Which isn’t much. Honestly, unless I call them or they stop in Glenbruar on their way to somewhere else, I don’t hear from my parents at all. The truth is, though, that I have something tying me to them with an unbreakable string. “They’ll never stop talking to me.”
“You’re very confident.”
“I provide them with an income,” I say. “They need the money too much to ever cut me off for good.”
Callie stares at me.
“You guys coming?” Ruby calls from the restaurant door.
Callie looks over her shoulder. “Yes, in a moment.”
“Okay.”
Once Ruby disappears and another family passes us on the street, she tucks her hair behind her ear and steps closer. “You bankroll them? How long has this been going on?”
“Since they lost everything.”
“So you bought their house and provide them with spending money.”
“I thought we’d all be living in the house together when the arrangement was made, but they purchased the campervan and took off. I don’t think they could bear to see their failure every day, and I couldn’t blame them.”
She lets out a weak scoff. “You could. You can. They’re adults, and it’s not their kid’s responsibility to save them. What you do is kind, but you’re not obligated to.”
“I know. I’ve been very blessed with the success ofLeo and Johnnie. I can help them out.”
“As long as you really are happy with the arrangement.”
Happy is a strange word choice, but I am glad for the connection. “We should probably head inside. You know they’re likely all speaking about us now.”
Callie’s smile turns into a laugh. “Probably. None of this is my business anyway.”
“I’m grateful for your opinions, Callie.”
She reaches for my arm, so I take my hand out of my pocket and let her fingers lace with mine. “I really like you.”
Can men get butterflies? I always thought that was a stereotype for women, but right now they’re flapping around my stomach so hard, I think I might let one out.
Or are they moths? No, definitely butterflies. I feel all fluttery and excited.
“I like you a lot, too.”
She grins. “Who knew a snowstorm would turn us into friends? I thought this was going to be the most miserable vacation after that first morning.” She releases my hand and heads toward the restaurant door, then stops and turns back. “Hey, quick question. Do you own a kilt?”
“Aye. Why do you want to know?”
Her smile grows, showing off her even, white teeth. “Oh, no reason.”
I have a feeling I’m going to want to know this reason.
And I have a feeling I’m going to like it.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
CALLIE
If Gavin didn’t loveMom and Dad after the Dunleith Christmas Market, he probably started to once we made it back home, when they couldn’t stop praising his house or the rugged beauty of Scotland. I wondered if all the compliments grated on Luna’s nerves after aCareful, or you might hurt England’s feelingscomment, but she was laughing with the rest of us. I’m pretty sure she was just as amused at the overabundance of praise.
Mom is sweet. Dad is stoic. Neither of them are generally what I would call effusive.
