Page 36 of Snowed in With My Small Town Billionaire

“Thank you. We’ve had our disagreements and we’ve faced some tough times together, but we never let those get in the way of our love and commitment to each other.”

“That’s amazing.” Gwen hesitated and sighed. “Between you and me, I don’t know why my mother stays with my father. Don’t get me wrong, he has his great days. You guys have only seen him at his worst. But he doesn’t treat her like the treasure that he should. He doesn’t treat her like an equal partner.”

“Have you thought about talking to her about it?”

“Once. She said that when she said her vows she meant it. Unless he got physical with her, then she would deal with the rest of it. She also said that most of the time, things were good.”

“You have to respect her choice, then.”

They chatted and then served dinner to everyone. Sawyer said that Brent could come to the dining room and eat with them, as long as he took small bites and chewed them well.

Jerome came to the dining room long enough to get a plate and leave. Fifteen minutes later, he brought it back and thenreturned to his room. By now, everyone was so used to his attitude that they ignored him.

After dinner, Gwen and Samantha organized games for them to play. They started with musical chairs. Brent felt well enough to play although he was still coughing a lot. Zaid wasn’t able to play, but he controlled the music and kept the fun going with his jokes and commentary.

Elsie proposed a game of charades. They divided into four teams, including Daniel, Millie, Tessie, and Oliver. Only Jerome decided not to join in on the fun.

“Alright guys, I hate to be a party pooper, but I have a young man who still has a fever and just this morning was physically ill. He sounds a little better, but I want him to get his rest.”

“I’ve turned on the heat,” Oliver said. He looked at Brent. “I also put a cot and sleeping bag in the men’s room for you. You guys will be packed in there like a bunch of sardines. Nothing can be done about that.”

Brent sucked in his cheeks and made a fishy face.

Gwen went into the bedroom he had shared with her parents. Jerome was sitting in a chair reading a book.

“What are you doing?”

“Getting Brent’s clothes.”

“Why?”

“He’s sleeping with the men tonight.”

Jerome started to get up. “Like heck he is.”

“Dad, knock it off. Mom said he could. No one wants to be around you when you’re like this. It’s really too bad because the only person you’re hurting is yourself. We all had a great time tonight. The only one who wasn’t out there laughing andplaying games was you. You chose to be in here making yourself miserable.”

He looked at her and narrowed his eyes. “Get his bag and get out of here,” he growled.

“Fine, Dad. Just know that I love you despite your grouchiness.”

Jerome simply stared at her.

“I’ve got your stuff. Let’s get you settled.”

“Aunt Gwen. I’m ten. I can do this by myself.”

She laughed. “Of course, you can.”

He grabbed his bag and headed off to the men’s quarters. Gwen looked at her mother who was sitting in the recliner by the fireplace.

“How are you?”

“I’m fine,” Audrey said. “I think that I’m just going to hang out here for a while.”

“How long have you been sleeping out here instead of with Dad?”

“Since the second night that we were in the lodge. I feel like it makes me a bad wife, but I honestly can’t stand to hear him grumbling and complaining, nonstop. I know he doesn’t have anyone else to vent to, but I’m pretty sure if I stay in there with him, I’d suffocate him while he was sleeping.”

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