magnificent oak trees lined the edges of the grassy backyard. The French doors spilled out onto a large, brick patio. Heather had enough outdoor furniture to seat an army and was making plans for an in-ground pool. She wanted her house to be a special place for the entire family to be able to gather comfortably. David was standing by a huge gas grill but was lighting the coals of a smaller charcoal one.

  “Hi, Jacob, good to see you.” David reached out and shook Jacob’s hand in his formal way. Every time Jacob grasped David’s hand, he was surprised by the firmness of his grip and the strength of his handshake. David was a tall, classic looking man, with black hair woven with strands of silver that made him look distinguished. A type A personality, and a business powerhouse, Jacob found David a bit intimidating, but always enjoy
ed his company. He was learning the ropes of the business, fast, from him as well.

  Luke passed the root beers out, and the men clinked bottles, saying “cheers.” A heated debate over grilling methods ensued. David and Luke were for the gas grill, but Cole and Jacob were firm believers in the taste only charcoal could create.

  Heather had asked David to add some hickory wood chips to the charcoal grill, which David was grumbling about, not seeing the advantage to the messy method. He quickly stopped as Heather stepped out of the glass doors onto the brick patio.

  “Jacob, my goodness you snuck right by me. I didn’t even see you come in. These men snatched you right outta my kitchen, didn’t they?” Heather handed David a platter of meat that could easily feed the whole block, then walked over to Jacob and squeezed him tight.

  “When are you gonna bring that little lady of yours over here? We don’t bite. We’d treat her real nice. Can she come next Sunday?”

  Jacob tensed. “Honestly, Mom, I don’t even know if it’s going to work out.” He ran his thumb back and forth over the bottle in his hand, watching the condensation drip to the ground.

  Her mouth dropped open, and Heather looked prepared to go into one of her Southern monologues. David jumped in and stopped her. “Sweetheart, I think the guys would like to hang out here for a bit if you don’t mind.”

  “Just a minute…”

  “Heather,” David interrupted firmly, raising his eyebrows in the same way Jacob had seen his brother Luke do with his wife, Lila. Heather acquiesced with a small, “smile,” then went in the house.

  David’s eyes were full of love as he watched his spirited wife go back into the house. “God, I love that woman and you’re welcome, Jacob. You were about to get the Southern inquisition. I could tell.” He placed half the meat carefully onto the grill, working it like a puzzle to fit it all. Then, he put the other half on the gas grill. “We can have a taste test tonight, and settle this, once and for all.”