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“I need to go into town to check in at the station. Gavin can come with me so there are fewer vehicles on the road,” Duke offered.
“Hopefully Martin can come back tonight, too,” Mrs. Roberts added when she brought in another plate of bacon.
I filled a plate with a little of everything and brought it over for Alex. She sat down and tucked into her breakfast. My chest puffed up with the knowledge of what I did this morning to make her so hungry.
Stealing a piece of bacon from her plate, I munched on it as everyone discussed our next steps. More people voiced they wanted to go into town, but Thomas and I shut them down. According to the weather report app, it was encouraged to stay off the roads unless it was absolutely necessary.
“As few people as possible go into town right now. It’s too far and too dangerous. We can’t risk anyone getting hurt or stuck out there,” Thomas announced. “I’d also feel more comfortable if one of us went with you. I don’t like the idea of you driving alone. Even if you’re following the others.”
“My truck has new tires on it. I’ll be fine.” Alex laid a hand on his arm, but I could see by the hard set of his jaw that it wasn’t swaying him.
“New tires don’t mean they handle icy roads. How about this? Gavin and I ride with Alex.” Duke looked at my tiny vet. “If you’re okay with that, and then when we’re finished in town, we can hitch a ride back with Martin. Small number of people, fewer cars on the road, and no one drives alone.”
Thomas’ gaze met mine. Neither of us wanted to let her go. Duke had a solid plan, and there was no real reason we could keep Alex here. We knew she had to check in on the clinic and her dad.
“If it’s fine with you, Alex, then it’s fine with me.” Thomas placed a hand on her shoulder.
“Sure. I would love the company.” Her sad gaze slid over to me and then to Thomas.
“That settles it. Has everyone had their share of breakfast?” I clapped my hands and gestured to the still piled high plates on the table.
“Mrs. Roberts didn’t know when to stop,” someone commented, making the whole room laugh. There were too many people crammed in the tiny room, but I liked it. It was nice having some meals in the dining hall and some in the house, but this reminded me of the early days when we were still a small group, building our future.
Blake handed me a plate piled high with food while Grace gave one to Thomas.
“You guys took too long to come down, so we all ate without you,” Blake teased, handing me a fork.
“Okay everyone. Get out of here and get to work,” Thomas’ voice boomed. Slowly, the bodies trickled out, laughing while they layered back up.
Blake and Duke lingered. “Why don’t you two stay in and relax the rest of the morning? We have everything covered.” Blake laid a hand on my forearm. Sadness reflected in her eyes. She knew we were having to say goodbye to Alex today.
“I’ll let you know when I hear from the trucks. Should be a few more hours.” Duke was the last one to leave.
“I should pack up. Get the clothes I borrowed washed.” Alex finished her plate and got up to leave.
“Not a chance.” Thomas pulled her into his lap. “There’s still time, and don’t worry about the clothes. Take whatever you like home with you. Tori won’t miss it. Let’s check in with your father and Martin when we finish breakfast.”
“Okay.” She nestled into his lap.
After we hung up with Dr. Henry and Martin, we pulled Alex into the living room and sat in front of the fire.
“You know what might also be nice?” Alex asked while wrapped in Thomas’ arms. “A swing on that front porch. The ranch is so beautiful with the snow on the ground, but also in the summer. You have so much life out here. Just to sit out there and relax for five minutes with a cup of iced tea would do you both some good.”
I added that on to the list of things I wanted to get for the house that would make Alex feel more at home. If she thought a porch swing would be nice, then I would personally hang it for her.
“That’s not a bad idea. I could sit out there with my feet up and yell out orders.” Thomas snickered. “I like this plan.”
Alex snorted and poked him in his side.
“Oh, you think that’s funny, do you?” Thomas squeezed her middle and tickled her back.
Alex’s peel of laughter hit me in the chest. This was what it was supposed to be like—the two of us having a woman to worship, share, and love.
“Dec, help,” Alex called between fits of giggles.
“Like this?” My hands traded places with Thomas’. He pinned her arms while I ran my fingers over her sides.
“Awww. I meant helpme.”
