“Never mind,” he said. “You don’t have to answer that. Got an extra blanket and the remote to the television?”
“Yes. The remote’s on the end table and the blanket is in the basket by the desk. Why?”
“I’ll be on the couch. Go get some sleep.”
She bit her lip, looked like she might protest, then sighed. “That sounds really good, but weren’t you supposed to go help the digging around the medical clinic?”
“I was, but there are quite a few helpers. This is important. You need your rest so you can help others who need it. Everyone will understand.”
One more pause, then a short nod. “Okay, I’ll take you up on the offer. Thanks. I just need until lunch, but feel free to leave anytime. You’re not stuck here.”
“Stop worrying. I’ll be fine and I’ll be here until you wake up.”
She nodded, then walked over to slide her arms around his waist and squeeze. Just a quick hug that punched him to his core. “Thank you, Gideon,” she said. “I really appreciate it.”
Before he could respond, she walked into the bedroom. It was a full minute before he could get himself together, make sure the front door was locked, grab the blanket, and stretch out on the couch.
He wasn’t one bit tired, but instead of turning the television on, he decided to enjoy the moment of stillness even though he kept his ears tuned to any noises that shouldn’t be there. It was also a moment tothink.
Which was what he’d come to Silver Pines to do.
Nowhere in all his plan-making did an avalanche have a place.
Or seeing Maya Sullivan and Vance Harland.
His grandmother would say there were no coincidences, that God had a plan and a reason the two were there. As well as the avalanche. Gideon wasn’t so sure. He and God weren’t exactly on speaking terms at the moment—frankly because Gideon was a bit angry with the Almighty. Not that he had any right to be. God hadn’t done anything wrong.
Gideon had.
So why was he angry with God?
He huffed a sigh and shut his eyes. He was an idiot and should have stayed home.
Thinking was overrated.
Four
MAYA WOKE AND FROZE,her ears turned toward the closed door. Silence. That was good, right? The memories washed back into the forefront of her mind, and she sat up. Looked at the clock. She’d been asleep for about three hours.
And she hadn’t had a nightmare. Was it because Gideon had been in the next room and she’d subconsciously known she could rest?
Maybe. It was weird, but ... nice.
She relaxed a fraction. If anything had happened, he would have awakened her.
Then the beautiful and beloved fragrance of coffee triggered her craving, and she hurried to the bathroom. Grateful for his presence, she put herself together before peering out to see her empty couch. Sounds came from the kitchen, and for a moment her heart fluttered and a longing for more than the brew hit her. She wanted this.
With Gideon? Well, yes, she’d always wantedhim, butthisin general. Having someone by her side. Someone to wake up to, to share joys and sorrows. Share life. Someone who would watch out for her while she slept. Someone who could make her coffee. She slipped out of the bedroom and walked over to sit in the nearest barstool facing him.
He looked up and smiled. “Feel better?”
“I do. Thank you. I was able to sleep, knowing you were nearby.”
“I’m glad.” He tilted his head. “Lila came by and said they didn’t get anything off the security footage at the firepit. She said you could see the person slam into you, but they were covered up in winter gear. She couldn’t tell if it was an accident or not, but they didn’t look back. She did notice that.”
“Right.” She sighed. “I’m not surprised. Disappointed, but not surprised.”
“Same.” He hesitated, then said, “Can you think of someone who has it out for you? A grudge? Someone you wronged in your past? Anything?”
