I pulled a stack of super-thick, fluffy blankets and dropped them onto the floor.
“You can make a pallet,” I said. “I used to sleep on them all the time when I was a kid.”
“I’ve never slept on one, and I’m not going to start now.”
“You can try sleeping while you stand, if you like.” I shrugged. “It’s pretty uncomfortable, though.”
He looked at the blankets, then at me—slowly accepting his fate.
“I’m going to remember this shit when we get back home,” he said, his eyes lingering on mine a second too long.
“Let me know when you’re ready to go to your mom’s,” I said. “I’m fine with today or tomorrow.” I slipped out of the room before he could say another word, before the look in his eyes could make me give in just once.
Moving through the tree-lined hallway, I grabbed a cup of pecan coffee and made my way to the front porch.
To my surprise, it was completely empty.
Letting out a breath, I plopped down in a rocking chair and looked ahead at the snow-covered acres.
I miss when Mom and I used to do this…
As I was envisioning her smile, the sound of crunchy footsteps came from the side of the house.
“Who’s there?” I called out. “Who is that?”
“Don’t worry,” a familiar voice said. “It’s just me.”
My longest-term boyfriend—well, still an ex-boyfriend—Brandon stepped onto the porch. He was dressed like my father now—navy blue coat and waders. A long way from his days of khaki pants and polo shirts as a journalist.
“I heard through the grapevine that you were in town, and I had to come see it for myself.” He smiled. “You’re even more beautiful than I remember.”
“Thank you.”
“Did you, um…” He paused. “Did you come home to fulfill the pact that we never talk about?”
“Actually, I came back because?—”
“My mom said we can stop by now.” Nicholas joined us on the porch, sliding his arms into his custom black overcoat. “I told her that we’re en route.”
He looked at Brandon, then over to me. “Am I interrupting something?”
“No.” I stood up and adjusted my scarf. “Nicholas, this is Brandon. Brandon, this is Nicholas. He’s my boyfriend.”
“Fiancé.”
“Nicholas…” I warned. “Remember what my Aunt May said…”
He didn’t take his words back.
“I didn’t know you were seeing someone.” Brandon feigned a smile. “Nice to meet you, Nicholas. I’m Brandon.”
“Brandon Forest?”
“Yeah.” He nodded. “Are you Nicholas Saint? I’m kidding…”
“I am.”
“What?” Brandon’s eyes widened. “Jenna, are you serious? The asshole you used to complain to me about?”
