“That's funny.” Lexi snorts and continues eating.
I shouldn't be annoyed Peter’s offering to do this with my daughter. He’s giving me an out. But it makes me feel like a terrible mom for not wanting to do this small request.
“Okay, after we eat breakfast, we can bundle up, and make snow angels.”
“Yes.” Lexi holds her hand in the air and Peter gets her a high five.
I’m pretty sure both of them just played me. I guess they’re also getting a surprise snowball fight.
Thirteen
Peter
As much as I’ve enjoyed having Callie and her daughter here, I’ll be happy when I can sleep in my bed again. This couch isn’t the most comfortable when I’m hanging off the end.
My shoulders and back are tight as I throw off the blanket and stand. I twist back and forth to see if my back will hurt less, but no such luck.
My phone dings with a text message.
Parker
I’m going to town to see if anyone has power yet.
Peter
Okay. Why are you telling me this?
Parker
To see if you want to ride. And to check if the roads are clear.
He’s out of his mind if he thinks I’m getting in the car with him behind the wheel. He only knows one speed…fast.
Peter
I’m good. Let me know if the roads are good.
Parker
Fine. I’ll ask Phillip.
I feel kind of bad for not going, but it’s not like I can just leave when I have people staying with me. It would be rude. Not that I can tell my brother that. Nobody knows Callie and Alexandra are with me. If I tell them, it’ll be a whole thing. The last thing I want to do is give them something to gossip about.
The door to my room opens and I watch Callie cross the hall to the restroom. I figured she’d sleep in. Yesterday was a busy day with snow angels and board games. We had a good time. At least, I think we did. She wasn’t glaring at me.
Now if I could get her alone to talk about the interaction in my room that first night. I tried bringing it up after Alexandra went to bed but she wouldn’t acknowledge any sort of moment. I know we had one, even if she refuses to admit it.
She comes out of the restroom and into the living room. Her hair isn’t all over the place. I’m guessing she brushed it before leaving the room this time. I don’t know why she’s so self-conscious. She didn’t used to be.
“Good morning.” She says before falling onto the recliner. “Is Lexi still asleep?”
“I think so?”
“You don’t sound too sure about that.” She laughs. I don’t think I’ve ever loved a sound more. She’s more relaxed.
As bad as it sounds, I think she needed me to come rescue her. To have someone take care of her. It might be presumptuous of me to say, but I have a feeling she didn’t have a lot of that in her marriage.
“She hasn’t come out of the room yet. So, I assume she’s still sleeping.”
