Page 48 of Blindly Yours

Kara sits up taller in her chair. “Dad already shoveled a path to the chicken coop! You can help me gather eggs, and then we can make snow angels!” She turns to Nate. “Can we make s’mores too?!”

“Let’s take one thing at a time. I’m not sure Rose is up for all that,” Nate says, taking a large bite.

Ok, so I’m stuck out here in the middle of nowhere with the grump and his daughter. This is my reality. I suppose I’d better make the best of it, so I smile at Kara. “I’d like to help with the chickens, but see, I don’t have any boots.” I scoot my foot from underneath the table. “I think my feet would be too cold in the snow.”

Kara stares at my foot for a moment, then turns her eyes to Nate. He sees her, dangles his fork, and chews on his lip. They’re both silent, and I’m not sure why, but eventually, he nods, stands, and abruptly leaves the room.

Kara grins. “You shoulda worn better shoes in the snow, Rose.”

I scrunch my nose playfully at her. “It wasn’t snowing when I left.”

She giggles and squeezes extra syrup on her pancake while Nate is out of view.

He returns with a pair of women’s snow boots and places them on the ground before he sits down to continue eating. “They should fit ok.”

“Thanks,” I reply hesitantly, not sure why he has women’s shoes lying around. Maybe he has a girlfriend.

This is getting more awkward.

Kara’s eyes linger on the boots for a moment, but then she goes back to eating. “I think you’ll like the chickens, Rose.”

***

By lunch, I’ve learned how to collect eggs from six ornery hens, watched Kara make snow angels while Nate shoveled his truck out, and played seven games of Guess Who on the rug in front of the fireplace. I also called Junie and my mom again and contacted Mrs. Evangaline to reschedule our meeting for next weekend.

Nate hasn’t said much to me since breakfast. Just the occasional jab at my lack of comfort in the wilderness that is his backyard. Waddling around in the snow with chickens trying to nip my ankles was not my idea of a perfect morning, but seeing Kara’s joy at the process made it incrementally less miserable. She talked to each of them like they had their own personalities. They’re her little feathered friends, and it’s clear she has a strong bond with them.

Nate spent most of his time observing silently while he shoveled. I’m kind of proud that I proved to him I can spend more than a few minutes outside in the snow without keeling over.

After lunch, I get some work done on my laptop, sans internet, while Kara draws quietly in her room and Nate watches football. Evidently, traditional cable has not been affected by the storm.

Without the internet to distract me, I actually find myself looking out the window for almost half an hour, watching the snow slowly begin to glisten as the sun warms it.

I only wish I could get back on Blindly. I open the app multiple times, hopelessly checking for a connection.

I miss him.

It’s silly. I barely know him. But he’s already started to work his way into my heart. In the almost twenty-four hours since we spoke last, I’ve become desperate to meet him. I plan to ask him as soon as I can message him again.

At six o’clock, I emerge from my bedroom and find Nate bundled up like he’s ready to head out into the cold. He’s helping Kara tie her own scarf around her neck.

“Rose!” she exclaims. “Do you wanna come?”

Nate looks up and sighs. “She doesn’t want to.”

“Yes, I bet she does!” Kara retorts.

Nate lifts his eyes to mine. “We’re walking up to the bar and grill on the corner. They’re holding a blizzard party. You can stay here, though, if you’d prefer.”

“What’s a blizzard party?” I ask.

Kara pipes up. “Mr. Nelson throws a party whenever we’re all snowed in!”

“He owns the place,” Nate confirms. “There’ll be burgers and drinks, probably. He’ll turn on the game. Usually, a couple dozen locals show up.”

I ponder for a moment. I suppose it sounds better than sitting around here alone. “Sure, I’ll come.”

“Yay!” Kara claps. “Go get your boots on!”

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