Finally he exhaled, facing Gretchen and Jordan. They both stared back at him, a little wide-eyed. Suddenly self-conscious, he asked, “What?”
“You are epic,” Jordan threw his arms around Arthur’s neck. “Thank you.”
Gretchen nodded, her eyes damp. “We’re used to having to do everything ourselves.”
Arthur swallowed the lump in his throat. “Well, you don’t have to anymore.”
Jordan smiled and sat next to Arthur. “You chose the best boyfriend, Mum.”
Gretchen’s eyes widened.
It felt like days ago that Arthur had spoken with Jordan. “Jordan saw us kiss this morning and asked about it.”
“Oh. I’m glad you approve, sweetheart.”
They all jumped as something banged outside. Probably a fence ripping off. Gretchen rubbed her arms. “I can’t believe how quickly it arrived.”
Neither could Arthur. He hoped Amy and everyone else were safe. It was far too early in the season to be a cyclone, so perhaps it was a late winter storm. But the ferocity would do damage, no matter what kind of storm it was. It would be a long night.
Chapter 17
The constant roar of the wind grated on Gretchen’s nerves. It had been unrelenting for hours now, making it difficult to hear each other. They’d played cards and board games until they were sick of it. She’d considered getting her laptop to watch movies, but the battery didn’t last long, and the power had gone out almost as soon as the storm had hit.
“I’m hungry,” Jordan called.
They’d had plenty of snacks throughout the afternoon, but something more substantial might make them sleepy. “Do you think it’s too confined to use the gas burner in here?”
“It’ll be fine by the door. Do you want me to cook some soup?” Arthur asked.
“Yes!” Jordan said.
Gretchen let Arthur take charge. She could get used to having someone help her. His earlier declaration about them not having to do it on their own any more sounded almost like a promise, a commitment. It had tickled all of her senses and made her yearn for more. He was quickly becoming part of her life, and she liked it. She’d had to do it all for so long, even when she’d been with Kurt. Having someone to share the load was nice. Gave her a bit of respite.
In very little time, the soup was ready, and Arthur poured it into the two bowls from the cyclone kit. He didn’t have one. She’d never considered there’d be more than her and Jordan. “You can have my bowl.”
“No need. I’ll use the pot.”
Where had this easy-going man come from? Nothing fazed him, yet when they’d first met, he’d snapped at her every suggestion. It was lovely to see the true man underneath.
When they were done, she cleaned the dishes with wet wipes and packed everything away. They’d switched on the LCD lantern about an hour ago and the pale glow lit the whole room.
Arthur shut the door and the roar lessened. “No point having it open now it’s dark.”
“How much longer will it last?” Jordan asked.
Arthur switched on the radio. “Let’s find out.”
He took Jordan’s questions seriously. Was it any wonder her heart expanded every time she saw him?
The broadcaster looped through the same information they’d heard the last time. The storm was over Retribution Bay and nearing Coral Bay in the south. Winds weren’t expected to ease until morning.
Jordan pouted. “How am I supposed to sleep when it’s so noisy?”
“How about we read a story?” Gretchen suggested.
He brightened. “Arthur can tell us about the treasure.”
At Arthur’s grunt, Jordan slapped his hand over his mouth, eyes wide.
