Chapter 77

"Will you even be able to get back? If it snows all night and the roads are blocked, you'll be stranded there. Tomorrow is New Year's Day—everyone will be watching. How do you think that's going to look?" "I'll be back," Maverick replied curtly, reaching for his coat draped over the back of the couch. Arabella stood up with him. Her eyes teared up as she said, "Aunt Debra, please don't blame Maverick. It's my fault. I shouldn't have come." She pulled Maverick's sleeve and continued, "Since Aunt Debra is upset, there's no need to accompany me back. I'm not afraid of the slippery pathway. Paul can drive me back. I don't want you two fighting over me." Their conversation made Heidi and Debra seem like the heartless villains. Heidi smiled and said, "There's no need for all that trouble. Since you're so concerned, why not go the extra mile? Stay there tonight. I'd prefer the extra space in bed, anyway." She turned to Debra and continued, "I'm exhausted. I'm heading up to bed. You and