Page 83 of The Sweetest Thing
“We’re fine.” Dane placed a hand on his father’s shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. “We’re good.”
“Good. Good.” His father nodded and went around, shaking hands, saying thank-yous—trying to process what had happened.
Leif frowned after their father.
“He’s in shock. Come on.” Dane headed straight back to Tansy. He ran a hand along the back of his neck and winced again.
“Are you hurt?” Tansy grabbed his hand and stared down at the rising blister. “Ouch.” Her hair was a mess of tangles and her pretty bee-print dress was black with soot, but she was safe and sound and worrying over him. “You need some burn ointment.” Her eyes met his.
If there’d been even the slightest question of how much he cared for Tansy, it was gone. “All things considered I think I’m pretty damn lucky. Everyone is safe.” He stared down at her.You’re safe. He’d feel even better once she was in his arms.
“Let’s see what kind of snacks they’ve got over there.” Astrid hooked arms with Leif.
“You should get your hand looked at, Dane.” Leif pulled his arm free. “There’s a medic over there.” He pointed at the fire truck.
“Leif, I’m really fine.” But Dane saw the anxiety on his little brother’s face. “If you’re that worried, I’ll have him look at it.”
Leif nodded.
He winked at Tansy, the motion scraping his dry eye and making him regret it. “Okay.” Dane headed for the fire truck, Leif at his side.
“He hurt his hand,” Leif announced before Dane could say anything.
“Let’s take a look.” The man inspected Dane’s hand. “I’m really sorry about all this.”
“Me, too.” Dane nodded, his gaze drifting back to the still-smoking timbers of his would-be Viking Hall. “I can’t figure out how it started.”
“Accidents happen.” The man shrugged. “Maybe a faulty cord. Looks like there was some sort of fertilizer along the back? That feeds a fire, every time.”
“The fertilizer did that?” Leif swallowed. “Made it worse?”
Dane hadn’t wanted to mention that in front of Leif. Yes, it had been Leif’s job to store the fertilizer, but Dane didn’t want Leif blaming himself for the fire. That was a hell of a lot for a kid to shoulder.
“Maybe.” Dane nudged him. “Maybe not.” Leif didn’t believe him—it was written all over his face.
“What the hell are you doing on my property?” Their father’s voice echoed across the clearing like a gunshot, drawing all eyes. “You two have no right to be here. None.”
“Who is he...” Dane stood, holding the gauze in his hand. “Dammit.” His father was yelling at Tansy and Astrid. He was up and moving but Leif beat him.
“Dad, there was a fire.” Leif’s voice was shaking. “They were helping.”
“Is that so?” His father’s fury was obvious. “I’m having a hard time believing either of these Hills would care if our place burned to the ground. Unless you came to watch, roast some marshmallows.”
Dane faltered then. Had his father actually said that?What the hell is wrong with you?He remembered Tansy working alongside him in the flames all too well. It still scared the shit out of him just thinking about it. He took a deep breath—it hurt.
“Dad.” Now Leif was angry.
“It’s okay, Leif. He’s upset. He has every right to be upset.” Astrid’s attempt to soothe Leif didn’t go over too well with his father.
“Thank you for giving me permission, Miss Hill,” his father snapped.
“I invited them here.” Dane stepped between his father and the sisters. “I was giving them a tour—”
“Excuse me?” His father cut in, his nostrils quivering. “Before the fire started?” His father smiled. “Isn’t that convenient.”
Dane froze. “What?”
“You don’t find it odd that they come out for a tour and the whole damn place goes up in smoke?” His father’s eyes narrowed. “I’m guessing you had your eyes on them the whole time?”
