Page 97 of Whiteout

Mother and son. She looked at him and he looked at her. Neither one of them said it, but Ian was sure they were both thinking about Derek.

“Sinjin, don’t.”

He let out a breath. “What?”

“There’s nothing you could have done. Your cousin put himself on a path of self-destruction.” She glanced out the window, diverting her gaze for a moment. “Francie even tried to stop him and couldn’t.”

“Maybe I could have.”

“I doubt that. Valerie wanted you at Dalton House, but Raymond and Derek allowed it for a reason.” Pamela caressed his cheek. “The blame rests with my brother. He’s the one who started this all those years ago.”

No, they all shared the blame—Lawrence and Sharon, Valerie, Sarah Benjamin, Aunt Francie, his mom, and himself. Any of them might have prevented this tragedy from ever happening.

“What day is it?”

“Sunday.” God, it’d been three days already.

“When can I go home?”

“Your surgeon said you need to stay a few more days,” Pamela informed him, adjusting his pillow. Unlike her sister, his mother wasn’t usually a hoverer, but considering the circumstances, Ian figured her hovering was justified.

“So, Wednesday?”

“Maybe. If they’re done clearing the pass by, then.” She shrugged. “They’ve got six feet up there already, I heard, and it’s still coming down heavy.”

Snowmageddon.

“Ted’s going to need help.”

“Already taken care of. Don’t worry.”

Jordy saw to it, he was sure.

“Why don’t we comb your hair and wash your face, hm? I wouldn’t want you to scare off Breanna’s family when they get here.”

“That bad?”

She made a face, her head tipping to the side while she scrunched her shoulders.

Too late, Mother.

“Hey, princess.” His lips curved into a smirk, but as she tiptoed into the room, Ian couldn’t contain it. He grinned so widely it hurt his face.

Breanna smiled back, and it was the most beautiful sight he’d ever seen.

She hurried to his side and, combing her fingers through his hair, softly kissed his lips. “Finally. You’re awake for real this time.”

“I wasn’t before?” He chuckled.

“You opened your eyes now and then. Otherwise, you’ve been out of it.”

“Come here.” Ian patted the narrow space beside him.

Pamela winked, and smiling, she said, “I think you two need some time alone.”

He looked on as she went to the doorway to greet Breanna’s parents, who were standing with a blonde twenty-something girl.

He waved. The trio waved back.

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