I almost said no. The word rose, hit the back of my teeth, and found it couldn't pass.
“I did what I told you not to do,” I said. “I decided what was practical. Then I put those decisions in front of a woman and called it honesty. In my logic, I messed up the entire conversation and made things far worse.”
He nodded. “So you laid out all the pros and cons and the cons outweighed the pros because you are a pessimist at heart.”
“Essentually.”
“And she rejected you.”
“Obviously.”
He breathed out slowly. “Dex.”
“I know.”
He picked up his cup again and held it with both hands, as if the warmth might offer something that words could not. “For what it’s worth, I don’t think Jane plays games. She is careful because she has learned she needs to be. If she is quiet, it’s because quiet keeps people at a distance. But I don’t feel like she wants to keep me out. I think she wants me to get to know her, and I want her to know me.”
“Then you should trust that,” I quietly advised.
“There is a storm moving in. It’s supposed to be quite the blizzard,” Braxton mentioned. “I’m wondering if the SnowDrop Inn would be ready for a storm this size.”
“You’re worried about Jane,” I surmised, looking out the window at the dark and full clouds against the white of the snow.
“And the rest of her family. They aren’t always practical,” Braxton murmured.
I had a half smile at that. Braxton wasn’t always practical and here he was worried about the Bennets weathering the storm. I sobered. It did look menacing outside.
“We should go back,” I said. “Before the roads become too difficult.”
Braxton didn't even pretend to hesitate. “Yes.”
“Your sister won't like it,” I murmured, testing Braxton’s resolution. He rarely stood up to Carly’s more forceful nature.
“I love Carly, but she and I don’t always have to agree on everything,” he said. “And she has a team who will do exactly as she tells them so she will be safe here. The Bennets have a team too, but their team is us.”
He was right. It was simple when he said it.
“We should grab some extra storm supplies. The inn has a generator so I doubt they will need everything. We could borrow things we think the Bennets will need,” Braxton mused.
“Do you know where the items are kept?” I questioned.
“Absolutely. I explored the entire building long ago. There is an entire room full of lanterns, camp stoves, blankets, and more." He started for the door, then paused. “One more thing.”
“Yes.”
“When you talk to her again, try leading with your feelings.”
“I’ll try,” I murmured. I didn’t have much hope Lucy would even want to talk to me.
“Come on. Let’s go rescue the Bennets." Braxton gave a big grin.
We raided the supply closet, taking enough while leaving plenty for the ski lodge. I packed my personal bag quickly and checked the forecast on my phone. The advisory had shifted from watch to warning. Wind speed was to gain blizzard strength with low to zero visibility for long periods of time overnight. Road conditions were expected to deteriorate and everyone was told to simply shelter in place.
I called the front desk and asked for a checkout. The clerk used the refined neutrality that passes for kindness in buildings like this. I thanked her and ended the call. On a different day I would have called Carly to explain our departure. Today I left a simple text.We’re leaving ahead of the weather. We will connect after it passes.I ignored her response when it came.
I met Braxton in the hall. He carried a pair of duffel bags that looked unjustifiably heavy. “Don’t ask. Just carry it.”
We took the service elevator to the parking lot. He tossed the bag into the back of the rental and slid into the passenger seat without the usual commentary about my driving. That was how I knew he was worried too.
