arms around me. I bury my face in her neck and inhale her familiar scent. Until this moment, I didn’t realize how much I needed her.
“Hi, sweetheart.” Her voice cracks on the words, and she clings to me.
We’ve only counted on each other for as long as I can remember. She supports me in my work, saw me through my breakup—even if she does still talk to Stan—and never holds back on her opinions. That can be annoying, but at least I know she’s always honest.
I pull back but don’t release her. “How’d you get here?”
“I hitchhiked with a trucker, borrowed a mule, and skied into town.” She winks. Smarty-pants.
“Did the mule kick?” I grin.
She lifts her chin. “As a matter of fact, he did.”
“I see you’ve recovered from your journey.” I glance around to find Mrs. Bradford and Colin observing us.
“The hospitality in Winter Valley is legendary.” She gives Mrs. Bradford a meaningful look before holding me at arm’s length. “Looks like this town has been good to you too.” Her gaze darts past me to Colin.
His flannel shirt I’m wearing makes me far too warm.
He steps behind me. I’ve become so aware of him in the past few days that I feel when he’s close.
“I’m Colin Bradford. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Reed.” He offers his hand, and my mother swoons when she finally takes a good look at him. Or maybe it’s his voice that does the trick.
“Lovely to meet you as well. Thank you for taking care of my daughter.”
“Mom!” My entire body is on fire like I’m about to make a speech in front of a thousand people. But this is worse.
She winks.
She knows. She so knows we’re sleeping together.
“What? I’ve heard all about what you’ve been up to.”
Mrs. Bradford is a traitor too. I should’ve skipped the hair drying so they had less time to gossip. But then I wouldn’t have experienced the luxury of Colin taking care of me.
Huh. My mother had described what was happening between us accurately.
“She’s a special woman.”
Oh. My. Word. They’re talking about me like I’m not even here. And he thinks I’m special?
Now I’m the one swooning. Or have I stopped since I crashed into him? Ugh. I’m blaming it on my mother. Swooning is contagious.
“We love having her around,” Mrs. Bradford adds. “Perry chatters nonstop about the unicorn.”
They do? And she does?
For years, I’d only been useful to the people around me for what I could do for them. Yet his mother’s words hold a certain sincerity as though I have brought this family a little joy. It’s nothing compared to what they’ve brought me.
“Where is Perry?” Colin asks, looking around for his daughter.
“With the boys. They’re teaching her tricks of the trade,” Mrs. Bradford says with pride.
I love how close they all are and how they are involved in one another’s lives. I want that for my own kids if I ever have any.
“That could be dangerous,” Colin mutters affectionately. “Dad with them too?”
“Yes. In the garage. I think they’re working on Audrey’s rental.”
A sinking feeling turns my stomach inside out. “Did the parts come in?” My disappointment is evident.
That warm, familiar hand lands on my shoulders for a quick squeeze. And it helps. A lot. I’m getting used to his support.
“I’m not sure, honey. They’re like little boys when they start talking about cars. It makes my eyes glaze over.”
We all laugh.
“Me too. Give me a spa and a massage any day,” Mom says.
“You never answered how you got here,” I press. She and Mrs. Bradford exchange a look. I narrow my gaze and point at Colin. “Did you know about this?”
He holds up both hands in innocence. “It’s as much of a shock to me as it is to you, Unicorn.”
My mother beams at him when he uses my new nickname. “I thought you’d just be happy to see me.”
“I am . . .” But so many miracles seem to be happening lately. Surely, I’m running out of favors.
“Good. Now, Betsy was about to offer me cookies when you interrupted.” Mom gives me one last hug before she lets go.
“What time is it?” I ask desperately.
“Almost three.” Mrs. Bradford looks at me strangely as if my panic seems unnecessary.
“Crap! It’s cookie time at the B&B. Do we have any leftovers I can take for the afternoon snack?” I scramble around the kitchen, searching the boxes stacked on the counter for cookies.
Damn Colt for dropping his duty on me. Except I like it,