Page 40 of Cold as (N)ice

“We’re not done,” he said simply, moving to walk away.

“We’ve been done for a long time now – you just don’t listen.”

“I’ll text you, Irene.”

“Do us both a favor and don’t!” she snapped, but Eric never even acknowledged she was speaking – he just kept on walking.Story of my life,she thought angrily and heard her phone beep.If that was him…

Let me know when the movers get there. I can’t wait to see you both later.

Barrett, she practically sighed in relief. Pressing her lips together, she looked up at the back of the man walking away before glancing at her phone again. Yeah, this might have been an arrangement between friends, but whatever this was with Barrett was a million times better than that pathetic excuse for ‘love’ she’d once had with Eric – and seeing him simply solidified that thought.

I can’t wait to see you either.

Maybe we can order pizza and talk after Stephen goes to bed.

I’d like that a lot.

Me too. See you this evening.

Let me know when you head to the airport.

Will do.

C’mon Stephen,she signed and held open the door for the three men who invaded the tiny apartment, making quick work of her things. They stood there together, watching everything get packed away, cataloged, and hauled out in less than an hour. Her whole life was in those meager boxes.No, she thought to herself.That was my past – my future is waiting in Quebec.

One more stop,she motioned to her son, seeing his excited glance, and then we are off to our new home, and to see Barrett.

I can’t wait to see him,Stephen gestured, his face beaming with joy and love.He’s the best, and I’ve really missed him.

Me too, she replied easily, realizing it was true. She missed Barrett more than she wanted to admit. His smile, his snarky gaze, the way he would make this expression that told her he was hiding something. Oh yes, she was beginning to understand him in a way she never expected.

Hours later, the airport was buzzing with movement, a restless tide of travelers dragging their luggage and weary bodies toward their destinations. It was almost nine o’clock at night when Irene and Stephen finally stepped off the plane, their carefully laid plans lying in ruins. The storm had delayed their flight for hours, and then—just when they thought they were through the worst of it—they’d been flagged for an additional security screening. The humiliation of being publicly searched and patted down under the indifferent gaze of strangers had left her feeling exposed and raw.

Stephen had barely stayed awake through it all, his small frame heavy with exhaustion against her side. She hadn’t beenmuch better, her own limbs sluggish with fatigue, the day stretching longer than she thought possible.

Now, they trudged forward through the crowded concourse, the fluorescent lights casting a harsh glow over them as they followed the steady stream of passengers toward baggage claim. Her heart pounded with a mix of apprehension and anticipation. Barrett would be there. He had promised. She’d texted him as soon as they landed, but a part of her still felt nervous—like seeing him would make this whole situation even more real.

And then, there he was.

Barrett stood tall near the carousel, scanning the crowd with sharp, searching eyes. The moment their gazes met, his tense expression softened into something almost tender. His lips curved into a worried smile, the kind that felt like warmth on a cold night.

Hey, buddy,he signed, his hands fluid and natural as he crouched down, waiting.

Stephen didn’t hesitate. He broke into a sprint, colliding into Barrett’s waiting arms with the force of a child who had found his safe place. Barrett scooped him up effortlessly, wrapping him in a hug that lasted longer than a simple greeting. It was the kind of embrace that spoke volumes—a reassurance, a silent promise.

Irene’s steps slowed as she approached them, her heart twisting at the sight. Barrett held Stephen close, his hand resting protectively on the boy’s back. Something about the moment made her chest tighten in a way she hadn’t expected.

“Hi,” Barrett whispered, his voice barely audible over the din of the airport.

“Hi yourself,” she murmured, unsure of what else to say. The words felt small, inadequate.

He didn’t hesitate. Without asking, without giving her time to second-guess herself, he opened his free arm in invitation. The simple gesture knocked the wind out of her. It wasn’t justan offer of comfort—it was an acceptance, a quiet understanding that she didn’t have to go through this alone. Before she could overthink it, she stepped into him.

His arm wrapped around her, drawing her close, and for the first time in what felt like forever, she let herself rest against someone. His warmth surrounded her, the solid strength of him easing the tension coiled in her muscles.

“I’m glad you made it,” he whispered against her hair, his breath stirring a few loose strands. “I was starting to get worried.”

She let out a slow breath, her fingers curling slightly against his back. “It’s certainly been a day…”

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