They shrugged into their coats.
“Thank you so much for including me,” Brit said. “My family is so small. Just my dad, sister, and me. It’s so much fun here.”
“Normally, my sister and her husband, and my nephew Kurt—” His mom pursed her lips.
“I’m so sorry for your loss,” Brit said.
“I hope the serial killer is caught soon,” his mom said. “Joaquin, do you know who’s?—”
“The agents workin’ the case are good. The killer will be found.”
She hugged him. “Thanks for coming over, and for bringing Britain.”
“Let me shovel your driveway—” Rebel said.
“No, you should go,” his mom protested.
Rebel left the room. Seconds later, the garage door opened and he emerged with a snow shovel.
“If you have an extra shovel, I can help him,” Brit said.
“I do, but this will give us a couple of minutes to chat,” his mom said.
Oh, boy.
“Joaquin has guarded his heart for a long time,” she said. “When Clark died, Joaquin was hit the hardest. He didn’t just lose his role model, he lost his best friend.” She smiled kindly at Brit. “He’s deeply in love with you. I can see it in his eyes, the way he talks about you. He’s very independent, very head strong, but beneath that hard exterior is a little boy who just misses his dad.”
“Thank you for telling me that,” Brit said. “My mom left us when I was seven. My dad worked a lot, but he stepped up after she left, and he turned out to be a wonderful dad. He still is. He just bought a gallery in Georgetown called Two Sisters?—”
“I read about that. That’s you?”
“And my sister. We’re artists. My mother didn’t die, so I can’t relate to what any of you are going through, and the loss you still feel. Joaquin’s an amazing man with so many exceptional qualities, but I need to take things slowly.” She offered a little smile. “Coax my heart out.”
“Why?” his mom asked.
“I’m scared of falling deeply in love, then being abandoned.”
“I understand.” His mom offered a kind smile. “Loving someone deeply takes courage. It’s a risk I took, even though my own love story was cut short. I’m so grateful that I did.”
“Thank you for sharing that with me,” Brit replied. “I appreciate that so much.”
The garage door closed. Seconds later, Rebel appeared, flakes of snow resting softly on his wavy hair.
“You’re all set, Mom.”
“Thank you, honey.” She gave them each a hug. “Be safe out there.”
Brit loved the falling snow, everything now covered in a soft layer of white.
“You have a really wonderful family,” she said as he drove out of the neighborhood.
“Thanks for coming with me,” he said. “I wanted them to meet you.”
“I’m waging war with myself,” she murmured.
“Over what?”
“I’ve fallen in love with you, but I don’t think we can build a life together.”
