Page 147 of Buckin' Around

Every panting breath curls in front of my face.Damn, it’s cold.

“Well, then, inside before I freeze.”

Declan is manhandling my luggage inside, and it’s only then I realize he’s still in his uniform from the Smugglers Inn. He must have ducked out to pick me up. Which means he has to get back.

“You let Tommy run the bar?” I quip as the door closes behind me.

“Yes, and I’m yet to discern whether that option or letting you walk home was the better one. Guess I’ll see when I getback.” He cradles me into his chest with one burly arm and plants a kiss in my hair. “Welcome home, Riles. I’ll see you later, hey.”

I freeze.

The gesture I’ve now come to associate with Spencer takes my faculties and tosses them to the void for a beat.

“Oh my god, what did you bring us from the big wild wilderness of Canadia?” Chlo says, dropping onto the sofa.

Guess it’s catch-up time.

I pull my coat off and unwind my scarf, setting them on the coat rack before snuggling up beside her. When I take a moment to look around the home that I left a mere twelve months ago, it is decorated with Christmas trimmings.

I hadn’t even given the holiday a thought yet.

“I did bring you some things from Alberta, but they’re in my luggage.” I yawn, and Elouise and Lizzy rise from the sofa in sync. Always. “Night, you two.”

“Night, Riles,” they singsong.

Honestly, some days those girls are a little freaky. But I can’t help the smile growing across my face as they wander toward their room. Those two will always be inseparable.

“Can I sleep in your room tonight?” Chlo asks.

“Sure, kiddo.”

“Urgh, you need to stop calling me that, Riles.”

I tamp back a chuckle and manage. “Okay.”

I take my time to refamiliarize myself with the home I grew up in. It’s a strange feeling, exploring something you’ve known your entire life.

The hearth is crackling away in the living room, six dark green stockings hanging from the mantle like every year. The Christmas tree stands on one side, homemade decorations loading up each branch.

The low ceiling punctuated with dark wooden beams makes the space so cozy despite the blustering cold wind and snow outside.

The small kitchen with the pots hanging above the counter and oversized porcelain sink, white cabinets, and black trim is the way it’s been since Mom had it redone years ago. The gas standalone oven and stovetop gleams. Someone’s been taking good care of our home while I was away.

I double-check every room, checking in before bed as I do the rounds to lock the doors the way I have done for over a decade. I’m snuggled up on my bed, Chlo sound asleep, when my phone lights up on the bedside. I snatch it up lightning fast, only to find an email from Suze at the vet clinic.

Hello Riley, welcome home!

I saw Declan earlier and he said you were home three days early. So, welcome back. I have a favour to ask. How would you like to start your internship early? One of our vets quit this week and we’re struggling. Could really use your help. Let me know and you can start ASAP.

Suze.

You know what, keeping busy would be preferable to moping around with the dagger in my chest trying its best to rip me to pieces. I’ve managed to stave off thoughts of Spence and Ivy for around four hours, but I know the second my head hits the pillow I’ll be right back to misery.

I kill the lamp and hunker down under the heavy duvet.

Chlo stirs but doesn’t wake.

“Night, sweet girl.”