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Oh, fuck. I stumble backwards, hands lifted with my palms out in defense.

"No, I'd rather not. I’m so sorry."

"Oh, go on, say it." Nic presses snow together between her palms. "Go on, Kieran, be brave. I dare you."

"Now you’re being unfair." I pout at Kylie, who joined the two, snow in her hand and a mischievous grin curling her lips. "You live in the opposite direction. This thing won’t even bother you."

"Women's solidarity." She shrugs and plucks a leaf out of her snowball. "Never tell a woman she's overreacting if you don't want their wrath."

Oh, fuck. I start running, but what Kylie lacks in stamina, she makes up for with speed. Within a few steps, she pulls on the back of my jacket.

Before I know it, Lauren jumps on my back and stuffs the snow right into my face.

"Ah!" I shout, sinking to my knees, trying to get Lauren off me. "Stop it."

"No mercy," Nic declares and stuffs snow down the back of my sweatshirt. There’s no shaking off Lauren, so I drop into the snow and try to roll her off. Finally, she lets go.

"Oh, God. Three against one is unfair," I whine and dramatically stare at the sky.

"Did we break him?" Nic asks in a whisper. I shake my head.

They didn't break me, but ice-cold water drops down my back and makes me shiver. “I need to get inside, change and drink something warm.” I pick myself up and stretch my arms over my head. Maybe I need to add a hot shower to the list. "Are you guys in?"

"Oh, hell yes." Lauren climbs off my legs. Then Nic and Kylie offer me their hands and pull me up.

"Thank you, thank you." I pat snow off my jacket and pants. "The door is unlocked. Go ahead, I'll grab the empty boxes and stuff."

Nic and Kylie run ahead, but Lauren remains by my side, her stare drilling into the side of my head.

"Jokes aside, Kieran." She gently squeezes my arm and waits until I glance at her. "Are you okay?"

Emotions clog my throat. I don't know what I want to say, but a yes is what comes over my lips with practiced ease. "Of course."

"I don't believe you." Disappointed, she softly shakes her head. "But whenever you want to tell me the truth, I'm here, okay? We all are."

"Okay." She walks ahead, almost slipping in the snow, and I gulp.

Would her offer still stand if she knew the big secret I'm keeping from them?

I let out a deep sigh and watch her disappear around the corner as the light in my living room turns on.

Worries for another day, Kieran. Worries for another day.

Chapter 18

Brooke

“A gentle reminder that your closing is scheduled for December 23. Please confirm that your financing remains on track.”

The words from my lawyer’s e-mail on the computer screen mock me as I press the phone to my cheek. I went to the bank this morning, a grasping straw attempt at getting a loan big enough to cover the remaining balance.

Obviously, I knew how slim my chances were, considering the shelter doesn’t exactly make a lot of money and a sanctuary wouldn’t either. The one time I was hoping for Kinstead solidarity, my bank teller turned out to be a guy in his early forties who must have gotten transferred here from the city against his will.

Saying no is one thing. Treating you with disdain worse than for dog-shit under your shoe is another.

“I’m sorry, Brooke, our donation funds are already allocated for the year.” I close my eyes and let out a measured breath. Of course. Why would her answer be any different from the one I got from the five other companies I called and asked for sponsorships?

“No worries, Dani, thank you so much for considering it. Have a lovely rest of your day. Happy holidays." I end the call and hang up the phone, leaning my forehead against the cold wall for a moment.