“Apparently there was an incident involving beer, snow machines, and jumps. An eagle got in the way.”
“Well, I’ll get ready to go with whoever loses. You got anything else for me to wear besides Lynx’s Bermuda shorts?”
“Yes. You should find what you need in that bag.” She indicated a duffel by the dresser. “I’ll need to find you something to put over your foot, too. I don’t think you should try putting your foot into a shoe until the swelling has gone down. You’ll be grateful to know that I saved your boots.”
He was, since they were expensive, the kind of boots he only needed to buy once a decade or so. “Thanks, I’m appreciative. And for more than saving my boots.”
She tilted her head and looked at him. “I think you can be a real sweetie when you want to be. No wonder Raven seems nervous.”
He smiled. He could learn to like this little dynamo.
“I’ll let the battling siblings know you’re on your way.”
“Thanks, Eva.” He hobbled toward the bathroom. As soon as he heard the door close, he tried putting weight on his injured foot again. It took it, screamed while it did, but it was bearable in small doses. He quickly washed his face, sponged bathed what he could, dressed in Lynx’s jeans and t-shirt, and strapped on his own boot. At least one foot was covered. The weather outside was clear, which meant beautiful and wicked cold. He made his way down the hall to the main meeting room. His heart pumped faster at the prospect of seeing Raven.
“There’s something’s more than fowl about this whole thing, Lynx,” Raven hollered as Lynx finger-waved while escaping out the door. Raven stomped her foot, obviously losing the argument over driving him to Fairbanks.
“Morning, Raven,” Aidan greeted, smiling when she jumped and swiveled around. Her cheeks flushed.
Was she blushing because he’d caught her stomping her foot, or because she was nervous over seeing him after the position they’d been in last night? If she hadn’t called a halt to their activity, they would have woken up together. And if he’d done his job well, she’d be more than happy to take him to Fairbanks.
“If I have to go to Fairbanks, then I’m killing two birds with one stone.”
“Okay?” He didn’t know what she meant, but okay. All he knew was that he was getting to spend the day with her, alone. Granted in a car, and not a bed, but alone. “Let’s get going, then. Early bird catches the worm.”
“What?” She narrowed her eyes.
He shrugged. “There seemed to be a lot of bird analogies flying about. Thought I’d add another.”
Her lips twitched. It wasn’t quite a smile, but he’d take it. “This whole situation is for the birds.”
That’s the girl he remembered.
Fiona stuck her head into the room from the kitchen. “You two aren’t going anywhere until that man gets something to eat. Come on, I’ve made breakfast.”
“But, Mom,” Raven objected. “I’ve got to hurry and get back.”
“You have time for breakfast.” She motioned for them to enter the kitchen. Fiona was a stronger force, and besides, he was starving.
Eva sat at the table already eating a plate piled high with home-style hash browns, covered with eggs, grated cheese, chopped green peppers, and bits of ham. His mouth watered. He hobbled to the table and took a seat, ready to dive in.
“I’ve already eaten,” Raven said, walking to the back door, grabbing her coat off the hook. “Since I’ve got to head to Fairbanks—your husband’s a deadbeat, Eva—I’m taking a load with me. Mom, if there’s anything you need me to pick up, get it written down.”
“I already have a list.” Fiona held up a piece of paper.
“Of course you do,” Raven said. “Aidan, I’ll be back by the time you’re done eating.”
“Need any help?” he asked.
“Yes, but you’re in no shape.” Raven left, shutting the door behind her.
“What kind of load?”
“Pottery,” Fiona said. “Tern sells Raven’s pottery. Don’t worry about Raven. She’s taken care of herself for years. She just likes to make noise.” Fiona took a seat and served him up a plate.
“But what if she really needs help? Pottery is heavy.”
“If she can’t do it herself, she’ll give her Uncle Pike a call.”
Eva tossed a ski mask across the table at Aidan. “Put this over your foot. It’s the best I could think of to keep your toes from getting frostbitten. I also called the doctor and got you an appointment. Here are the particulars.” She handed him a piece of paper.