“But I’m sure it’ll be fine,” Cal added belatedly, prompted by Chappy’s unhappy look.
“If you need help with her car, let us know,” JJ told them. “We’ll come back up.”
“Thanks!” Chappy called.
He and Carlise watched as Bob pulled his truck around and they made their way back toward the road. The big plow pushing snow out of the way as they went made it all the more obvious how much they’d gotten in the storm. Even with a plow, it had to be difficult making it to his cabin, though Chappy wasn’t too surprised. His friends were stubborn as hell, and there was no way they were letting a bit of snow get in the way of having his back.
“Come on, let’s get you inside,” Chappy said, turning Carlise toward the door.
To his surprise, Baxter had come out from his spot against the house and was sitting next to them. So close he could reach out and almost touch the dog’s head.
“Oh! Hi, Baxter. You want to come inside too?” Carlise asked in the same singsong voice she’d used earlier. “It’s nice and warm in there. I’ll make you a comfy bed next to the fire. You’ll love it. I promise.”
She opened the door—and to Chappy’s shock, Baxter walked in as if he’d spent his entire life as a house dog.
“Riggs! Look! He’s inside!” Carlise breathed.
“I see, sweetheart.”
“I’m so . . .” She trailed off, then quickly turned to him and buried her face in his chest.
Chappy got them both inside and the door shut, then wrapped his arms around her and let her cry against him.
She got herself under control in minutes, raising her head to look at him with bloodshot eyes. “I’m so happy,” she whispered.
He chuckled. “Forgive me for saying so, but you don’t look it.”
She gave him a lopsided smile. “I am.” She wiped her eyes with her hands, then rested them on his chest and leaned into him. “Have you ever been so happy that it freaks you out because you’re waiting for things to go to hell again?”
Chappy frowned and tightened his arms around her. “Yeah.”
She nodded. “I just . . . You. Baxter. My job . . . Everything’s so perfect right now. And I’m scared to death that it’s all going to disappear in a puff of smoke. Like maybe I’m dreaming or something. That I’ll wake up and it’ll all be gone. Different.”
“You aren’t dreaming. And I’m not going anywhere. Baxter’s inside now, and I have a feeling he’s not gonna want to sleep outside again anytime soon. You’re good, sweetheart.”
“The past always has a way of sneaking up on you when you least expect it,” she muttered.
Chappy held his breath, hoping she was on the verge of opening up to him.
But instead, she sighed. “I’m being morose. I’m good,” she said. “I’m not usually so emotional.”
He mentally echoed her sigh. She was right there. Whatever was bothering her was on the tip of her tongue. He would’ve pushed, but since Baxter coming inside was a happy, momentous thing, he didn’t want to bring the mood down. “You can be as emotional as you want. I can handle it. I can handle anything you want to tell me. You’re safe with me. Period.”
She smiled and brought a hand up to his cheek. “I know.”
“Do you?” he couldn’t help but ask.
She nodded immediately.
“Good. Because it’s true. Are you really okay with staying up here with me for another week or so until we can get your car out?”
“Are you all right with me being here? You’ve told me you like your solitude, and your friend confirmed it. I really don’t want to intrude.”
Chappy mentally swore. She’d obviously taken Bob’s words to heart. “You aren’t intruding. While I do like my solitude, I’ve also been lonely. Since you’ve been here, I haven’t felt that way in the least.”
“Me either.”
“Good. It’s settled. You can stay as long as you want. How about we get Baxter comfortable and decide what we want to make for lunch? I’m starving.”
She chuckled. “You and JJ both.”
“Yup. You haven’t seen that guy eat, though. He would’ve eaten us out of house and home.”
Carlise giggled, and the sound wrapped around his heart and wouldn’t let go. He hadn’t lied, he could handle her being emotional, but he much preferred her laughter to her tears. Even if they were happy ones.