“What?”
“What’s wrong?” Caleb asked.
“Nothing.” She sighed, knowing that wouldn’t get him to stop asking questions. “I’m just going to miss this place.” And you, she added silently.
“Got big plans when you get back to town?” he asked, walking over to her.
She shook her head. “Just avoiding everyone who knows about the disaster of a date, so like everyone.”
“Why?” He took a seat at the table and pulled her into his lap. “There’s nothing to run from, and that guy should be way more embarrassed than you.”
“See, you can say that, but I was the only one who made the big scene.”
“It wasn’t as bad as all that. Just ignore people and hold your head up high.”
She snorted. “Yeah, until Grandma sets me up on another date.”
His hands tightened and loosened on her waist. “Just be honest with her and tell her you don’t like it.”
“You don’t know my Grandma and her affinity for matchmaking.”
He laughed. “Well, I got to meet you that night, so it wasn’t all bad. If she hadn’t convinced you to come out, then we wouldn’t have met.”
“And I wouldn’t have made a fool of myself in front of you.”
“Well, I hate to burst our bubble, and I really mean that, but I think we can get out of here now. The main road is passable, and my truck will make it down to it.”
“What about my car?” She blinked a few times, holding back tears at the ending.
“Another time. I think getting back to town before another storm rolls through or all this melt turns to ice should be our priority.”
She gave him a sad smile and stood. “I guess I’d better pack.”
“Wait.” He pulled her back down onto his lap. “I wanted to talk to you about something.”
“I mean, I know that this was just while we were here; you don’t have to tell me. I won’t turn it into a thing.”
It was his turn to be confused and silent. It took him a full minute to recover. “What the hell are you talking about?”
“This, us, I don’t expect to repeat what happened when we leave.”
He dropped his arms. “Does Milo have a carrier?” She thought she saw a muscle twitch in his jaw.
“No, I just let him ride in the car.”
“Okay. I’ll help you pack. Let’s get ready.”
She stood again, and he followed suit. Grace held it together until she was in the bedroom; only then did she let a few tears fall. Just a few, she’d let the rest out when she was alone again.
It didn’t take long to get packed up and ready to go. Caleb had gotten everything else ready and loaded before she finished the bedroom.
“Is that the last of it?” he asked.
Grace nodded and didn’t protest when he took the bag. She grabbed her coat and boots and went out to his truck. He helped her in, and they were off in silence.
Just outside of town, her phone rang, and she answered it.
“Hi, Grandma.”
