𝑃𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑅𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠

Chapter Twenty Nine

Back at Luke's house- well now JJ and Ruby's, Sage and Ruby sat on the porch, watching the water and talking.

JJ had asked Sage to sit with Ruby while he went job hunting, he knew she hated being alone and luckily Sage had agreed.

" I just can't believe he let my dad do that.." Ruby said quietly, laying her head against her knees, "he's all over the place Rue.. I just wish he'd let us help him.."Sage said with a frown, playing with the piece of bandanna tied around her neck.

Ruby sighed and laid her head on Sage's shoulder, "I need you to do me a favor.." Ruby said, " anything" Sage said and looked at her.

" I don't know how long I'll be gone.. so, take care of them for me okay..? Mainly JJ.. make sure he doesn't do anything stupid.." Ruby said and messed with her engagement ring.

" Rue you're not going anywhere.." Sage tried to reassure, " Sae.." Ruby said and Sage frowned, nodding in understanding, " I'll take care of them.." she said quietly.

Ruby nodded, swallowing hard as a wave of nausea rushed over her, making her quickly cover her mouth and stand up.

" Rue..?" Sage asked in concern, Ruby took a shaky breath and swallowed hard once more, " 'm okay.. probably just stress.." Ruby dismissed, throwing her hair into a messy bun, suddenly too warm.

" when was your last period?" Sage asked, " Sae I'm not pregnant" Ruby said with a laugh and shook her head, the thought of that was insane.

Sage gave her a doubtful look but didn't push the issue any further, which Ruby was suddenly thankful for.

The sun had started to set but Ruby still stayed on the porch, waiting for JJ to return home- Sage had fallen asleep on the couch, exhausted from the days events.

Ruby curled herself up in a ball, glancing up as she heard the rumble of her truck, her eye's immediately lighting up as she stood, running over to JJ who immediately lifted her into his arms.

"I missed you.." she whispered, gently kissing his shoulder, " I missed you too.." he whispered back, tilting her chin up and kissing her deeply.

He laid on the other couch with her, the two of them intertwined like always as he told her about his day.

Eventually they both fell asleep holding onto each other, not even noticing the chill in the air as the sun had fully gone down.

The three of them woke up an hour later, the sound of the Twinkie pulling up waking them from their slumber.

Ruby sat up on JJ's lap, rubbing at her eyes and struggling to adjust to the darkness while still half awake.

JJ sat up, wrapping his arms around Ruby's waist and kissing her temple to keep her calm.

Sage sat up on her arms as John B made his way onto the porch, covered in dirt and a terrified look in his eyes.

He stopped right in front of Ruby and she swallowed hard, gripping JJ's hand.

" Singh's men took dad.."