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“That’s how you know I’m home?”

“It was unsettling.”

I laugh. “My nephew was born today.”

Her whole expression changes. Not dramatically, but the teasing disappears almost immediately. “For real?”

“Yeah. Jack Liam Hale.”

Ruby smiles. “That’s a good name.”

“I’ll let Lachlin know you approve.”

“How are mom and baby?”

“They’re good. Briar’s exhausted. Lachlin’s pretending he’s calm, which nobody believes. Jack’s healthy.”

“That’s great.”

There’s something warm in the way she says it, and for once neither of us seems interested in turning the conversation into an argument.

I lean against the railing. “He’s so tiny.”

“Babies usually are.”

“Helpful.”

“You’re welcome.”

I smile and look out toward the dark street. “He grabbed my finger.”

Ruby is quiet for a second. “That get you?”

I glance at her, and she doesn’t look smug or amused. Just curious.

“A little.”

Her smile softens. “Yeah. I can see that.”

For a few minutes, we stay there talking like normal people.

She asks if this is the first grandchild. I tell her yes. I tell her Dad already bought him fishing gear, and Mom is clearing her schedule for any chance to babysit. Ruby says that sounds about right for my family, which makes me wonder how much she’s already heard from people around town.

Eventually she pushes away from the porch railing.

“I’m glad everything went well.”

“Me too.”

She takes two steps toward her door, then stops and looks back at me. “Maybe all this fatherhood-by-proximity will finally teach you something about indoor volume.”

And just like that, we’re back.

I grin. “Don’t get sentimental on me now.”

Ruby rolls her eyes and disappears inside.

Chapter six