Page 51 of A Newport Christmess

“I’m completely convinced.”

“Sorry. I didn’t sleep well.”

“Why’s that? The storm?”

I thought to inform her it was because I’d spent the night hanging out with Quinn, but I was already feeling guilty enough about everything last night to play up our fake relationship at the moment. “Yeah. One of my rain gutters busted and clanked against the house whenever there was a big gust of wind.”

“Did it also keep Quinn up?” Had I discerned an uncanny amount of interest in her voice?

“I’ll let you know as soon as I talk to her this morning, which will now have to wait until after we visit Grandma.”

“Actually, that’s why I was calling. The nursing home called to ask if we could come tomorrow instead. The employee that clears their parking lot hasn’t made it in yet today because of the snow, so there’s nowhere for visitors to park at the moment.”

“And you let me think I was going to be late? Thanks for that.”

She laughed. “What would I be if not your annoying little sister? It would send me into an identity crisis if I ever stopped teasing you.”

“Truer words have never been spoken.” I yawned. “But the nursing home has power?”

“They didn’t mention that they didn’t. Why? Is yours out?”

“It went out at about eleven last night and hasn’t come back on yet.”

“You two must be freezing.”

I certainly wasn’t eager to climb out from under the blanket. “It’s a little cold but bearable. It would help if I could find the key to my fireplace.”

“When we were there the other night, it was on the mantel with the majority of your Christmas decorations.”

I ignored her teasing and stood, wincing at the frigid air. “That’s what I thought.” I walked to the fireplace, searching the mantel in the morning light. “But it’s not here anymore.”

“What do you mean, it’s not there? Are you in the house right now?”

I let my head fall back at my oversight. “It’s not what you think.”

“Landon, what happened?” Though Nikki’s silence was momentary, it hit like a ton of bricks. “If this is to prove a point to me, I’m going to tear you limb from limb. Do not hurt Quinn.”

“Jeez. Thanks for the confidence in me. You make it sound like it’s a common practice of mine—breaking women’s hearts for the fun of it. But for the record, I slept on the couch downstairs so Quinn wouldn’t be scared. Besides, if we’re pointing fingers here, it was you who put her in my house. Where’s your blame in all of this?”

“In all of what? Did something happen between you two?”

“No!” I ran a hand through my mussed-up hair in frustration. “I just meant ... never mind.”

“Sounds like you could use a nap today.”

I grunted in reply, eager to change the subject. “I assume Julie and Josh got to Dad’s without any problems?”

“Yep. The storm blew in from the northeast, so they missed it entirely—until they got here, of course.”

“Good. I feel bad I didn’t make it to see them last night.”

“The kids were disappointed you weren’t here, but it was probably for the best. With how intensely that storm hit, I would have hated for you to have driven home in it.”

I smiled at knowing I’d been missed. “Unfortunately, depending on the state of the roads, I might not venture over to Dad’s until tomorrow.”

“We get it, even if the kids don’t. All they can talk about is when they can see Uncle Landon. Kade is trying hard to win them over, but they’re very loyal to you.”

I chuckled. “It’s going to be hard to displace me. My favorite uncle indoctrination program not only started early but has been intensely thorough.”