Page 90 of Whiteout

“Yeah.” She wasn’t, though.

“Francie tells me you’re leaving us in the morning.”

“I’m going to my mom’s for Christmas,” she said, her smile tight, trying to appear somewhat amenable to her impending departure. “Then I have to get back to school in Portland.”

“We’re sure gonna miss you around here.”

“She’ll be back.” Beside her, Sinjin squeezed her hand. “Won’t you, princess?”

As fast as I possibly can.

And if another damn atmospheric river messed up her New Year’s Eve plans, she’d return once she was settled in the routine of a new semester—the last one. Breanna had an editing practicum to complete this coming term, and she already had a project in mind—her father’s novel.

“Of course I will.”

They drove past the original house George Dalton built, and then around the curve, the sleepy little hamlet came into view. Quaint, it was even prettier in the daylight. Aged brick. Wrought iron. Shops adorned with twinkling Christmas lights. Breanna was certain she’d come to love it here. Sacramento wasn’t all that far away, and San Francisco was just a couple of hours beyond that, for when she had a craving for someplace bigger.

They pulled in at the garage. Turning his face toward hers, Sinjin kissed her cheek. “Wait in here with Jordy while I get the car.”

He was out the door, sprinting over to see the mechanic before she could blink an eye.

Glancing her way, the portly sheriff inclined his head. “As long as it’s just the two of us here, I, umm…I want to tell you I’m sorry for misleading you back at the cabin.”

“You lied to me, Jordy.” She couldn’t be mad at him for it, though. With a shake of her head, Breanna smiled. “Thought I might’ve lost my mind there for a while.”

“On account of Derek, Ian thought it best. He was so concerned about you.” Chewing on the inside of his cheek, he nodded. “And I agreed with him. That boy ain’t been right in the head since his father died. I don’t wanna see you go, but I’m glad you won’t be anywhere near here when he finds out he’s been bested.”

“What about Sinjin?”

Breanna worried because he’d have no choice but to deal with the fallout of his cousin’s wrath. And as much as she cringed at the prospect of ever seeing Derek again, Sinjin shouldn’t have to do that on his own. She was perfectly capable, ready, and willing to stand at his side.

“Ian knows how to handle Derek,” Jordy assured her, patting her hand. “You’d never know it now, but those two were closer than brothers as kids. Where one went, the other was always sure to follow.”

She wasn’t convinced. Her teeth sinking into her lip, Breanna glanced at the garage office. With her car keys in his hand, Sinjin waved from the doorway.

“I don’t think I’ll get to see you again before you go.” The sheriff leaned in for a hug. “You take care now, Miss Breanna.”

“I will, Jordy,” she said, kissing him on the cheek.

He glanced out the window. “He loves you, you know.”

Sinjin opened the passenger door. “Ready, princess?”

Stepping out of the truck, Breanna looked back at Jordy. “I know.”

“Safe travels, dear.”

“Thanks again, Jordy.” Smiling, she gave him a little wave. “For everything.”

Sinjin kissed her crown and, holding her to his side, they went over to her car. “See? Good as new.”

“God, I love this car.” Her fingertips skimming the polished white hood, Breanna caressed it. She’d worked so hard, saved every penny, just to get it.

Little did I know, I didn’t have to.

But by withholding the privilege her father had left for her, Grandmama taught her a valuable lesson she might never have learned otherwise. Wise woman. She appreciated that car because she’d earned it.

“Even so, you’re trading it in.” Sinjin opened the passenger door for her. “I can’t have you sliding off the goddamn mountain.”

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