“I don’t know why you’re here or why Caleb has you swinging a hammer, but I can’t tell you how happy I am to see you.” As was the case at the meet and greet, Eva wrapped her arms around Ruby and squeezed. Ruby wasn’t normally the sort to hug virtual strangers, but she was starting to see the appeal. She’d met this woman all of twice, and she was already well on her way to adoring her. Anyone who ran roughshod over Spencer the way she had was worth getting to know. “What are you building, and why does Wheezy look as though someone took a pair of garden shears to his coat?”

“Oh no.” Ruby cast an anxious glance at the golden retriever. “Is it bad? Caleb was trying to groom Wheezy, but he didn’t like it. He howled.”

“Men always do.” Eva clucked her tongue. “You should see what happens when I try to give the boys a haircut. Speaking of, my husband will be here any minute with the pack of them. Spencer invited us over for a barbecue. Will you stay? Please stay you’ll stay.”

Ruby did her best not to watch for Spencer’s reaction as this invitation was offered, but she was acutely aware of him as he drew close. He stopped short of the white-painted line in the yard, his eyes dark and his expression unreadable.

“Of course she’s staying,” Caleb said. His brother’s arrival seemed to have sparked some life into him. Like the two dogs, he was suddenly restless and excited, eager for attention. He didn’t have a tail, but the spirit of it wagged within him. “Whatever Eva wants, Eva gets.”

“If that’s the case, then Ruby is coming to any and all gatherings until one of you brings home a girlfriend.” Eva rolled her eyes in Ruby’s direction. “You have no idea what it’s like to be the only female at these things. It’s penises everywhere I turn. No, don’t laugh—I’m serious. The little ones will whip it out any chance they get, and as for the big ones, well, I’m sure I don’t have to tell you the lengths they’ll go to show it off. You probably get more dick pics than a syphilis hotline.”

“Some of us are able to control ourselves in public, thanks,” Spencer said tightly. “No matter what the provocation.” He nodded toward the stage platform. “What’s all this about?”

Just like that, Ruby decided to stay. She wasn’t sure if it was the reference to Spencer’s iron will that did it or if it was the way he glared at the stage as though it had personally offended him, but there was no way she was going to bow out and give him the field.