Page 54 of The Wayward Son

“Yeah. Except for the whole wedding thing.”

Jake laughed. “That was a bit strange. But at least she got out of it before it was too late. And she knew who to cometo when she needed a place to go. I’m not sure she would’ve made it into adulthood without your friendship, son. At least not undamaged.”

“She was there for me when I needed her, too.”

“When your mother died.”

“Yeah.”

They continued on in silence and by the time they reached the house, the snow was starting to gather. They continued to the barn to check the horses one last time. The temperature was dropping fast, and they decided to turn on the gas heaters. Then they started putting blankets on all of the horses. It was a big job, and when they were about halfway through, Sage came into the barn.

Jake smiled at her. “What are you doing here, sweetheart?”

“I decided I didn’t want to get snowed in at the house. Can I stay with you tonight?”

“Of course.”

“I loaded the woodstove and damped it down. It should stay warm for a while. And I turned all of the faucets on to a slow drip. Hopefully, they won’t freeze.” She took a horse blanket from Sawyer. “Let me help.”

They finished with the horses, checked the outside animals again, then headed for the house. They came in through the mudroom and found Jade and Ember at the table with coffee.

Ember seemed relieved to see them. “That took a while.”

“We went to the barn and put blankets on the horses. I think we’re as ready as we can be.”

Sage poured herself some coffee. “And I’m staying the night. I figured Jade would opt to stay here, and I didn’t want to be at the house by myself.”

Jade frowned. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. I’m sure even if you’d been with me, I would’ve suggested we come here.”

“So an O’Connell snow party?”

Jake laughed. “Seems like it. Dad’s at Lucy’s. He didn’t want to leave her alone. J.T. and Joey needed to stay put and keep an eye on both of their places. So, it’s not all of the O’Connells. But it’s a fair share of them.”

Sawyer laughed. “All the cool ones are here.” He glanced at Sage.

She pointed at him. “Don’t say it. I’m just as cool as you are.”

“Whatever makes you feel better about yourself.”

Ember stood. “How about some lunch while we still have power?”

Sage looked at her. “You sit. Jade and I will make lunch.”

Ember sat back down. “Thank you. Although, if this baby decides to come, me sitting around and not doing anything isn’t going to stop him.”

“Him?”

“Or her.”

Jake sat next to her. “I think there’s some chili left over from last night. There’s nothing better than hot chili on a cold afternoon.”

Jade nodded. “Do you have crackers?”

Sawyer shook his head. “Yes. But I’m going to limit you. I’m not going to let you go cracker crazy.”

She scowled. “I don’t go cracker crazy.”

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