AllFreeNovel
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Maybe it’s good Dad left when I was young, and Mom was always busy. There were no expectations placed on Willa and me. We were just doing our best to get by.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean that as a you-me thing, like my life was so much harder. I was just thinking out loud.”
“No, I get it. Life without a dad would be hard. What I meant was…you don’t know how it feels to live with the knowledge that you’re the reason someone’s entire life changed, the reason their career ended.”
I pop up to my elbow, my pulse pounding in my ears. “No, I just know how it feels to live with the idea that I wasn’t wanted at all.” I bristle at the edge of sympathy in her eyes. “I don’t need pity, Nova. It’s just a fact. Do you think Willa holds Clem responsible for the changes in her life? That she wouldn’t say that every altered plan was worth it?”
Nova’s mouth twists as her brows pull together.
“That is the part of your story I’d tell you was wrong.”
“What?” she asks.
“You said other than your dad, dancing is your mom’s one true passion. I bet if I asked her, she’d put you and your brothers and sister before dance. Just like Clem comes before anything Willa ever thought she’d do with her life. I guarantee you, your mom loves you more than she misses what she didn’t get to do.”
Nova tucks her hands beneath her cheek. “Is that your subtle way of telling me to quit whining? Poor little rich girl complaining about mommy not loving her.”
“I’m telling you there are worse things, Spitfire.”
“Like being forced to watch two musicals in one week?”
I laugh. “Like being forced to keep my hands to myself when all I want is to cross this room and finish the kiss you started tonight.”
Nova’s bottom lip tucks between her teeth, and my hell. “Nobody’s forcing you to stay in your bed, Dev.”
“I am.” I lay back and train my eyes on the ceiling. “With every ounce of my strength, Dimples. I am.”
nine | nova
This road triphasn’t been rigid or strict with a schedule, but when we pull into the driveway of my family’s Montana home after twelve hours on the road, a sense of comfort settles in, like we can slow down and relax.
“If this is how big your vacation house is, I can only imagine what your real house looks like.”
“All right. Ease up on the rich kid jokes.” I get out of the car.
The only reason we have a fancy vacation home is that my parents used up the last of the airline settlement money, aside from what Dad invested. For years they were hesitant to touch it, not comfortable with the consolation of blood money over answers. But eventually, it was Grandpa Kaminsky who helped Mom and Dad, along with Aunt Amber and Uncle Cole, realize the best way to honor their parents is to enjoy living.
As I ease back into the driver’s seat after punching in the garage code, I pull the car inside.
“But for real. This place is amazing. You guys spend winters here?”
I pull the key from the ignition as we climb out. “Yeah, we’re a winter sports family.”
“I bet it’s unreal up here with snow covering everything.”
Smiling, I envision the white-capped mountains and hoarfrost tree limbs. “It’s gorgeous.”
“Okay, quick tour.” I tug my suitcase into the house through the garage door. “This is the bottom floor. Laundry room, mudroom, kids bedrooms, and all the toys and exits to the back are down here.”
“Hmph.” Devin hovers close to my backside. “Tell me more about thetoys.”
With a roll of my eyes, I jerk my head toward the stairs. “Skis, boards, and bikes. C’mon.”
I kick my shoes off at the main entrance landing, then lead him up the smaller staircase into the living space.
“Fresh flowers?” Devin sets his duffle on the floor and walks further into the house, running his hand along the back of the leather couches.
“I called my parents this morning to let them know we would arrive by tonight. They use a service to prepare the place when we’re coming.” I bend, smelling the dahlias.
