Page 61 of No Love Lost

Deciding to believe that they weren’t involved until proven otherwise, Heath drew in slow and deliberate breaths. He didn’t want to bring any remnants of the ugly back into the house with him.

The sound of the door opening and closing behind him had him turning around to find Addy all bundled up and heading his way.

In the shadows, her dark eyes were even more beautiful. They were full of concern for him. She stopped a couple of feet away. “I don’t want to intrude, but you looked lost.”

He tried to laugh, but it came out gruff and harsh.

Addy tilted her head, then moved forward to wrap herself around him. She put her head on his chest and squeezed her arms. “Whatever it is, we’ve got your back. We’ll help in any way we can. I love you, Heath, and I don’t want you feeling lost or alone. You’ve got me. You’ve got us. You’re never alone.”

Heath buried his face in her hair, aware their daughter was probably watching them through the window.

He might not have parental support, but he had love and support right here. In his arms, in the house. In the town.

He had every damn thing he needed. And he was going to do everything he could to keep them safe.

Addy wanted to figure out who was being such a pain in their daily lives. The person had done nothing to hurt her physically, but with everything Heath had been through in the last few weeks, she wanted to have this finished so he could enjoy life for a change.

He’d never had a normal Christmas growing up, and she wanted that desperately for him. She wanted the lights and the scents and the tastes that meant Christmas.

The Ojibwe culture wasn’t Christian, but she’d grown up in several foster homes that were. She’d learned all about the holiday in the schools she’d attended. Many people from different backgrounds and religions had adopted Christmas into their own traditions. Addy had wanted Nina to know the cultures of both her parents. And any traditions that emphasized peace and hope were good ones she would always support.

This year, she wanted to emphasize home and family and comfort, knowing they could all use the reminders of that.

She hadn’t finished her secret project for Nina, but today, the two of them were working on their gift for Heath before Nina went to work with Kimi.

Tonight, they would join the town in one of the new traditions Phail had adopted last year. Movie night at the Saloon. With Phail Bingo cards for silly moments in the film. Tonight was a movie she’d never seen before. The original Miracle on 34th Street, and she was looking forward to attending as a family.

Nina stood and stretched. “I’m not used to sitting in one place for so long. It’ll be good to move around at Kimi’s. Maybe I’ll try to get Snoops to listen to some commands.”

They both laughed at that. The old donkey was as ornery as they came. He only tolerated humans because they provided his food. “Do you want to bring him some carrots?”

“Good idea. Maybe he won’t try to eat my jacket.”

Addy texted Heath. Taking Nina to Kimi’s for her shift. Will need about twenty minutes to clean up before you arrive. Secret stuff, so don’t arrive early and spoil it.

She added a present and a heart emoji. He’d been working with the guys on brewing a new batch of beer that morning, and she hoped they had another winner. The shed they were using was too small, but at least they could test out small batches of their different hops.

Heath texted back. Dress warm. The wind is crazy out there today. See you soon. He added several heart emojis.

Another shot of warmth filled her. She and Nina had always texted each other their whereabouts and plans. Adding Heath into the mix was easy and comforting. Another person who cared about them. Another person in their circle.

They bundled up in their coats, and she smiled as she spotted Nina checking over Addy’s protective layers to make sure they were adequate. They left Animosh snoozing in the living room. No need to have her brave the cold as well.

The wind was like a wall, and they both squealed as they raced to the car, which was only a few steps away. Wabi was shooting out his best heat, and they sighed happily once they were inside.

She turned to Nina. “Are you sure Kimi needs you there today? You won’t be working outside, will you?”

Nina buckled up. “Kimi’s barn has lots of room for the animals. We’ll all be safe and warm. But some of them get a little nervous when they’re trapped inside, especially the newer ones. I’ll help her keep them all calm and feeling safe.”

The pride in Nina’s voice was another shot of warmth. Her daughter was growing up to be a fantastic person. When she said that out loud, Nina rolled her eyes with a grin. “D’uh. I’ve had some really great role models.”

Kimi’s place was only a couple of farms past the farmhouse where Sean and Branna stayed. Even in the winter, it only took a minute or two to get there. In the summer, Nina often rode her bike. “It’s almost a year since Santa got you this job last Christmas. Still loving it?”

Nina laughed. Troy Phail had dressed up as Santa and had handed out a gift to all the kids last year. Nina had been on the edge of being too old, but Troy had included her, anyway. He and Kimi had come up with the idea of Nina getting a job, which had been the absolutely perfect Christmas present.

“I love it. I think I’ll always love it. Kimi’s amazing, and it’s fun learning how to take care of animals and their injuries. And their emotions, too. Kimi makes them all feel better.”

And the vet was one of those incredible role models for her daughter. When they drove into the lot beside her cottage, Kimi popped out of the front door, bundled head to toe in her winter gear. She waved at Addy as Nina hopped out to join her on their short trek to the barns in the back. On a bad weather day, Kimi always walked back with Nina.

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