Page 34 of Snowed in with My Pucking Ex
“A helicopter? Is that what I heard?” Gram questions, lighting up like this is the juiciest thing she’s heard all week. “What a man!” She gushes, wide-eyed and grinning. “Frank! Bring me a coffee, and add that creamer I like so much.”
She’s talking aboutBaileys, not creamer. “Gram, it’s a little early.”
“Oh, bull. Early for you, maybe. Don’t get snippy with me, missy, just because that beef stick dropped you off and didn’t take you with him.”
Pop grumbles to himself, going back into the kitchen, the scent of fresh biscuits hinting at the air. I bet there’s a potof sausage gravy on the stove, too, and the old man has been eating his weight in breakfast. If it were up to Gram and Mom, I’d have been walking down the aisle the same night I arrived, officially adding Calla to the family. These people are all nuts, but I love them, and surprisingly, I missed them yesterday. There’s nothing like a freezing snowstorm to make you think of everything you value, and in this case, it’s my family. Having Sean by my side didn’t hurt things, as I find myself thinking about him every second of every day at this point. And last night…
Well, it wasperfect. Beyond what I ever imagined it could be like between us, which is both thrilling and scary. He said he’ll see me soon, and he’s done nothing but prove I can trust in his word. However, there’s still a small voice nagging in the back of my mind, reminding me to guard my heart until I’m absolutely certain I can give it away and not get it stomped on.
“Good morning to you all,” I offer a tired smile. Sean had me up a lot last night, but you certainly won’t hear a complaint out of me. The man kept his promise of keeping me warm, that’s for sure. “I need a shower, then some coffee.” I take off up the stairs before anyone has a chance to pepper me with any more questions. They won’t get a peep from me, no matter how much they try to meddle.
I get to my bathroom just as a text comes through. I haven’t had service since yesterday, but that’s nothing new here. I plug my cell in as I swipe the screen to check it.Could it be Sean already?
Samantha:We’ll be there tomorrow, if the weather lets us. If not, I may pull my hair out. I miss your face and need best friend time.
Samantha:I love these kids, but Josiah stuffed a cookie into one of the wall outlets and then smeared poo all across his bedroom floor last night. I tried cleaning it with toilet bowlcleaner, because hello, that’s what it’s for. I burned a huge spot in the carpet. Turns out that stuff really is strong. Josie hasn’t stopped asking me if we can burn a J into her carpet next, and this morning, she climbed the counters to get her cereal before I was awake. Spilled three open boxes in the process.
Samantha:Send help.
Samantha:FML
I laugh. Loudly. Oh my God, I’d be pulling my hair out, too. Her kids are little angels. Every time I see them, I swear they’re the cutest ever. They must be just as ready for a grandma visit as Samantha is. I set my phone back down, intending to reply after I’ve showered and my phone has had a chance to charge some.
Once the water warms up enough, I eagerly step under the strong spray, relishing in the steamy water. I scrub myself clean with my favorite peppermint body soap and wash my hair. After I finish rinsing and drying, I find my coziest, favorite sweater that’s a bit well-worn because I wear it so often. I slip it on, along with some thick, fluffy socks, and a new pair of fleece-lined leggings. It feels good to be in clean clothes after taking a super-hot shower that nearly burned me in the process. I quickly blow-dry my hair and slather on some moisturizer, knowing I’m going to need it with the dry, wintery air.
I manage to slip into the kitchen and grab a to-go cup full of freshly brewed coffee. I add sugar, then pour in some sugar cookie-flavored creamer. The first sip hits the spot. It’s not as good as my favorite cappuccino or hot cocoa from Tasty Sip, but it’ll do the job.
“I’ll be back after I check on the animals,” I yell to my family and practically dash out the front door. Maybe if I stay busy long enough, they’ll give up on the Sean inquisition. There’s only one person I want to talk about Sean with right now, and that’s Samantha. I need to call her so badly and tell her what happenedbetween us, but I know we’ll get our chance to dive into the details of everything tomorrow, so I’m going to wait.
I pull my phone free, remembering I didn’t text her back earlier. Hopefully, she’ll get my message before they arrive tomorrow. I’m sure all this crazy weather will only make our reception here worse, but after tomorrow, I won’t have to worry since she’ll be in town.
Me:Just got home, I was snowed in at the cabin. The main roads were supposed to get plowed, so hopefully it’s clear for your trip. Text me when you get in town so we can meet up. I’m going to try and clear the driveway today with the tractor so I can get my car out. Also, FYI, Sean was at the cabin with me. I’ll tell you when you get here.
Me:P.S. Your children are angels. They’re ready to see grandma, so hurry up and pack!
There.I release a breath I was unknowingly holding while typing, and stick my phone in my pocket. Not a second later, it chimes.
Samantha:What?! Sean stayed with you? (shocked face emoji) I want all the details as soon as I drop the kids off at my mom’s!
Me:It’s a date. Now get in the car and start driving. Don’t forget my holiday fudge.
It’s my favorite. She stuffs it full of marshmallows, swirls it with peanut butter, and then tops it with some Christmas sprinkles. I don’t know what else goes in it, but I’m pretty sure it’s magic.
I check the barn first, making sure it’s keeping the brunt of the cold out. I don’t know what makes me glance up, but I do, and there’s more mistletoe hung.Who did this?It wasn’t Dad; the poor guy couldn’t climb a ladder right now, no matter how hard he tried. It has to be Mom or Calla. They’re the only ones who’dbe up to something sneaky like this. Probably with the help of Gram, I’d bet.
Next, I check on the chickens, pigs, goats, and cows, making sure they get fed if needed, and also fill up their water if they’re out. Some of it is frozen, so I spend time breaking it up and refilling what I can. Afterwards, I grab one of the full gas cans and head for the tractor. I repeat the process two more times, making sure it has enough fuel. Then, I grab a few blankets from the barn since the tractor doesn’t have heat, and I’m trying to make it through the day without freezing my tush completely off.
Hopefully, I can get enough of the snow cleared so I can make it back to the cabin tomorrow morning. I need to grab the boxes we left behind because the festival will be here before I know it. I can’t do anything about Dad’s truck until I find the spare and can change it out.
With a sigh, I glance around and silently wish again that Dasher were here to take care of everything for Dad. He’s not, and won’t be home for Christmas, so I do the only thing I can. I take a sip of my coffee and then climb up onto the tractor. It’s time to get to work, and with the night I just had with Sean, it’s enough to keep me distracted all day.
I can’t wait for a repeat.
Chapter Twenty-One
Winter
“Winter!” Samantha nearly screams with excitement as the door to the coffee shop closes behind her.
