Page 37 of Snowed Inn For Christmas

Twenty-Two

Julie

The bedroom was cold, despite the body heat of six people and a dog.I sat on the bed, shivering under the blankets as Daisy curled up next to me.Her fever had broken a few hours ago, and I was thankful that she seemed to be feeling a little better when she got up to use the bathroom.

Patrick and my dad were sleeping, while my mother, Gage, and I stayed awake.It was hard not to be on edge, but every time I looked at Gage, I felt an overwhelming sense of calmness wash over me.Even knowing that his grandmother’s shotgun and ammunition were stored just a few feet away in the closet, I didn’t feel like I needed it to feel safe because Gage created that feeling for me on his own.

My mother shifted on the bed her and my father were sharing.It was small and cramped, but they managed to make it work.We had tried to bring in a few chairs since the beds weren’t too big, but the room quickly became crowded.There had only been enough room for one, which was where Gage sat with Duke at his feet.A few candles provided soft light, allowing us to be aware of our surroundings without being too much, so that the others could sleep.

It was after three in the morning, and I was restless, my body aching as I struggled to find a comfortable position.

“Do you want to sit here?”Gage offered, already getting up before I could stop him.

“No, but thank you.I’m okay here.”

“No, you’re not.Come sit in the chair, and I’ll go sit with Daisy.”

“It’s fine.Really.Thank you, though.”

Before I could continue to object, Gage was standing in front of me, watching me as he held his hand out to help me up.I sighed heavily, too tired to fight with him.As soon as I stood up, Daisy rolled over, taking up the entire bed as she spread out and started snoring loudly.

I covered my mouth with my hands to keep from laughing as we watched her.His shoulders shook slightly as he chuckled, his face so handsome with the giant smile that spread across it.He loved my daughter, that was for sure.I couldn’t imagine any other man, besides my dad and brother, who would allow my daughter to paint their fingernails pink and not complain about it.But Gage hadn’t just let her paint his nails; he bragged about them and made sure to show everyone what a great job she did, which only made my heart love him more than it was supposed to.

“Go sit in the chair and I’ll sit on the floor,” he said, pressing his hand to my lower back and moving me out of the way before he plopped down.

I hated that he was going to be just as uncomfortable on the floor, so I pushed the chair out of the way and sat down with him.The bed had been pushed against the wall, creating a safe space for Daisy to sleep.I sat on the side facing my mother, who was now resting with her eyes closed, trying to stay upright beside my dad.

“Mom, you should get some sleep.Gage and I can handle things and wake you up if we need anything.”

Her eyes opened slowly as she gave me a soft smile.

“I’m sorry, dear.I hadn’t realized how tired I was.I’m going to use the restroom, and then I think I’ll take you up on that offer.”

She turned and put her feet on the hardwood floor, accidentally kicking something out from underneath the bed.I reached over and grabbed it, making sure she didn’t trip over it.My eyebrows furrowed as I held the manila folder in my hand and slowly opened it.

My mother let out a soft gasp as I quickly flipped through the pages, staring in horror at the adoption paperwork that had already been completed and signed by Joel.The only thing missing was my signature.

“Why do you have this?”I asked, looking up at her with mixed horror and rage.