Page 96 of Falling for the Grumpiest Protector

"The lower road's starting to flood."

"I should probably go."

"No."

I look at him. His answer came fast.

"The creek's already over the bank near the south entrance. Give it time."

"I have Noah."

"You said Helen picked him up from school today, remember?"

Right. Mom had offered this morning because Noah wanted to work on a school project at her house.

I pull out my phone. Three missed calls. All from Mom.

"Apparently I forgot I own one of these."

Javier's mouth curves. I call her. She answers immediately.

"Before you say anything, I'm fine."

"I assumed you were. I was calling to tell you not to drive home."

I glance at Javier. He folds his arms. I turn away from him.

"How bad is it there?"

"Bad enough. Noah and I are staying put."

In the background, Noah shouts, "Tell Aunt Maddy we have popcorn!"

Mom laughs. "Stay where you are until this passes."

Another flash lights the barn. Thunder follows almost immediately.

"I will."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

When I hang up, Javier is watching me.

"Don't."

"I didn't say anything."

"You were thinking something."

"I was thinking your mother is a smart woman."

"That's worse."

His smile appears. Small. Warm. "Come on, Hart. There's nothing else you can do here."

Two hours later, the rain hasn't stopped. The veterans who live on-site are settled in. Jack and Emma left before the south road became impassable, and Cole disappeared toward the bunkhouse after informing me twice that I'd be an idiot to try driving anywhere. My car remains exactly where I left it. So do I.