“Just tell her a pipe burst or something,” Alec says, sounding agitated.
“I’m not going to lie to her,” Cameron argues. “There’s nothing wrong with the cabin.”
I stand in the doorway for a moment, so very tired.
They’re always arguing these days. And it’s my job to be the glue which sticks them together. Recently, that’s been getting harder and harder. But someone has to do it, so I plaster on a smile. “Problem?” I ask easily, heading over to the counter.
“Good night?” Alec’s voice is dry.
“Oh, aye,” I agree. “Very restful, you know?”
“Sounded that way.”
Cameron dumps his plate in the sink with a clatter.
“What were you two talking about?” I ask, grabbing two mugs from the cupboard. Summer gets one with a sheep.
“Alec wants Summer to leave,” Cameron mutters, turning the water on full blast. “Wants me to tell her the cabin needs repairs and book her into a hotel in Inverness.”
I’m shocked. “What? No. Why?”
Alec leans back in his chair, pinching the bridge of his nose. He looks exhausted. “I can’t have a repeat of last night,” he says quietly. “We’re due at least two more storms this week. I won’t be able to focus if I have to worry about her safety too.”
“She’s safe in the cabin,” Cameron repeats, his voice rising. “I built the damn place. You think it’s not sound?”
“Of course I do. But she’d be cut off from the rest of us?—”
“If you’re concerned, we can keep her in the farmhouse,” I suggest. “Put her up in the guest room.”
Cameron snorts. “What, like you did last night?”
I shrug. “Her sleeping in my room was just temporary. We can set it up for her, make it real nice.”
Alec’s jaw tenses. “Having her in the farmhouse will be a distraction.”
“Pfft. Wee slip of a thing like her? Won’t even notice her.” I fill the coffee mugs from the pot. “Honestly, I reckon she needs it. I know she acts like a ball of sunshine, but some of those comments she’s getting are downright nasty. She’s probably scared. We should at least offer.”
Alec’s watch beeps. He stands. “I don’t have time for this. I need to feed the bottle babies. Viola’s lamb still isn’t gaining weight. It’s not looking good for her.”
“You should ask Summer to feed her,” I start. “I swear, the two of them bonded. I’ve never seen anything like it?—”
“You don’t have to make shit up,” he cuts me off. “If you want Summer to stay that badly, then fine. I need to work.” He drains his coffee and leaves.
I open the fridge and pull out a bottle of fresh milk. “I’m not making it up,” I mutter. “God, he’s in a mood.”
Cameron doesn’t answer, just stands silently by the counter as I fix the drinks. His energy is dark.
I glance at him. “Sleep well?” I ask casually.
“Wearefixing up the guest room,” he says. “You can’t just…just keep her in your bed. She’s a paying guest.”
“’Course. I’ll help you spruce it up after the morning feeds.” I wonder how to broach the topic of his kiss with Summer. There’sno way he’ll bring it up himself. “Sorry about any noise last night,” I try.
Cameron immediately pushes off the counter. “Going to chop some firewood.”
“No need. I did a bunch a few days back.”
“Not enough.”
