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“Come on, Daddy.” Luke tugged on his coat sleeve. “Let’s go ride again.”
Ben looked at Jake, who hadn’t said more than two words this morning. He was so wrapped up in Liv, he hadn’t noticed.
“Sure thing, Luke. In a minute. Why don’t you see if your grandma has any cookies you can snack on?” Ben pushed Luke in the direction of the house. “And don’t forget to wash your hands. Oh, and bring me some.”
Ben motioned with his head in Jake’s direction, and Liv nodded.
“Come on, Renie, let’s go help Ginny.”
Ben sat down on the porch steps, waiting to see what Jake would do now that they were alone. He turned and faced the mountains, his back to Ben.
“What’s on your mind, Jake?”
“Nothin’.”
“You’ve been awful quiet. Not that you’re talkative to begin with, but this seems quieter than normal.”
“It’s nothin’, Dad. I’m fine.”
“Okay. Well if you decide it’s somethin’, let me know.”
“It’s…”
“I’m listening.”
“You really like her.”
“I do.”
Jake kicked at the snow with his boot.
“What’s worrying you, man?”
Still nothing out of Jake. He waited for a while, but all Jake looked was uncomfortable.
“Okay, let’s get your brother, take the sleds back to the house, and get the truck. We can talk later if you want.”
Jake got on one of the snowmobiles and started it up, without answering his dad.
Bud came out on the porch. “I’ll ride one back with you. That way if you want to go out again this week, they’ll be up at your place.”
“Thanks, Dad. Hey, somethin’s bothering Jake. Any idea what it might be?”
“Nope. But I’ll try to get him to talk to me about it later.”
“Where’s Luke?”
“He’s stayin’ here. You won’t be able to get him away from those two pretty girls. Not sure which one he’s more taken with, Liv or her daughter.”
“They’re easy to get taken with.” Ben knew that first hand. “She okay? I mean, should I go in and see if she needs anything before we leave?”
Bud put his hand on Ben’s shoulder. “She’s fine. You can be out of touching range for another five minutes or so, don’t ya think?”
“No. But I’ll leave her be anyway. She and Mom getting along?”
“As though they’ve known each other for years. You know, she reminds me of your mama. She’s got that way about her.”
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