Ruth POV
I had just pulled an all-nighter, the kind that leaves your body aching and your mind buzzing with the kind of exhaustion that coffee could barely touch. Just as I collapsed onto the couch with a deep sigh, my phone started ringing. Squinting my tired eyes at the screen, they widened when I saw the name flashing.
Uncle," I mumbled, the corners of my lips pulling upwards. I answered quickly, pretending to be more awake than I was. "Uncle! Good morning!"
"Morning, Ruth," his voice boomed through the line, warm. "Guess who's back in town?"
I sat up a little straight and felt the sudden rush of energy run through my veins. "You're kidding? You're back? Since when?
Last night," he said, the chuckle unmistakable. "How about lunch today to catch up? My treat."
"You could come home,
