“All of his wines are great,” I said. “He’s the most creative of all of us.”
“Don’t sell yourself short. Cooking is another form of creativity.”
Hmm. I’d never thought of myself as creative. I didn’t draw, didn’t write, didn’t do any crafts. Cooking? I almost never followed a recipe as written. Yeah, it was creative.
I’d always assumed Ryan’s creativity came from his mother, since Talon, Joe, and I hadn’t inherited it. But maybe we had some creativity as well.
“How long until I qualify for a concealed carry?” I asked.
“You need to complete the required training. As an ex-cop, I’m a qualified instructor, so I’ll sign off when you’re ready. It won’t be too long. Like I said, you’re a natural.”
I smiled. “Cool. It’s very important to me that I’m able to take care of myself. I can’t always depend on my brothers and Bryce to be there for me.”
“Every one of them will always be there for you, but I get it. I like being able to take care of myself.”
Ruby had the most fit body I’d ever seen on a woman in real life. Even Jade’s mother, ex-supermodel Brooke Bailey, couldn’t compare. Feminine, but lean and muscular and strong. She’d been on her own since she escaped her father’s rape attempt at fifteen. There was a lot to admire about my pretty sister-in-law.
“I’ve been meaning to ask you,” I said. “As a cop, have you come up with any insight into Cade Booker? He seems to be acting almost randomly.”
“Like I’ve said before, there’s usually a system to a psychopath that experienced cops can see, but you’re right. Booker’s an anomaly.”
“You know who we should ask?”
“Melanie,” Ruby said. “I agree. We’re pretty close to the hospital.”
“Joe won’t want us to bother her.”
“Baby Brad is doing well,” Ruby said. “There’s no reason for Melanie to be upset about anything. And what your big brother doesn’t know…”
“…won’t hurt him.” I smiled. “Of course, it’s Saturday, and he’s probably at the hospital with Mel.”
“Only one way to find out.” Ruby stood.
Baby Brad had gained five ounces since his birth, and his skin was pink with a healthy glow. I kissed his little cheek before handing him back to the nurse to get his vitals.
“You just missed Joe,” Melanie said. “He went out to get some supplies I need at the hotel.”
Good. I loved my brother dearly, but Ruby and I wanted to speak to Melanie alone.
“How are you doing?” I asked. “Hanging in there?”
“I’m good. I miss being home, of course, but there’s no place I’d rather be than with my child. He’s everything I could have hoped for, and he’s thriving. Life is good.”
“He’s beautiful,” Ruby agreed.
“Are you and Ryan going to try soon?”
“We were just talking about that.” Ruby rubbed her chin. “Ryan is so afraid of passing on the psychopathy from both our parents, but he’s finally calming down about it. I never thought of myself as mother material, for that matter, but seeing little Brad changes things, to be honest. I’ve been on the pill for so long, though. I thought I’d see a doctor first.”
“Always a good idea,” Melanie said.
“Says the doctor.” I laughed.
“What’s going on with you two?” Melanie turned to me. “You doing okay?”
What she was truly asking was, are you harming yourself? I wasn’t, thank God.
“Oddly, I don’t feel overly traumatized by what happened. I guess I never really felt I was in any danger. Dominic was nice to me, and Alex was…well…Alex.”