Page 18 of Snowed in with Scrooge

“Let me help you with that,” Nyah offers, and together they get the food ready as Dad and I carry plates to the rarely used dining room.

Once it’s set, I call the kids to come take a seat, and we all sit down together. That’s when the real questions start.

“So, Nyah,” my dad says casually as he serves the kids cinnamon rolls. “Tell us all about yourself.”

CHAPTER 13

NYAH

“Ah.” I take a sip of my orange juice, not sure what I should say.

I’m guessing I shouldn’t start with I’m on the run from a man that can be violent to get his way. Or My presence might be bringing trouble to your son's door.

“How about where you came from,” Fraser’s mom offers to help me along.

She’s so nice, and I’m not making a great first impression.

“I’m from the East Coast,” I offer, and Fraser’s father’s brows pull together. My answer must make me suspicious. I should really be better at this, but in my defense, Mina and I have stayed away from people as much as possible.

“Are you used to this kind of weather?” Thankfully Grandma skips over my awkwardness trying to give me a break.

Fraser drapes his arm around my chair, and I feel his thumb stroking my back lazily. I relax at his touch because it feels like he’s trying to silently tell me that he’s here. A rush of emotions starts to come over me, but I push it back for now. I’m not used to having someone’s support.

“No.” I shake my head. “We might get a few random inches, but this kind of snow is crazy.”

“It’s beautiful,” Mina chimes in. “Can we play in it?” She perks up in her seat.

“Maybe after breakfast,” Fraser tells her.

“Oh, man. Maybe means no.” Mina’s bottom lips puffs out but she’s not wrong. Any time Mina asked for something, her mom would tell her maybe, and then it never happened. She eventually stopped asking for things because it was always maybe or a flat no.

“Well, my maybe is only because I need to make sure you have stuff to wear to keep you warm out there,” Fraser tells her thoughtfully.

“She can use some of mine,” AJ offers, and Mina gives him a bright smile.

“I have some things in one of our bags,” I offer.

“Yay!” Mina claps then asks AJ about snow angels.

“Are you going to be staying for Christmas or do you have to get back to your family?” Grandma asks. Mina is thankfully in a full conversation with AJ about what all they can do in the snow and isn’t listening.

“My mom’s not in our lives. It’s only Mina and me,” I say, leaving off my stepfather and potentially hard questions.

“Oh, you’re so young.” She glances down at Mina, putting together that I’m not only her sister but her parent at this point.

“I don’t mind it. Mina and I have been a duo since she came into this world,” I say, and Grandma’s eyes soften.

“Then you’re staying for Christmas?” I can tell from her tone she wants us to, and I would love that. But I also don’t want to invite myself or overstay my welcome.

“She is.” Fraser answers his mom before I can come up with a polite response. “Might need to hop into town real quick and grab a few things to make sure we have everything we need for Christmas morning.”

“Fraser?” I whisper and then peek over at him. Not only does he want us to stay, but I know he’s talking about getting a few things for Mina.

“I got you,” Fraser says once again, and I can’t help but smile up at him. He leans down to press a kiss to my lips, and for a second I forget we’re at a table full of people.

“Fraser.” I put my hand on his chest and feel my cheeks burn. “We’re not alone.” He shrugs, not caring.

“Are you boyfriend and girlfriend?” AJ asks.

---