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He’d been scared shitless that the rest of his family would die somehow. He’d put all his focus and energy into keeping them safe, ensuring their future. Exhaustion had him dropping into deep sleep, but he could have found time to keep in touch.
It had just hurt too much. Not seeing her daily had been too hard. Not seeing her at all seemed oddly easier at the time. Talking to her reminded him of the good times, and he experienced the grief of losing his parents all over again with every email.
Now he had a chance to talk to Rissa. Find out about her life and her work. Get to know her again as an adult. Apologize for the mess he’d made. Make it up to her somehow.
And not only because she was a beautiful woman.
He’d only had the briefest look, but her eyes had been full of shadows. Was that her norm, or was he the cause of the look?
Knox met him at the other farmhouse. The bigger one was the inn, but this one had eight bedrooms on the second floor as well.
The kitchen was the same one he’d seen through various family chats, the first when Knox had been the only Malssum living here. It wasn’t used often, as Seth and Mara cooked enough for the entire group most days. A quick tour of the main level showed him the three main living spaces and the library. The room where Jay’s recliner sat had become the room where the group gathered if they weren’t in the kitchen or up at the inn.
Knox pointed to the corner. “That’s where we put the Christmas tree last year. We rented it from Sylvia across the road.”
Burke remembered the conversations about the rental trees. “I’m betting there will be a few more Christmas trees on the farm this year.”
Knox grinned as he led Burke to the stairs. “Probably. At least a couple in the inn and I’m betting Charlie will insist on at least one in their house.”
“The farm has sure changed in the year and a half you’ve been here, Knox. You’ve done a hell of a job.”
Knox’s voice was gruff when he answered. “Thanks. And if you stay, my recruitment efforts can slow down for a bit because the family will be complete.”
Burke swallowed his own emotion and turned to the doors. “How many open rooms are there?”
Knox grinned. “Eight rooms altogether. Thea and I share one. One for Jolie and Ford, another for Wyatt and Esme, while they wait to expand the cabin next year. Jay’s room, which we still have to face. Lawson has a room for when he and Dani stay over, like they will on Christmas. Two rooms for Nash and Olivia and their kids.”
“Which leaves one.”
Knox nodded. “You’re lucky we haven’t filled it up with anyone else yet.”
“I can bunk on a couch downstairs.”
Knox shook his head. “No way in hell. We’re not giving you a reason to leave anytime soon. Ford didn’t have time to renovate all the rooms last year. They’re on the list for this winter, or next if anything big comes up.”
Burke nodded. “I can help him with that.”
Knox stopped so quickly that Burke almost slammed into him. “You’re going to stay?”
Shit. He hadn’t meant to admit that out loud. “I meant I could help him while I’m here. It’s not like I don’t know my way around tools.”
Knox narrowed his eyes. “There’s more to it than that. It’s in your eyes, Burke. Something happened, and it wasn’t good. Are you ready to talk about it?”
As the middle child, Knox had always been perceptive. Burke shook his head. “Not yet. For now, I’m taking it day by day.”
Knox frowned. “That’s not like you. I remember Mom saying you were a planner from birth.”
He hoisted the laptop bag. “I’ve got my work with me. I’m still me.”
“Good. We like you as you are.”
That hit him straight in the heart.
Knox turned into a room bigger than Burke had expected. The furniture was probably a century old, but appeared to be in good shape. A couple of dressers and nightstands of the same vintage. “This will work.”
“You might want to reserve that comment until you see the bathroom.”
Burke groaned. He’d been sure they’d been teasing him about it, but when he looked, he found the pink fixtures. Shiny and clean, but definitely pink. “Seriously?”
