When he returns, he hugs me close. “I think they would have liked this.” His gaze raises to where we overlook the ranch below. “This is a good spot.”
Up here on the bluff, the wind whips the tears from our cheeks, stinging with the promise of more snow tonight.
“If everyone’s ready, we can load up.” Dixon’s voice is gruff. Knowing him for so long, I bet he’s struggling as well.
He helps everyone onto the low trailer that’s been outfitted with runners to cut through the snow.
A grim sleigh ride so soon after Christmas.
The part that’s the hardest for me is seeing Sawyer hurt.
Tonight will be rough.
Everyone is somber as we file into Dixon’s place. It’s where Mason and his family are staying until the repairs are done on the main house.
“Is there any word on contractors?” Sawyer asks Mason, dropping onto the couch next to his dad.
Mason shakes his head. “Everyone is booked up for spring already. Or doesn’t want to return my calls.” He lets out a long sigh. “We’re being labeled as ‘dangerous’ now with all the shit we’re being targeted with.”
“I’ve tried calling the guy who built my additions.” Dixon hands out glasses of bourbon like water to anyone who takes one. “He said he’d be happy to, but won’t be able to start until fall at the soonest.”
I slip to the kitchen and start unpacking all of the cold cut sandwiches I made yesterday.
There’s no way anyone would want to cook today, or should be expected to.
“Thank you again for bringing these.” Lori’s hand rests on my shoulder. Her eyes are pink from crying, but she still pulls out a stack of plates to start stacking them on.
“It’s what I’m good at.” I give her a wry smile.
I don’t tell her it’s my way of trying to fit in. That’s never been me before now.
It’s been easier to keep to myself, not let anyone in.
Except it’s impossible not to see how important having someone to lean on can really be.
“Having more than one person whose love language is making food is going to be the death of my waistline.” Sophia gives us both a broad smile.
She’s hiding her grief better than most of us.
“Try having twins,” Char grumbles as she appears from the hall, a baby on each shoulder. “Watch that belly fall to your knees.”
Sophia’s nose wrinkles. “No time soon, thank you.”
Lori’s hand moves to her own stomach, still flat in the early stages of her pregnancy. “I don’t know, I like it.”
Sophia’s elbow props on the counter as she grabs a carrot stick. “That’s because you’re like, the perfect mom.” She blows a kiss to Lori. “I’m okay with that. I love my brothers. Think you’ll have a girl this time?”
Lori’s lips purse. “Hmm. Maybe? I haven’t been sick at all this round.”
“Wait, you were before?” I pause unwrapping the sandwiches. “How bad?”
“Oh God. It was awful. I think a couple of times a day.” She opens a big bag of chips to dump into a bowl. “I mean, it was worth it, though.”
“Totally worth it,” Char adds as she comes back into the kitchen empty handed.
I glance up to see Dixon rocking the twins in the living room while he talks to Mason and Sawyer.
There’s a weird feeling that hits me, knowing I’m part of this family now.
