Page 46 of Lodged

He makes a face that says,yeah you’re not wrong, then turns to leave, but not before shouting, “Thank you, Ruin, for giving my brother a chance. I’m sorry we weren’t properly introduced at the graduation ceremony. Maybe you and Gio can come over for spring break.” Luca gives me a military salute as he makes his way back to the patio.

“I’m sorry about that,” Ruin and I say at the same time, and we laugh.

“Well, at least our families are happy for us,” she says with a yawn. When I look at my watch, I see it's past midnight there. It’s two in the morning here, but we’re more active at night, so I’m still not ready to go to bed.

“It’s been a long day. What do you say we catch up some more tomorrow?” I suggest, and she yawns again.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to yawn. I’m enjoying talking with you, but after helping shovel the snow off the roof and all the food I had for dinner, I’m suddenly exhausted.”

“I understand, no need to apologize. We’ll talk tomorrow. Sweet dreams, baby girl.”

“Sweet dreams, Blue. I love you.”“I love you, too.”

Chapter 20

Ruin MacAllister

Now that the snow storm has finally passed, the orchard looks like a winter wonderland. Bundled up, I’m ready to head out for a morning walk with Rain.

“Where are you two going so early?” Mama asks from the kitchen as she sips her morning coffee.

“Good morning, Mama,” Rain says as she goes to get a cup of coffee for herself. “Ruin here decided she wanted to snap a few pictures of the orchard with all the pretty snow before it melts,and I told her there’s no way I’d let her go by herself.” I roll my eyes as I fix my scarf but then go hug Mama.

“I don’t know why she thinks that just because I’ve been in Raleigh for five months, I forgot how to walk these mountains,” I say as I hip check Rain out of the way to get some coffee for myself.

“Well, I think it’s a great idea for you two to go out, just like when you were little,” Mama says with a chuckle. Rain’s gray eyes light up with mischief, and we exchange a silent look, just like we’ve done since we were kids. After kissing and hugging Mama again, we go outside.

“It’s fucking freezing,” Rain says the moment we close the door behind us.

I look to the right side of the porch, where there’s a thermometer, and it reads 15°F.

“Yup, it’s fucking freezing. Let’s get moving.”

We start walking toward the path River and Miles cleared yesterday, but more snow fell overnight, so the path is less visible this morning.

“You know I love spending time with you, but couldn’t you get some stock pictures to send to Gio?” Rain says as her white breath comes out of her mouth, and her teeth chatter.

“I could have come out by myself. I know I can do a pretty picture on Canva, but the truth is, I’m going crazy without him.” I breathe out with a resigned sigh. “And before you tell me anything, I know we’ve been together for a short period of time, but he’s just that special. I’m happier when he’s around. We could talk about any topic for hours on end,” I share with my sister as we start climbing a small hill with a lot of effort. We’ve easily got one foot of snow to trek through. “And yes, I love spending time with you all. But… I feel I’ve had my fill of family time, you know?” I bite my lip, waiting for Rain to say something—I think I went a little too far with my last comment and hurt her feelings.

“I get it,” she finally says, and I breathe a sigh of relief. “I mean, I know what you mean. Not that I get it, like, I've been in your shoes. You know what I mean.” She throws her hands up in the air, and we both chuckle.

“He’s your person, Ruru. And I’m so happy you found him. He seems just as smitten with you.” I grin wide at her words.

“Yeah, he’s it.” There’s nothing more to add—Gio Bianchi is everything I’ve always wanted.

We reach the top of the hill, and when I look back, the mountains stretch out, beautifully coated in white, fluffy snow. The trees are beautifully dusted, and our family house looks imposing as the only man-made structure on the horizon. I truly hope Gio and I find a way to make these mountains our home, because as much as I want to see the world with him, there’s no place like home.

After taking a few pictures of the gorgeous landscape and a few selfies, Rain and I start our walk back home. At least this time we have a path to follow instead of making one.

“Think fast!” I hear River say as a snowball smashes into Rain’s face.

“River!” Rain shouts as she dusts the snow off her face, and I throw my head back in laughter. A snowball hits my back, and I immediately stand up straight from the impact. When I turn around, a grinning Merlin is looking at me as he makes another snowball.

“Seek cover,” Rain shouts, taking me out of my stupor, and I run to hide by River’s truck. I’ve spotted River and Merlin, but I need to find Miles before he finds me, because he’s the most lethal with snowballs. I try to make as many snowballs as I can, but I’m not fast enough. Before I can make five snowballs, Riveris already in front of me, holding at least a dozen snowballs and rapidly firing them at me.

“Ahhhh!” I scream as I try to move away from him, my snowballs long forgotten.

“Yup, she’s still our Rusty alright,” River says with a cackle, and I stick my tongue out at him. I gather enough snow to make a giant snowball and throw it at him, and it’s an epic explosion all over his big frame.

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