Page 134 of Ice Rebel

“What’s bullshit?” Ford entered the room, looking more frantic than normal.

“That she hasn’t talked to her roommate about what the fuck is going on. Mom and Dad are going to Europe. That means the sawmill has been sold. But someone is up to something.”

Yes, I was exasperated.

“Maybe you shouldn’t jump to any conclusions,” Samantha offered just as Beck walked in. “Mr. Conspiracy Theory.”

“I know a setup,” I chided, grumbling under my breath.

“What are Mom and Dad doing outside in the cold?” Beck asked.

“That’s what I said.” I was getting angry for no reason. Of course they deserved to take a trip. More than one.

“Has anyone told them we’re here?” Ford asked while jerking the brochure from my hand.

“I’ll let them know.” Samantha was far too smug.

When she left the room, I hissed. “She knows something.”

The three of us looked at each other before my brothers went to make themselves a drink. We were all out of sorts. Of course we were.

A couple of minutes later, Samantha returned with them and my parents looked all lovey-dovey.

“What’s wrong, Pops?” Beck asked.

“Did I say anything was wrong?” Dad was smiling. Mom’s skin was shimmering. Now I was concerned.

“That’s what you implied.” There was a bit of a growl in my tone.

Dad shook his head. “Not at all. Did you see your mother and I are headed to Italy at the end of the month? Don’t worry. We’ll be back in time for Christmas.”

“Is that why you called us here?” At least Ford was also agitated.

Our parents had a habit of looking at each other when they held a secret. Our mother moved away, humming as she did.

“Partially,” Dad admitted. “But now you’re probably wondering why we’re able to go.”

“I guess that means you sold the business,” I couldn’t help but grumble.

“I thought you already knew that. We got a damn good price too. Three times what it’s worth. I honestly don’t know how you guys did it.”

“So that piece of shit in Seattle owns the sawmill now?” Ford threw out.

Finally, something sank in. “Wait. What do you mean you guys?”

My father had a twinkle in his eyes. “Yes, the four of you purchased it.”

“Um,” Beck grimaced. “No, Dad. There was no way we could afford it.”

“It says so right here.” He moved to the kitchen desk, pulling a file from the drawer. “Take a look.”

The four of us glanced at each other, but I could tell Samantha knew what was going on. Especially since she allowed us to look at the paperwork first.

“Now, I realize you need to sign it, but the family attorney looked it over and we agree. Great price. Plus, with the sale of the house, we are ecstatic with the possibilities.”

“Would someone please tell me what in the fuck is going on?” You bet I was exasperated.

“You need to tell them, Dad,” Samantha encouraged. “You can’t keep doing this, especially to Cole.”