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Ruby looks mildly surprised. “I am.”

“Sloane’s mentioned you, and I’ve seen your work online.”

“That’s either good or concerning.”

“Good. Definitely good.”

Lachlin comes around the truck with Jack tucked against his chest. “What’s everyone doing here?”

“Zander broke his truck,” Dad says.

“I didn’t break it.”

Dad looks at Ruby. “He broke his truck.”

Ruby nods. “That does sound more likely.”

I stare at her. “You’re supposed to be on my side. You drove me here.”

“I fulfilled the transportation portion of our relationship.”

Conlin’s voice comes from inside the shop. “Relationship?”

I close my eyes while Ruby laughs beside me.

Conlin walks out of the bay holding a rag, a streak of grease along one forearm. He must have finished work earlier than expected and come by to help Dad with something. His gaze moves from me to Ruby.

“So, you’re Ruby.”

She tilts her head. “Should I be worried that everyone keeps saying that?”

“Probably not.” Conlin tosses the rag onto a workbench. “I’m Conlin.”

“I figured.”

He looks almost disappointed. “Zander talks about me?”

“Mostly complaints.”

“That sounds right.”

I point at him. “I’m standing right here.”

Conlin smiles at Ruby. “You get used to tuning him out.”

She glances at me. “I’m working on it.”

He laughs, and whatever awkwardness could’ve been there disappears. Ruby doesn’t get quiet because my entire family seems to have materialized around her. She gives Conlin exactly as much attitude as he gives her, and when Briar moves closer with Jack, her attention shifts immediately to the baby.

“Oh, he’s so tiny.”

Briar smiles. “That’s what everyone keeps saying.”

“He’s beautiful.”

Lachlin looks ridiculously pleased, as if he personally handled that part.

Mom claps her hands once. “Since everyone’s here, let’s go inside and have dinner. There’s enough for everyone.”