Page 131 of Last Call

“It’s a Ford Explorer, but there’s a small cargo trailer attached to it.”

“I understand. Shouldn’t be an issue.”Shit. I’ll probably have to make two trips.

“Listen, I don’t want to put you out. You don’t even know me.”

“No offense, I don’t think you have many choices,” Fallon said honestly. She glanced out the window.And you’re probably not going to like what I am about to say. “It’s already after midnight. In another hour or two, it will be a complete whiteout. I could try to get you to your house. If I do, I’ll lose the window to tow the car.”

Riley sighed.

Fallon sensed Riley’s unease. “Look, I know that you don’t know me. I get that. I’ve lived here most of my life. I know these roads and how they’ll look shortly.” She took a deep breath. “My house is up the hill, right behind where we are. I can take you and your son up there while I tow the car and trailer here.”

“I can’t ask you to do that.”

“You didn’t,” Fallon said. “He looks like he needs a bed, and frankly, so do you.”

“Gee, thanks.”

Fallon shrugged. “It’s understandable,” she said. “If it helps, my mom was the mayor for almost twenty years. She’d kill me if I didn’t help you out. The fact that you’re related to Sylvia? Well, there’s no coming back from that.”

“You’re Ida Foster’s daughter?”

“Unfortunately for her at times,” Fallon joked. “Let me guess; Sylvia told you to look her up.”

“Yeah, something like that.”

“Listen, Riley, I really don’t think either of us has much choice here. I’ve got the room. You’ve got a toddler, and we’ve got a storm rolling in.”

Riley wasn’t sure if she wanted to scream, cry, or hug Fallon. Fallon’s words made sense. Still, she didn’t know this woman at all. What was she supposed to do?

“I know it probably doesn’t mean much—my promise, that is. I promise you will be safe—if that helps at all.”

“I could just wait here and…”

“You can. If that’s what you are comfortable with, you can. There’s heat, and you are welcome to call anyone you like. Like I said, I live up the hill. I’ll have to be down here to plow the lot later anyway. If you want to stay here, that’s fine. It’s a lot more comfortable up there. Trust me on that. I should know. You can get some rest. I’ll make sure your car gets to the garage tomorrow, and we’ll get you home. I’m sure Pete has a loaner you can borrow at the shop until he works things out with your car.”

Riley’s head was spinning again. Pete? Who the hell was Pete? Why would anyone offer to let a stranger stay in her home? What was the catch? Maybe she’d hit her head and ended up in Oz or something. Owen started to groan and kick. He was exhausted. She was freezing and exhausted. What else could she do?

“My place is nicer than this,” Fallon tried to lighten the mood. “Come on. I’ll drive you up there.”

Riley nodded dumbly. If nothing else, she would have a story to tell. “Fallon?”

“Yeah?”

“I…”

“Don’t sweat it.”

This wasn’therplace. It belonged to them all—all the people she loved. Without it, she might never have married Riley. Maybe Billie would never have found the courage to get close to Andi. Everything changed the day Riley arrived in town. And it allstarted here. Fallon sighed. “Thank God for snowstorms and Andi’s impromptu phone calls.” She chuckled.

“Fallon?”

Fallon looked up at Carol.

“You know, we don’t have to change anything in here,” Carol said.

“No. We do.”

“This is your place. It’s your decision.”

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