𝑃𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑅𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠

Chapter Thirteen

" what if it isn't her? Then what?" John B asked, pacing around the area, " then maybe I can offer myself up as bait.. just to get to her.." JJ suggested with an exhausted sigh.

Cleo grabbed the phone with a huff, " you guys get beat so bad you flinch when someone's trying to help. P4L. It's Ruby man! There's no way she'd send that as bait, they'd have to kill her" She reasoned, everyone else nodding in agreement.

They all ran out, staying behind a fence while they searched for the boat number, " there's your boat.." Cleo said and pointed to it.

JJ nodded and took the safety off the gun, cocking it before putting in the band of his shorts and pulling up the hat.

The others knew not to try and stop him, if this was Ruby he wanted to be the first one to get her, and if it was someone else? Ruby would be getting a roommate.

On the boat Ruby scanned the area, her heart pounding in her chest as she searched for him, was she too late? Had the text even gone through?

Below JJ was having the same thoughts, if this wasn't her on the boat he had no idea what he would do, was she safe? Had they hurt her?

He looked up at the boat and took a deep breath, " Ruby..?" He called out, watching as she turned around, " JJ.." it came out in a breathless whisper, tears filling her eyes.

" Ruby!" He yelled and opened his arms, she came running to him, jumping into his arms and hugging him as tight as she could.

He hugged her back just as tight, repeatedly kissing anywhere he could on her, in disbelief that she was really there.

"I-I didn't think I'd ever see you again.." she sobbed and held the sides of his face, " you can't get rid of me that easily.." he promised before connecting their lips in a sweet kiss.

He went to set her down but she shook her head no, wrapping her legs around his waist- she didn't want to be apart.

Even as everyone else came running over she never let go of him, laying her head against his shoulder as everyone joined a group hug.

Only her and John B both paused as bells rung out- it was a specific pattern and Ruby's heart began to race. Only their father new that pattern.

So as Sage gave John B permission to check it out JJ and Ruby set up the boat for when it was time to leave.

" they didn't hurt you did they..?" He asked, " a little bit.. but I've had worse.." she admitted and helped him with the lines.

" where the hell did you even get a boat like this?" He asked and she grinned, " it's Rafe's" she said and his eyes widened, "Rafe?" He questioned, " long story.." she said and he nodded.

He knew this would be something she would share when it was just them. She didn't want anyone else to know about it.

After a while the two sat up on the deck, cuddling each other as they waited.

" can't I just marry you now..?" He asked, gently rubbing his hand up and down her leg, " I'd love that.." she said with a smile.

JJ grabbed two pieces of paper, folding them into rings before gently grabbing Ruby's hand and sliding one onto her ring finger.

" by whatever power I have.. I now pronounce us husband and wife.." he said with a smile, watching as she slid the other one onto his ring finger.

" I think how this works is I get to kiss the bride now right..?" He asked and she nodded with a laugh, allowing him to pull her into a kiss.

They were officially married.