Page 113 of Ice Princess

CHAPTER

THIRTY-FOUR

GUNNER

As the buszooms past the ‘Welcome to Lucky Falls’ sign, I unzip the front pocket of my backpack and grab the pink velvet jewelry case. Unclasping the lock, I open the case and touch the thin silver necklace with the pink gemstone.

The moment I saw it, I knew that it belonged to Rebel. The big question is… how do I get her to accept it?

A phone rings.

I snap the jewelry box closed and search for my cell.

Renthrow’s sitting next to me and he does the same.

“It’s a video call.” Renthrow points to his device. “Do you mind…?”

I shrug.

He swipes a thumb over the screen and smiles brightly.

It still freaks me out the way Renthrow changes on a dime when it comes to Gordie. He goes from grim and grumpy, to smiling toothily in a second.

“Hi, sweetheart,” Renthrow says, throwing his daughter a wave.

“Hi, daddy.” A sweet voice sings through the quiet bus.

Every head swings upward on command.

“Is that Gordie?” Theilan yells from the back of the bus. “Hey-o, Gordie!”

“Hey, Gordie!” Watson, who’s sitting behind us, pops his head up to see the screen.

“This is a private conversation,” Renthrow growls, but his voice lacks the bite that he intends.

“Nah, Gordie would rather talk to her favorite uncle than to boring old dad,” Watson argues.

“What’s up, Gordie?” Chance leans across the aisle to push a hand at the screen.

Gordie laughs sweetly and sings, “Hi, everyone!”

“Enough.” Renthrow yells at the team. “Give me a second, pumpkin. Let me plug in my headphones.”

Enthusasticboos!ring from the entire bus.

I turn my face to the window and smile softly.

“Daddy are you here yet?”

“We just rolled into town. I’ll be there very soon.” Renthrow’s voice thickens with concern. “Why? Is something wrong?”

“Miss Candice was asking.”

My ears perk up.

Chance gives Renthrow a pointed look.

Max clears his throat.

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