Page 20 of Snowed in with Scrooge

“Which one? They both seem to be having the time of their lives.” She laughs as she watches Mina jam a carrot in the snowman's crotch.

“This is new for them.” I think about all Nyah has told me and what she’s been through with her family. Taking Mina away from all that couldn’t have been easy.

“Finding peace and keeping your family safe is something you know a thing or two about.” When I turn to look at my mom, she shrugs like it’s obvious. “You couldn't control what happened to Aspen, which meant that afterwards you couldn’t find peace.” She leans against my shoulder as we watch the sisters and AJ play. “I can see why you’re drawn to her. That girl’s heart is as pure as the first snow. I believe taking care of her and her little one is finally going to give you the peace you’ve been looking for.”

“Hmm,” is all I say in response as I think over her words.

“I wish we could have helped you through it. We were all so heartbroken,” she sighs, and I wrap my arm around her.

“I know. You had to be there for little Aspen. He needed you more than me.”

I feel her eyes on me, and I look down at her. “Is that what you think happened, Fraser? That we only had so much love to give and he needed it more than you?” When I don’t answer, I see tears in her eyes. “True love is endless.” She reaches up and pats my cheek. “And I think you’re about to find that out firsthand.”

Just then, my dad comes over and holds out his hand for Mom to take. “Come on, sweetie, let’s get on the road before it gets dark.”

“Good idea. But which one of you guys is going to tell the kids?”

My dad holds up his hands, and I sigh. “I guess I’ll be the bad guy.”

When I go to break the kids up, they complain about having to get out of the snow, but a promised play date the next day seems to smooth over the worst of the hurt feelings. Mina continues to pout until I present her with hot cocoa and marshmallows piled high. Once she’s got the sugar in her sights, she’s eager to come inside.

After we all warm up, Nyah goes to give Mina a bath, and I stay back to clean up the kitchen. I’m in the middle of washing dishes when my cell phone rings. Grabbing the hand towel, I dry them off and then manage to slide the screen open without checking to see who it is first.

“Yo, Fraser. I got something that might interest you.”

It takes me a second to place the voice, and then I realize it’s Roy from the junkyard. “What’s up? Is there someone that needs a tow?”

“You think I’d be calling you to put myself out of a job? Pfft.” He makes a sound like I’m being ridiculous before he finally gets to the point. “That Mercedes you had me move. You know the one?”

“Yeah, I remember the one car I’ve ever asked you to move.” The hair on the back of my neck prickles, and I have a feeling this isn’t going to be good.

“Okay, so some big shot came by wanting to buy up used cars. He’s big time, you know?”

I want to roll my eyes and scream at him, but I just agree to speed him up. “Yeah.”

“So yeah, like I was saying he’s got money and is looking for cars he can fix up and flip so I showed him around. He was impressed with my inventory.”

He hangs on the last syllable like his junkyard is some grandiose place. “And?”

“He comes in and buys three off me before you can say rust bucket. Hell, I practically give them away, but cash is cash.”

“What does that have to do with the Mercedes?” Roy either deals in junk cars people claim for parts or sell for metal. Or he tows cars that break down on the side of the road. There’s really not a lot in between, but it’s unusual for someone to buy more than one. Even more so this time of year when getting a junk car across the snowy mountain is a pain in the ass.

“Oh yeah, he offered to buy that Mercedes too. Said he was real interested in it.”

I toss the hand towel on the counter and go look out the window. I’m not sure what I’m looking for, but something doesn’t sit right. “What was his name?”

“Hell, cash don’t need a name, but he said he’d be back tomorrow. Anyway, you think you can get the owner to sign it over? Of course after I take my cut.”

“It’s not for sale.” I double-check the door is locked and the alarm system is on. “But you let me know when he comes back.”

“Trying to play hard to get. I hear you,” Roy chuckles.

“I mean it, Roy. Day or night, I want you to call me.”

“Yeah, yeah. Keep your panties on. I’ll call you, but this is my sale. Got it? I’m the one getting the finder’s fee.”

“Sure,” I agree because the only thing I want to know is if this is in connection with Nyah and Mina. Then a thought occurs to me. “Hey, Roy?”

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