That was all she said. “Come on. Let’s get the groceries inside. Then we can give him a hand.”
Sofie nodded and to her credit grabbed two of the grocery sacks from the back of the car.
There was no pretense, no hesitation, she just pitched in and helped. It was one more thing he remembered about her. And why he never suspected she was royal.
Her ability to be kind, helpful…normal…were all reasons he believed they'd had a future.
Fighting the urge to try again with her was taking everything he had. He knew it couldn’t happen because their situation was no better, in truth, it was worse. His uncle came down from the ladder and handed him the masking tape.
“I don’t think the storm’s going to be a problem, but the big windows have all been taped just in case. She’s already weakening, as she heads north, but winds will be hitting seventy miles an hour by the time it makes landfall in our neck of the woods. It’s supposed to pass to the west.”
“Great.” Ian knew they’d have an easier time if the storm passed to the east, but he couldn’t control it, so he was glad they were ready.
“A package came for you. I’m guessing it’s the secure phone you requested.”
“Good. Sofie really needs to talk to her family. It’s only been two days and no matter how many times I tell her they’re okay, I don’t think she believes me.”
“Are they okay?”
Ian locked eyes with his uncle and looked at the door to make sure they were alone
before he answered. “They aren’t dead, but they are going into hiding. Maybe even permanent exile.”
A soft whistle escaped his uncle’s lips. “That’s huge.”
“I know. I haven’t figured out how I’m going to tell her.”
Folding up the a-frame ladder, his uncle lifted it and took two steps. “I’m leaving for Florida later tonight, unless you want me to stay.”
“Were you able to get another flight?” It looked like his uncle was going to get south no matter what he had to do.
“Hell no. I’m driving.”
“Driving? You’ll be going right into the rain and wind. Did you bump your head when you were on the ladder?”
“Don’t be a smart ass. My flight was cancelled, and everything else was booked, so I’ll head west, and then south. Stay out of trouble that way.”
This didn’t sound like his uncle. Normally, the man would be keeping his eye on the homestead during a storm, now he was leaving?
“Uh huh. Trouble, right. Have you heard from Mom, or any of your brothers?”
“Oh, yeah. Your mother will be here in a week or so. Your uncles will be around if you need help after the storm. Call Roy if it’s an emergency. He’s the only one who always carries his cell phone.”
Ian didn’t know what to think about his uncle leaving. Either the man was relieved that he wasn’t the only one capable of holding down the fort, or he wanted to leave Ian and Sofie alone to see what would happen.
It wouldn’t matter. The pull toward Sofie might be close to irresistible, but as he kept reminding himself, they didn’t have a future together. He wasn’t about to make the same mistake twice.
Entering the house with the rest of the groceries, he found her leaning on the kitchen counter, biting her thumbnail while watching the small TV in the kitchen. She’d tuned it to a local news program that was giving information about the storm and he could see from her stiff back and the furrow between her brows, that she was worried.
“If you don’t stop chewing that finger, there won’t be anything left,” he quipped.
“Sorry. I’m nervous.”
It’s going to be okay. If I didn’t think you’d be safe here, I’d move you.”
“I know that, but this is new for me,” she said softly. “And everyone is making such a fuss.”
“If they didn’t make a fuss, no one would watch TV.”
“I suppose.” Sofie flipped off the television and stood upright. “What’s in the box?”
She didn’t miss a thing. He’d placed the box with the secure phone on the top of one of the grocery bags, and she’d spotted it immediately.
“Something that should make you happy.” He had a small pen knife on his key chain and slit the top of the box. Sure enough, he pulled out what looked like a plain black cell phone.
“Oh,” she said softly. “Does this mean I can call my family?”
“Let me see.” He powered up, and once it connected he smiled at her. “Want to give them a call?”
She nodded, her eyes filling with tears. He knew it would be emotional for her, but seeing the combination of relief and apprehension on her face affected him as well. He pressed a few buttons and let the phone connect. Her father answered almost immediately. “Sofie?”