Addicted

"No doubt he is." Milly moved in closer to Clark, who didn't seem to mind. "That snow we got last night was horrible. We were worried to get out into it today."

"Yeah, me, too. I'm from California, so this has been an adventure and a half." I nodded to the fabric. "You making something?"

Clark butted in. "Make sure you have chains on your tires, Chloe. If your dad doesn't put them on, bring them over and I'll have one of the boys do it for you."

I smiled at him. "Thanks, but I'll have my dad do it. He won't mind."

Milly pushed at Clark's chest and smiled. "Get out of here. I'll bother Chloe to help me look for colors. You go get us a coffee next door."

"Bossy-ass women," he mumbled and walked to the door before pausing and glancing over his shoulder. "Chloe, you want something, honey?"

"No, Sir, but thank you." I chuckled at him using my and Finn's latest joke, and of course not knowing it.

"So, look at these two fabrics." Milly held them up. "Which do you think would better suit Finn?"

"Oh, the blue. Definitely." I reached out and brushed my hand down the front of it. "What are you making?"

"A vest to wear under his jacket." She beamed, and I could tell that she cared for Finn tremendously.

"Have you considered flannel or fleece?" I moved to the racks of materials and found the same shade of blue in the other two fabrics. "Here, run your hand over these."

She gave a sound of appreciation as she did. "These are both great."

"I'd use fleece as cold as it is out here." I stopped and pressed my fingers to my lips. That was it. I needed to use fleece in the paneling for my own jacket I was designing.

"So, you sew?" Milly asked, taking my attention again.

"Oh, yeah. I just got my degree in design." I beamed, unable to help myself. "My mother taught me to sew when I was nine. My dad had a fit because of the moving needles and such, but I loved every minute of it."

"Do you still sew together when you come home to visit? I assume you're visiting." She took the roll of flannel and snuggled it to her chest.

"She died eight years ago around this time." I searched for a light pink in the same fabric.

"Oh, honey, I'm so sorry." She brushed her hand over my back.

"It's okay, but thank you for your kindness." I turned and decided to ask Milly about the burning question inside of me that just wouldn't leave me alone. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure. After you've helped me find this great material for Finn's Christmas gift, you can do anything you like. I've been looking for forever, and as you can see, Clark's been no help at all."

"How long have you known Clark?"

"Since we were kids. His first wife was a friend of mine." She tilted her head. "Why?"

"Then, I guess you know my dad, too?"

"What's his name, dear?"

"Jonathan Burke."

She stiffened, and I didn't need a response. I already had it.

"I know Jon." She smiled, relaxing.

"Something happened between them, but I can't figure out what." I glanced around to see Clark coming back in the store. "Never mind."

She reached out and squeezed my arm. "Ask your dad about it, then help him heal. It's been a long feud, and it's long overdue that they stop acting like jealous boys over a girl."

Did she mean literally or figuratively? I was more confused, which was frustrating.