Page 162 of Ice Mechanic

“April, this is Derek.”

“Derek?” I swivel around as if the obnoxious agent is hiding in the backseat.

“Is Chance around?” Derek asks excitedly.

“He just left but I can call him back.”

“No, no. I’m glad I got you alone.”

“Why?” I ask, bracing myself.

“I’ve got great news.”

“What is it?” I ask.

Derek pauses for dramatic effect. “Chance’s suspension has been lifted! Even better, his team wants him back ASAP before the upcoming season.”

“What? That’s fantastic!” I squeal.

“Yes! And you know what’s even better?”

“What?” I gasp.

“They want himnow.”

“Now?” I squeak, my celebration dying and my hand sinking to my lap.

“This is your win too, April. Thanks to you, Chance can finally leave Lucky Falls for good.”

CHAPTER

FORTY-SEVEN

CHANCE

The realtor leadsthe way to the listings he’d initially found for me and promises to take me in a different direction if I don’t fall in love with any of them.

By the third listing, I understand where his confidence comes from.

Every house offers a unique charm—whether it’s the lake-side property with the priceless view or the sprawling acreage where I can, in the far off future, build April her own garage.

My eyes light up every time I step inside a foyer with an open floor concept, or picture making breakfast for April in the state-of-the-art kitchen or think of cuddling April in front of the fireplace.

But I’m alone in my exuberance. April is quiet and unengaged the entire way through.

‘Not this one’is what her trembling lips seem to convey.

Not this one.

Not this one.

With a head shake of disinterest, we’re off to the next until we’re out of options.

The realtor promises to get back to me with new listings by the middle of the week and he drives off in a cloud of disappointment.

I take April to lunch where she seems to bounce back to her normal self and nothing appears out of the ordinary until our appointment with the realtor the next Wednesday.

“I’m not feeling well,” April says groggily into the phone.

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