Page 23 of The Way Back Home
He waited patiently while she folded the double-XL sweatshirt, draped it over her torso, and fastened the seat belt. Even with the thick cushion, the extra pressure was uncomfortable. It would have been unbearable without it.
Satisfied, Noah put the truck in drive, and they were on their way. To where, she didn’t know, only that it was “north.” That worked for her.
She looked out as they passed the ranch house, dark except for a single low light spilling out of the sidelights of the front door. She wondered if Noah had informed Mona of their middle-of-the-night departure, then realized he probably hadn’t. Mona wasn’t the type to let them leave without saying goodbye.
What Mona was, was a kind, decent woman, who, yes, could be a little pushy sometimes, but also understood boundaries and compassion. Leaving was the right call. The last thing she wanted was to bring trouble to Hopewell.
She leaned back and settled in for the ride. The cab was warm and the bench seat comfortable, but it was a relief when they hit paved roads.
Noah didn’t seem to be in the mood for conversation any more than she was, thankfully, but the silence was more comfortable than awkward. Like they each had things in their head they were working through.
Every now and then, she chanced a glance his way and wondered what was going through his mind. Did he ever second-guess himself, or was he one of those people who examined a situation from every possible angle and made deliberate, calculated choices? Outwardly, he seemed calm and capable. So in control. Inwardly? She sensed a lot going on beneath that solid and steady exterior.
Not that it mattered. They’d be going their separate ways soon enough.
“Everything okay?” Noah asked, casting a sideways glance her way.
Not even close.“Yes. Why?”
“You made a noise, like you’re uncomfortable or something.”
“I’m fine.” Time to get out of her own head. “So, you’re going home for the holidays, huh?”
“I am.”
“Big family?”
“You could say that,” he said with a ghost of a smile. “I’m one of ten.”
“Wow. That’s a lot.”
“Yeah. You?”
“Only child.”
A minute passed, then two before he asked, “Parents?”
“No.” The word came out sharper than she’d intended. She tried to soften it by continuing, “I mean, my mom died when I was a kid.”
“What about your dad?”
“No idea. Never met him.”
Teagan didn’t know why she’d told him that. She didn’t talk about her family—or lack of it. Ever.
Clearing her throat, she volleyed a question back into his court. “I guess your house gets pretty crazy at Christmas, huh?”
“Absolute chaos,” he said, but she could hear the fondness in his voice. “Everyone gathers at my parents’ place. It’s a zoo.”
Images from Hallmark Christmas movies ran through her head. Ugly sweaters. Eggnog. Cookies. Laughter. “Sounds nice.”
Instead of agreeing, Noah pointed to the sign caught by the headlights. “There’s a truck stop up ahead. I don’t know about you, but I could use a cup of coffee.”
Teagan recognized the abrupt change of topic for what it was—a desire to not delve further into his family dynamics.
More importantly, this was the break she’d been waiting for. Her chance to disappear quietly.
“Coffee sounds good,” she said, even as a sense of unexpected disappointment settled over her. Yes, she had to go her own way, but now that an opportunity had arisen, she wouldn’t have minded more time.
