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“I’m sure, old man. I’m not as helpless as you think.”
I mean it to come out as a joke, but my voice sounds a little hard and Cade raises an eyebrow. “I don’t think you’re helpless, Maeve. I just worry, that’s all.”
“I know.” I swallow down my guilt, wishing I’d never said anything. “I’m sorry. I really appreciate everything you’re doing for me.”
Cade sighs. “You don’t have to hide what you’re thinking just to spare my feelings. You don’t owe me shit, Maeve. If I’m being a pain in the ass, tell me. You can talk to me. I’m not Mom and Dad.”
I nod, my throat constricting with emotion. “I know you’re not. I just…sometimes, it’s like you think I’m about to break or something. I’m stronger than you think.”
Cade smiles slightly. “I know you’re strong, Maeve. I’ve never doubted that. I guess I’m just a little protective. I know what living with our parents does to a person. I don’t want you to ever have to feel hurt like that again.”
My eyes swim with tears, and I pull my brother into a hug, sighing against his chest. “I understand. And I appreciate you looking out for me, Cade. I really do. Just…”
“Just take it easy on all the protecting?” Cade suggests.
I nod. “I promise I can handle myself.”
“I’m sure you can, kiddo.” We smile at each other for a moment before Cade ruffles my hair and says, “Okay, well, I guess you’ll be staying home alone tonight then. I’ll be back tomorrow morning as early as possible, okay?”
“Got it.”
“If you have any problems, you call me straight away, okay?”
“Promise.”
Cade nods. “Good. If you need help, head for Blaze Valley Ranch. If you can’t for some reason, there’s another neighbor who lives a little farther up the mountain called Nash.”
I hold back a smile at my brother’s thoroughness. “Understood. Call you in an emergency. Otherwise, head to Blaze Valley Ranch or Nash.”
“You got it, kiddo.” He’s still frowning like he’s reluctant to leave me alone, but eventually Cade grabs his keys and heads to the door. “Don’t set the cabin on fire. Don’t electrocute yourself. And don’t drown.”
I laugh. “I promise to avoid all of those things.”
“Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow morning. Take care of yourself, Maeve.”
I wave my brother off, watching as he climbs into his pickup and drives away with a quick beep of his horn. I watch him go with a smile, feeling a rush of affection for him. He really is an amazing brother.
Once I’m alone, I settle down in front of the fire and try to read my book again. The hours pass, and I manage to finish a few chapters until a knock at the door pulls me back to reality. I frown toward the door, then look at the clock on the wall.
9:48 p.m.
It’s pretty late for anybody to be knocking. Cautiously, I head for the door and squint through the peephole, my stomach somersaulting when I see who’s standing outside. It’s Jackson.
My hands tremble as I grab the key and unlock the door, the frosty air streaming in as I open it wide. Jackson looks surprised to see me. He tips his cowboy hat, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down as he swallows.
“Maeve. Hey.” He clears his throat. “Sorry to come over so late. I just wanted to return Cade’s axe. I borrowed it last week and figured he might need it back early tomorrow morning to chop up all that wood he felled.”
“Oh. Thanks.” I take the axe. “He actually just got a buyer for the wood. He’s taking it up to Denver tonight. He’ll be back tomorrow morning, though.”
Jackson raises an eyebrow. “Knowing your brother, I’m surprised he left you here by yourself.”
I smile. “It took a lot of convincing.”
Jackson nods. There’s a strained pause while the two of us look at each other, not knowing what to say. I haven’t been this close to Jackson all week, and I’m dreading the moment he turns around and says he has to go home.
“Do you want to come in for a cocoa?” I ask, the words coming out in a rush before I can stop them.
Jackson looks taken aback by my offer. I’m expecting him to politely decline, but after some kind of internal battle with himself, he finally takes a reluctant step over the threshold.
