Page 57 of Rafe

He tossed the bag of trash into the dumpster, then led her to the truck. She climbed in, brushing snow from her boots, and he slid behind the wheel. The heater roared to life, thawing their cheeks. He eased onto Main Street.

“It looks like the snowfall’s slowing,” he observed, headlights illuminating swirling crystals.

She exhaled, relief in her breath. “I’m glad I don’t have to worry about coming back until Monday. Weekends off are a blessing.”

He glanced at her, then back to the road. “Me too. Though sometimes I get called in if someone’s out sick or takes off.”

“Has Fred talked to you about Junior?”

“Not since our last talk.” He tapped the steering wheel. “He doesn’t buy a word Junior says anymore. He sees right through him.”

“That had to hurt—knowing his own son turned out like that.”

Rafe’s knuckles whitened on the wheel. “Fred is a wonderful man, and it pains me to see him hurt by his own son.”

She shook her head. “I just think it’s awful, stealing his own father’s horses, treating people like garbage.”

Rafe flicked on the windshield wipers, clearing a stripe through the flakes. “It’s more than that. Fred knows everything Junior did to you. The lies, the hits, the rape…” His voice cracked, and he reached for her hand on the seat between them. “He loves you like a daughter. Knowing that son of his hurt you in every way possible tore him apart.”

Maggie swallowed, voice trembling. “I never wanted Frederick to touch me. I hated telling Fred what really happened. He knew Frederick hit me, but the rape devastated him.” She shook her head. “He cried and I hated making him do that.”

Rafe lifted her hand and kissed her palm. “I know. And for that alone, I want to knock the living shit out of him.”

She squeezed his hand, and he grasped hers tightly, the warmth of the truck held them as the storm slowly eased outside.

As Rafe pulled the truck to a stop, he shut it off and looked at her.

“Are you okay?”

“I will be. As long as I’m with you, he won’t bother me.”

“He can try.”

“I just want to forget him for the weekend. Let’s just relax. He won’t bother us here.”

“Alright. Whatever you want, darlin’.”

“I want to be with you, Rafe.”

“I want that too. Let’s get in out of the cold. At least he won’t come here in this weather.”

They entered the house, removed their coats and hats, then Maggie sat on the floor to hug Booker. The dog tried to get in her lap, making her laugh.

Rafe put his hand out to her to help her up. She kissed his lips, and he pulled her tight against him.

“I miss you all week,” she whispered.

“I miss you too, but we do get together when we can.”

“I’m glad the tourist season is over.”

“Me too. We’ll have all weekend together.” He kissed her forehead.

“Do you mind if we just relax on the sofa?”

“Sounds good. I’ll get the fire going again.”

“I’d like that.”

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