Chapter 326

Late at night. Ruby woke from her sleep, instinctively reaching for the space beside her—only to find it empty. She opened her eyes. The man who should have been next to her was gone. It took her only a moment to realize where he must be. Throwing off the covers, she got out of bed and made her way to their son’s room. Sure enough, there he was, sitting on the edge of the bed, motionless as a statue in the dim glow of the nightlight. She couldn’t tell how long he had been watching. Her heart ached at the sight. She understood Michael’s pain all too well. The child who called him "Uncle" was, in truth, his own flesh and blood. The torment of being so close yet unable to acknowledge him—it must have been unbearable. No words could describe the depth of his love for their son. Michael sensed her presence. Gently, Michael tucked the blanket around the sleeping boy before rising and stepping out. Ruby lingered for a moment, the thin fabric of her nightgown doing little against the chill. He