Page 98 of Mine For The Winter

“That’s one for the books. Kris Winter worrying.”

“I worry all the time,” he told her.

“No you don’t. You were always the one who lived in the moment.” She could remember how free he’d always been. Unafraid of the future. So different than her.

“That’s what I wanted you to think.” His eyes dipped to her mouth. She had a little froth on her bottom lip and he reached out to wipe it. “Do you think I would have left if I was unafraid?”

“I don’t know.” She shook her head.

“I left because I was deadly afraid,” he told her, his voice low. “Of seeing Lyle drink himself into oblivion. Of watching you tear yourself apart trying to stop it.”

“Well those things still happened. Then he left.”

“I know. And I can’t imagine how horrific it was. And I’ll always be sorry I wasn’t here for you both.” He swallowed. “But I’m here now. And I need you to promise me one thing.”

“Okay,” she breathed. And the tightness in his chest loosened.

“If Greg and his wife ask you over for dinner, tell them to fuck off.”

25

It was later in the afternoon when Amber walked into the tavern wearing one of North’s coats that seemed to swamp her despite the swell of her stomach. “Don’t ask,” she muttered. “Nothing fits. He knocked me up, he can lend me some clothes.”

Kelly laughed. “Sit down. Let me get you something to drink.” She looked around. “Where’s Willow?”

“With North. He’s taken her shopping to choose a gift for the baby. Said he wants more daughter time with her so she doesn’t feel pushed out when the baby comes.” Amber cupped her stomach.

“That’s so sweet.”

“I know.” Amber caught her eye. “And I never thought I’d say North and sweet in the same sentence.” She coughed. “Anyway, talking of sweet.”

“Not here.” There were three of them behind the bar. And she liked her staff but she didn’t want them knowing about her intimate relationships. Especially when she was trying like hell not to panic about her night with Kris.

“Where then?” Amber mock-whispered.

“I’ll take a break. I’m overdue anyway.” She whipped her apron off and hung it on the hook. “You guys okay if I head out for twenty minutes?” she asked them.

“Sure.” It was busy but steady in here. The lunchtime rush had finished and the evening rush had yet to begin. She didn’t feel too guilty about taking her first – and possibly only – break of the day.

She walked around the counter to where Amber was standing. “Come on, let’s go for a walk.”

As they stepped outside into the cool winter air, Kelly inhaled deeply. It was one of those winter days without a cloud in the sky, the sun beating down like a promise of better weather to come. Amber slipped her arm through Kelly’s and in silent agreement they headed to the town square to join the line at the hot dog stand that opened up earlier that year .

“So,” Amber said, a smile playing on her lips. “Something you want to tell me?”

Kelly grinned and shook her head. “Sounds like you already know.”

“I don’t. Not really. I mean I can guess that something happened between you and Kris. He came to see me and North last night.”

“He did? Why?”

“Oh, I think he needed to talk. Plus North had some skates he’s lending him. They’re the same size.”

“For the father-son game?” Kelly asked.

“Yeah.” Amber nodded. “He said you’re worried about Cole getting too attached to him.”

Kelly exhaled heavily. “I guess I am.” Truth was, she never wanted her son to hurt the way she once had. She could stand to hurt herself, she knew she was resilient, but Cole? He already had a dad who barely contacted him, and only when it suited Lyle.

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