Chapter 93

• Taking a deep breath, I remind myself that Lucas would never let anything happen to Ruth or me. That simple truth settles somewhere deep in my chest, warm and steady like the first sip of tea on a cold morning. Still, I’m surprised he wants Ruth to come with us to the city. Knowing her, she’ll loathe the idea—and won’t be shy about letting him know it.
• A frustrated groan escapes me as I hop down from the kitchen counter. I’ll have to find Ruth and warn her before Lucas breaks the news. Maybe I can soften the blow.
• I reach for the drawer below and pull out a plastic container, popping the lid off and carefully stacking cookies inside. Ruth has an embarrassing weakness for sweets—especially chocolate chip cookies. If anything can improve her mood, it’s these. I save two for Lucas, making a mental note to bake a fresh batch for him later, then head out the door, clutching the Tupperware like it’s a peace treaty.