Page 63 of Glacier

Harriet looked concerned when I asked her to manage both shops. “You’d better let Glacier know.”

“I will,” I reassured her as I closed the car door. “Call me if you have any issues.”

I quickly typed out a message to Glacier.

Me: Hey lover. I’ve had to go and pick up the stock feed delivery for that big order. My family is down and out with the stomach flu.

Message to my man complete. I sent another message. This one to my son.

Me: Hi, baby boy. I’m sorry you’re not well. Do you need anything? Fair warning. I’ll be picking up some of your favourite things anyway, but if you want anything else, let me know. I want to hug you, but I also don’t want to get what you have. Love you lots of jelly tots.

My boys taken care of, I started my journey. I didn’t expect an answer from either of them anytime soon, so I hit the button on my playlist and enjoyed the drive back to my hometown.

I was an hour out when Fin messaged me.

Fin: We’ve got everything we need, but I won’t say no to whatever you feel like bringing me. You don’t need to take this back with you. I’ll hug you at Thanksgiving. Love you, Ma.

My heart ached. I hated that I didn’t get to see my boy every day anymore.

Realistically, I knew it would’ve happened anyway when he left for college. That didn’t mean I had to like it.

I still hadn’t heard from Glacier, but I wasn’t too worried. He’d be busy doing whatever it was Presidents did.

Not knowing if our town grocery store would be open, I stopped at one of the big supermarkets about an hour from home and stocked up on all the good stuff for Fin and my dad. I grabbed plenty of fluids, a few varieties of soup, salted crackers, and some of their favourite snacks.

The town was dead when I turned onto the main road that ran through the centre of town. It was a little spooky. Closed signs hung on most of the doors.

Well, shit.

A few lights glowed here and there, and the fire station doors were up, so at least someone was around.

I drove around to the back of our shop and parked in my old spot. Gathering up everything I’d bought, I headed up the stairs and left the bags by the door. I knocked to let them know the supplies were there, then went back down to the shop. I’d check on them again before I left.

Using my keys, I unlocked the back door and opened the loading bay. The delivery truck was already backed in, waiting.

All I had to do now was grab the dolly and load the truck.

My phone beeped with a message.

Love of my life: Fuck, darlin’. Okay. Thanks for letting me know. Keep in touch. Let me know as soon as you leave. I’ll make sure this meeting is a short one. Love you.

Me: Love you too. I’m just about to start loading. I’ll keep you updated. Stay safe.

Love of my life: Ditto, baby. Ditto.

Gah, this man. I’d never been the type of woman to get mushy over a guy… until him.

Shaking my head at myself and my thoughts, I got busy. It took time. First, I had to load the feed bags before I could get to the hidden storage where we kept the guns.

I’d finished loading the feed when I got another message, this time from my boy.

Fin: Thanks, Ma. Let me know when you leave. Love you.

Me: Love you, baby. Make sure you drink the electrolytes I brought to stay hydrated.

Fin: I will. Going back to bed now. Don’t come up. I know you want to, but you don’t need to take this back with you.

My boy. He knew me so well. How he knew I’d planned to check in on them before I left, I had no idea. I hated not being there when he was sick. But he was right. I didn't need whatever they had, especially as I still didn’t know if I was carrying the next generation of Kings.