"It didn't snow at all today, so I reckon everything will be open and back to normal tomorrow," Janka added.
They all grinned.
"It's going to be an epic day," Imogen said.
"We should get some sleep," Janka said, yawning as she wriggled down into her sleeping bag. "Your nan will have us up at the crack of dawn."
"That's the best time to get some skiing in." Imogen yawned. "Alright, let's get some shut-eye. Night."
For a while, the room was quiet, with just the shuffling of material as three bodies wriggled and got comfortable, followed by the gentle breathing snuffles as, one by one, Janka, and then Robbie, fell asleep, leaving Imogen alone with her thoughts.
Imogen couldn't stop dwelling on the conversation about her dad. It wasn't that she wanted a dad, but she did feel like she'd missed out on having two parents. Maybe that was why she wanted to get them back together so much? She didn't find an answer before her eyes grew heavy and closed.
Chapter thirty-five
Meredith rose early, long before everyone else in the house. She pulled on a jumper and wandered into the kitchen, tiptoeing and closing the door to Schultz's soft snores.
In the darkness, she could see the figures beneath the covers on the couch. One head at each end.
For a moment, she stood and watched. She was unsure if Imogen's ideas had any real credence. Billy and Rosa hadn't shown any sign they were romantically interested in each other again, and yet, she couldn't quite say Imogen was wrong to wish for it.
She'd never understood how they hadn't found their way back to one another, especially now that Billy had sorted herself out. They'd been so in love—young love that had lasted into adulthood, and then adulthood revoked their calm, peaceful life with no warning.
Turning away, she moved towards the sink and quietly filled the kettle.
She had a mug brewing when she heard movement and turned to find Billy sitting upright, stretching her arms into the air. Dark curls looked like they needed a brush. Meredith smiled. "Morning," she whispered and held up the mug. "Tea?"
"Please," Billy whispered back, lifting the covers and raising her legs up and over Rosa, pulling them back over Rosa.
In socked feet, she padded across the room and met her mother, who handed her the mug of tea she'd made for herself.
"Have this, I'll make another one."
Billy grinned. "Thanks. How did you sleep?"
"Great," Meredith said over her shoulder, "once I'd poked Schultz into rolling over and stopped his snoring." She turned and looked at the sofa—at Rosa. "You?"
"Uh, yeah, was…good." She stared over at Rosa too, before looking back at her mum. "I think this has been good for us…you know…clearing the air."
"Long overdue." Meredith smiled back.
"Yes. It has… She said I can bring Imogen over here again, on my own…if Imogen wants to, of course."
"Pfft, like you'd stop her from it. She loves the snow." She patted Billy's arm. "But that is a huge step forward. I'm proud of you."
"Thanks." Billy smiled, absorbing the praise.
"I mean it, Billy. I know we've had our own difficulties. Heaven knows your dad was…well, the less said about him the better, but now, things are settled."
"Things are good, Mum. You and Schultz…it's like you're a different person with him in your life."
"He's a good man," she agreed. "And…sheis a good woman."
Billy squinted. "Rosa?"
"Who else?" Meredith chuckled. "She's the only one who ever made you happy."
"A lot of water's passed under the bridge, though… We're different people now," Billy said, trying to be diplomatic with her response. Lying to her mother felt unfair, and yet, she'd promised Rosa she wouldn't let anyone else know—not yet.
