I should name Evie our resident Snow Queen, given how icy she’s been over the last couple of years. But we all cope with grief differently. I need her support, though, and that may mean being more honest with my siblings than I’ve been. Though that’s really a conversation that’s long overdue.
I always think there’s more time, and there never is.
“I’m going to go change.”
My eyes snap back to Chloe, taking in her swollen eyes and slumped shoulders.
“I’ll be done in a minute—take your time. There’s a problem on the farm.”
A flicker of something passes over her face. I’m not going to assign it to my own guilt because I can see that she’s shouldering plenty on her own. It might not even have to do with me or my trees. But I can’t help feeling like I’m repeating history instead of improving on it.
“Is everything okay?” she asks.
“Nothing they can’t handle until I get back.”
“Aiden, you can go. The worst problem is fixed. Now it’s just clean-up.”
Something snaps inside my chest, and I press the button to darken my screen so I can give her my full attention.
“I’m here because I want to be.” I stare straight into her eyes, hoping she can see that I mean it. “You go change, and I’ll finish this up. Then we’re having that talk. No phone, no farm. Okay?”
She wets her lips and nods. “I don’t have anything for you to change into, but you have to be cold…”
“I’m fine. Wouldn’t be the first time I had to function in wet clothes.”
“I guess not, with the farm.” The corner of her mouth tugs up. “I’ll be back in a minute.”
She turns and goes back into her storage area, and I turn my attention back to the text conversation with my siblings.
Me
I think we’ve got things handled for now. Thanks. I have a feeling it’s going to shut her studio down for a while, though.
Owen
there’s a solution for that you know
Evelyn
You can’t be suggesting what I think you’re suggesting.
Owen
doesn’t she have a kid
is she in the apartment over the studio
what if there’s water damage in both
Evelyn
A question mark never hurt anyone, Owen.
Also, no. I see where this is going.
Owen
it might not be safe Evie
