Page 47 of Blue Norther
“True.” Jessie picked up another french fry off her plate, dipping it into her vanilla milkshake before biting into it. That combo sounded divine, and the baby rolled, clearly in agreement.
“We’re almost done. Why don’t you sit with us while you wait for Duke to package it all up for you?”
“No, no, I don’t want to interrupt kid-free time. You two enjoy the end of your meal and I’ll just drool over the dessert display.”
“Actually, I was going to come over to talk to you and Colt tonight about the security system stuff at your dad’s cabin, but if you’re here now, we might as well go over it.” Hawk waved to the opposite side of the booth.
I looked at Jessie, who was smiling and nodding.
“Okay.”
I sat down on the seat, barely fitting between it and the table. Jessie laughed, clearly aware of my awkward struggle.
“God, I don’t miss those days.”
“I feel like I don’t fit anywhere anymore,” I admitted as I turned to Hawk.
“Were you able to get the system installed at my parents’ place?”
“We were. I wanted to let you know that we used the same codes as the one we put in at Colt’s. The only people who have them are you, Colt, Stone, and myself. I’m sure Colt will tell the family, too, but that’s up to you guys.”
I nodded. “That’s great. Thank you. I feel awful about what happened there. I haven’t even been able to wrap my mind around telling my dad about it.”
Jessie’s hand slid across the table and covered mine. “It was a complete violation of your personal space.”
I bit the inside of my cheek. “I know it’s gross that someone went through my things and did…that…to them, but I don’t understand why they had to ruin the baby’s things, too.”
“What do you mean?” Jessie asked.
“I haven’t really let myself buy anything. I…Well it seems silly, but I’m scared of tempting fate. Like if I allow myself to be too excited, he won’t make it.”
“Vi…”
I waved my hand in front of my face. “Like I said, it’s silly. Honestly. I did allow myself to buy things. A pack of diapers. A sleep suit. Practical things, you know?”
Jessie nodded.
“I did get one little thing that wasn’t just for the sake of being practical. A soft blanket with little horses on it.” Colts. I bought it because the horses had reminded me of my husband.
“That’s lovely.”
“It was. Whoever was there that night found it on the rocking chair in my room, and they cut it up. I don’t think Colt wanted to tell me, but I’d asked about it specifically, and he couldn’t lie. The thing was destroyed.”
“Can you order another one?” Hawk asked.
I shook my head. “I wish. It was vintage, from the year Colt and I were born. I might be able to save some of it, make it into a new quilt one day.”
“I think that’s a great idea.”
I looked over at Nate, who was accepting large brown paper bags from the cook.
“Oh, I have to scoot. I’m supposed to be paying for that.” I excused myself from the table and walked over to help Nate with the bags.
“Violet, absolutely not.”
“I can carry something.”
“No. I don’t want to get fired.”
