Her brow furrowed. “But Jonah isn’t here yet.”
“He’s outside shoveling the walk.”
They reached the bottom of the stairs and headed her way, Tammy with her small, quick strides and Tom with his lumbering gait.
Tammy made a beeline for Lauren and wrapped her arms around her, holding tight. “You can’t leave. You just can’t.”
“Tammy,”Tom said.
“Well, she’s part of the family now. We’re just supposed to let her go?”
“She has a life in Boston. It’s her choice. Let loose of the girl, sweetheart. You’re gonna squeeze her to death.”
Tammy drew back, her teary gaze clinging to Lauren. “I wish you’d at least stay for Christmas, honey. It just won’t be the same without you.”
“I hate to miss it, but I should get settled into my apartment before my new job starts.” Lauren hadn’t planned to say anything touchy-feely. Her emotions were on edge and she didn’t want to chance it. But they’d been so good to her and it wouldn’t be right to say good-bye without letting them know how much they meant to her.
She swallowed past the lump in her throat. “Thank you for everything, both of you. You’ve been wonderful and I’ll miss you all so much.”
“Oh, honey...”
Tom stepped forward for an awkward hug. He gave her back a few pats and drew away. “You’ve been a joy to have around, Lauren. We sure do wish you the best of luck.”
“Thank you. That means the world. And please take care of yourself, Tom.”
He grumbled.
“Listen to your wife—she loves you.” Lauren moved to more comfortable ground. “And if you have any questions about the barn or anything else, feel free to reach out.”
“We will,” Tammy said. “We’re so grateful for everything you did here—all the improvements and ideas, and the barn. That Olivia is getting quite the deal. I’ll make sure she knows it.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome here anytime, sweetheart. If you just need a place to get away for a couple days, you come right on up. We’ll make room for you.”
Lauren couldn’t see that happening. But it was sweet of her to offer. “Thank you, I appreciate it. Well, I guess we’d better get on the road.” She turned for the door, calling for Graham.
The dog trotted to the door, oblivious that he was about to leave this place, these people, for the last time. She was so jealous of his ignorance.
Tom and Tammy stayed put, probably wanting to give Jonah and her a chance to say their farewells in private.
With a final wave and a wobbly smile aimed their way, Lauren exited the lodge.
She didn’t even have time for a deep, steadying breath because there was Jonah scraping the shovel across the patch of walkway closest to the lot. His cheeks were flushed, his hair windblown. He tossed the snow aside, then leaned the shovel against a tree trunk and turned her way. He tried for a brave face but didn’t quite get there—his eyes betrayed his struggle.
She knew the feeling. The lump in her throat grew into a boulder as her feet carried her toward him, seemingly of their own volition. And then she was in his arms, trembling inside and praying he couldn’t tell how very much she didn’t want to let go of him.
He held her tight, his breath warming the top of her head, his lungs expanding against her chest.
Keep it together.Now is not the time to lose it.
“I’ll miss you,” he whispered.
That didn’t even begin to cover it. “Me too. Thank you for”—befriending me, being patient with me, loving me—“everything.”
“You’re gonna do great at your new job. They’re lucky to have you—don’t you forget that.” He drew away too soon, that brave smile propped in place, his jaw like granite. “I don’t want to hold you up.”
“It’s pretty cold out here.” She emphasized the thought by huddling awkwardly into her coat when she would’ve gladly stayed in his embrace for hours.
