Page 107 of Thaw My Heart

As thoughtful as it is, sitting around and having dinner with Alaska and her parents doesn’t feel right. If it were the other way around and Sadie was having dinner with someone she used to have feelings for—absolutely not.

Dinner isn’t an option.

“Thank you, sir, I appreciate that, but I’ll head into town and⁠—”

“Nonsense. You’re staying right here.” With that, he walks away, heading toward the house, but I don’t follow.

Staying here? Fuck no.

“Dad, I’m sure Kit would rather stay—” Alaska starts.

“It’ll be like old times,” he calls back, waving a hand as he disappears into the house.

Fern shrugs with a sigh, following after him.

“Kit, you don’t have to—” Alaska starts.

I put a hand up. “After all your parents have done today, it would be rude if I left.” As much as I want to. Despite my nature of being an asshole, this is one of those situations where I preferred to be a gentleman.

Alaska sheepishly smiles, blushing as she heads inside.

I’ve definitely done more awkward things in my life, tried to ride a horse backwards, thought I could jump off the roof and fly like Superman, tried out a mustache when I was a teenager to impress a girl in high school—but this? This feels like the most awkward thing in the world as we sit around the dining room table, talking about old times.

Times when Alaska and I spent summers here to escape my duties at Lone Pine Ranch—even back then, it seemed like Cole was setting me up for a future I never planned on. Alaska was younger than me, so Fern was always chaperoning during our playtimes at her farm. But we used to spend every summer playing in the barn, riding horses, watching football, and soaking up the summer sun.

Naturally, I’d had a boy-crush on her for years, but I never made a move. She was the kind of girl who always knew who she wanted to be, which was intimidating for someone like me. After I lost my mom, she became a solid point in my life. A person I could always talk to for some sound advice because she always had her shit together.

Until last year, when I kissed her after having a few too many beers, blurring the lines between us. And I’m kicking myself for it now. I fidget in my seat while glancing at my watch. Desperately wanting a minute alone so I can call Sadie to let her know I’m stuck in town. Sending her a text feels too impersonal, and I want to hear her voice.

Hell, I need it after today. The sound of her sweet voice, the rhythm in her cadence, and the breathy way she says Cowboy…

“You know,” Charlie points at us with his fork between bites. “Fern and I always thought that you two would end up together.”

I nearly choke on the casserole in my mouth.

Alaska’s face turns red hot, shuffling in the chair next to me. “Dad, that’s not appropriate.”

Charlie frowns. Wrinkles form around his mouth. “And why not? You two used to be inseparable. He was here, or you were at the ranch. I remember it like it was yesterday.”

Fern smiles with an apology woven into her gentle expression. “That was quite a long time ago, dear. Things are different now.”

Charlie shakes his head, turning to me. “I’m just saying there was always something between you two. You can’t deny that?”

No, I can’t, but things are different now, exactly as Fern said. Besides, I’ve been down that road, and it only ended with feelings of regret.

“I mean, is she not the most beautiful and brilliant girl?” Charlie smiles affectionately in Alaska’s direction.

Of course, she is, but my heart is currently reserved for the girl who lived next door. “Yes, sir,” the words come out sloppy, forced. My phone vibrates, and I nearly sigh in relief for the brief interruption.

Sadie:

Cole’s been admitted. He’s not happy to be here. He keeps saying he’s fine. He’s about as good a liar as you, Cowboy.

I smile at Sadie’s response, hearing her voice in my head just by looking at her words, and it fills me with momentary bliss.

“Alaska made a mistake, but⁠—”

“Charlie,” Fern scolds.