He comes over to us, kissing me on the head, then Dorothea.
“Why do I feel like you’re lying to me?” I ask, hating the feeling in my chest.
I feel like he’s not being truthful. It’s just a feeling, I have no proof, but I don’t like it.
He gives me a reassuring smile. “Everything is fine, Angel. Do you need anything before I go?”
I shake my head, not liking what’s going on—because something is going on, but I don’t know what it is.
When he leaves, I go back to the window and stare at the spot they were standing in but can’t figure out what they could have been talking about. Maybe something with the garden? An animal? Bear, maybe? I guess that could be an issue, but wouldn’t they have told me to watch out for one if that’s what it was?
Dorothea’s fuss turns into a cry, and I rock her as I make my way into the living room to nurse her.
“It’s okay, sweetie,” I say as I sit in the recliner—my favorite place to feed her. It’s the easiest place to get comfortable with her in my arms.
I turn on the TV with the remote that was left on the end table and find something to watch while Dorothea eats. This is typically what we do throughout the day, so we’re not stuffed away in the bedroom. I’m not worried about nursing her in frontof others, and Kelsey and Tommy aren’t weird about it either. Neither is Grizz, thankfully.
“Morning,” Kelsey says when she comes downstairs, still in her flannel pajamas.
“Good morning,” I say. “You feeling okay? You’re usually up by now.”
“I don’t know,” she says, sitting on the end of the couch closest to me. “Just tired. Maybe I’m getting a cold or something.”
“Change of season will do that to you,” I say. “Make sure you rest.”
She goes into the kitchen and comes back a short time later with a mug of tea. She pulls the blanket from the back of the couch and lies down.
“What are we watching?” she asks.
“Some cooking competition show.”
Tommy comes down a short time later. “I’m going back out to shovel. You ladies need anything before I head out?”
Kelsey looks to me, and I shake my head.
“We’re good,” she tells him, reaching for her mug of tea.
She blows on it then takes a small sip before returning it to the table.
Tommy puts on his jacket, boots, gloves, and hat then goes outside. The garage opens, then the snowblower starts up. He’s out there for over an hour because the driveway is huge. Wide enough to fit three cars and stretches all the way to the main road. I’ve walked it plenty of times before it got too cold, just to get some exercise.
Dorothea falls back to sleep, so I cover myself up, shift her around to get more comfortable, and watch TV. A while later, Tommy comes in with the mail and hands me a letter.
“What’s this?” I ask as I take it.
Dorothea sighs in her sleep, her little fingers grasping at my chest.
“Not sure,” he says. “It’s illegal to open other people’s mail.” He grins, and I can’t help but laugh. He kisses Kelsey—who is also sleeping—on the head and then goes upstairs, probably to shower.
I open the mail, trying to do it quietly, but almost squeal in excitement when I see that my application for financial assistance was approved. I should receive a card in the mail soon, and the funds should be available by the time that happens.
My excitement over this isn’t just about the money, it’s about the freedom and independence of having my own money. Grizz has told me money isn’t an issue for him, and he will get me and the baby whatever we want or need—which he has. But it feels good knowing that I can contribute, even if it’s only a little.
The best part? Each day, I feel a little more human.
Chapter Thirty-One
Grizz
