Page 112 of When We Burn

Skyla: Are you okay?

Me: We’re here.

I feel Bridger shift behind me, spooning me, and his breath on my shoulder as he reads along with me.

“You have a book group text?”

“Of course, we do.”

He snickers.

Bee: I need help. Psychological help. I went on a date last night, and…FFS.

“Do I need to kill someone?” Bridger asks.

“I think if that were the case, she’d be calling you for help. This is just girl talk, love.”

“Hmm.” He kisses my shoulder and then rolls away. “I’m going to make sure Birdie hasn’t decided to go outside and take a snow bath.”

“Good idea.”

Millie: Everyone come to the coffee shop and we’ll discuss these current events like the dignified women we are.

Alex: I can be there in an hour.

Skyla: Me, too, if I can bring Riley. If not, I’ll need a little more time.

Millie: Bring him. He’s always welcome here.

Me: I can also be there in an hour. Can’t wait to hear all about it.

Bee: Thank God. See you all soon.

I hurry into the bathroom to brush my teeth, take care of business, and tie my hair up on top of my head. Then, I change out of my pajamas and into black leggings, a T-shirt, and one of Bridger’s zip hoodies before I hurry out to the kitchen to get breakfast made.

“Hello, my loves,” I say when I see the two most important people in my life curled up on the couch together, with a fire in the fireplace, watching it snow. “It’s pretty outside.”

“Are you making pancakes with the apple butter?” Birdie asks.

“Yes, ma’am. And then I have to run over to Bitterroot Valley Coffee Co. for a bit.” I move into the kitchen, but I can still see them as I pull out a mixing bowl and the pancake mix from the pantry. “Bee wants to talk to us in person.”

“Girl talk,” Bridger says, smiling down at his daughter. Birdie grins and snuggles down against him.

It doesn’t take long at all to get the pancakes made and some bacon cooked up, and then the three of us sit at the island, scarfing it all down.

“That apple butter is stupidly good,” Bridger says. “Mom was excited to make it with you.”

Honestly, the day that Birdie, Mama, and I made the apple butter, right here in this kitchen, was one of the best days I’ve had in a long time.

“I enjoyed that.” I wipe my face and set my empty plate in the sink. “I hate to eat and run, but?—”

“Go.” Bridger stands and pulls me to him, folding me into his big arms. “I’ll clean up, don’t even worry. Have a good chat. Let me know if I need to cause any bodily harm to anyone on my sister’s behalf.”

I snort and hug him back, then kiss his chest.

“I’m sure it’s fine, but I’ll let you know.”

“And drive safe out there. It’s slick.”

---