Page 97 of Stuck with Me

The use of the nickname it seems she’s settled on causes an ache near my heart. I narrow my eyes at her. “It’s notmytradition.”

She looks like she wants to say something further but changes her mind.

Deans head pops up over the couch. “Do I smell French toast?”

“Of course. It’s tradition,” I grumble as I go into the living room and take a seat in the chair that overlooks the wide window.

“Mmm, smells amazing, sis,” Jones says as he comes down the stairs, following Sabrina with his hands cupped to her shoulders. “The rest of you guys better hurry and fill your plates or there won’t be any left after me.”

Dean hops over the back of the couch to get to the French toast faster and Jones rushes into the kitchen to try to beat him. Maverick strolls down the hallway, hair still damp from a shower. Guess the gangs all here.

While they all eat breakfast, I gaze out the window at the snowy forest. I snag a picture of the view to send to Amelia. I sip my coffee and try not to overthink what I heard Rosie say. I’m a hiccup. She might as well have said I’m an interruption. It shouldn’t surprise me. It shouldn’t hurt. But it does.

For the first time in a few days, the idea of leaving the cabin early and returning home sounds appealing. Rosie and I can talk today and make a decision about the cabin, and I could be home by New Year’s Day. Amelia would be glad. It would relieve some of the pressure Mother puts on her. Lately she’s been giving her the third-degree about her plans once she finishes college.

While I know Amelia has loved studying abroad, she isn’t like the men in our family. She loves the ranch and loves being home. Mother can be difficult, but she means well. And deep down, Amelia knows that.

I love the ranch too. Love working the land and even take pride in it. But there’s always been a yearning for more. And now I’ve learned I’m not the only one. Dad chose to leave selfishly. But Granddad, he wanted to do it for love.

“Hey, bro,” Jones calls. “You ready for some ice skating?”

“I’ve never done it. And I don’t have skates.”

“Don’t worry, there’s nothing to it. I’m sure there’s a pair of skates in the closet that’ll fit you.”

I think about arguing. Of sitting out on ice skating. Of paying Designated Dean to take me back to Maple Ridge. But there’s something about Jones making a point to include me that has me agreeing.

“Okay, sure.”

Rosie glances my way and I’m not sure if it’s annoyance on her expression or relief.

* * *

ME

If you don’t hear from me again, I must’ve fallen through the ice and drowned.

Give all my shit to Hayden.

AMELIA

Wait. Why would you fall through ice?

ME

We’re going ice skating on the pond.

AMELIA

You’re going ice skating??

ME

I’m going to try.

AMELIA

Please promise me someone will video you! I need proof!

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