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UltimateFreedom

LandoftheFreeTrilogy-Book#3

Description:

Conqueringconflictsandbattles,DemiandherAlaskanfamilyfacemoreunexpectedadventures.Battlingforher lifeisjustthebeginning.Beforeshehasachancetocatchherbreath,she’sdeepinafightforherbestfriend’shappiness. Nothingcomeseasyinthiswildcountry.Evenwiththesupportofthehandsomegoldprospector,hernewbrother, anorphan,andthewolfwhoshadowsher,lifeintheNorthcontinuestochallengehereverystepoftheway Ifshefightswitheverythinginher,willshefinallyfindthepeacefulexistenceshecraves?

TableofContents:

UltimateFreedom

Description:

TableofContents:

Prologue–thefinalchapterofUnforgettableFreedom–Book#2

ChapterOne

ChapterTwo

ChapterThree

ChapterFour

ChapterFive

ChapterSix

ChapterSeven

ChapterEight

ChapterNine

ChapterTen

ChapterEleven

ChapterTwelve

ChapterThirteen

ChapterFourteen

ChapterFifteen

ChapterSixteen

ChapterSeventeen

ChapterEighteen

ChapterNineteen

ChapterTwenty

ChapterTwenty-one

ChapterTwenty-two

ChapterTwenty-three

ChapterTwenty-four

ChapterTwenty-five

ChapterTwenty-six

ChapterTwenty-seven

ChapterTwenty-eight

ChapterTwenty-nine

ChapterThirty

ChapterThirty-one

ChapterThirty-two

ChapterThirty-three

ChapterThirty-four

ChapterThirty-five

ChapterThirty-six

ChapterThirty-seven

Afterword:

Alsoauthorof:

Abouttheauthor,MimiBarbour:

Contactme:

Demidrovetowardherhome,watchingcarefullyforanywildlifeontheroad.Often,theyhadclosecallswith deer,bears,wolves,andevenrabbitsthatpaidnoattentiontothenoisyvehicleswhooshingdownonthem

Whenshesawtheunidentifiedtruckhalfwayinthesnowbankonthesideoftheroad,sheinstantlythoughttokeep driving.Untilamanjumpedoutinfrontofhervehiclewithhisgunpointedtowardher.Thenshestopped.

Christ,she’dseenthatfacebefore.Sheknewwithoutadoubt,thiswasPhilipCrane,thenutjobouttokillLoretta Hillside.Howthehelldidhefindtheirlane?Unlessyouknewexactlywheretoturnoffthehighway,mostpeoplewouldjust drivepast

CouldhehavefollowedNorrieandLorettahere?Arushofthankfulnessoverrodeherfearforaslongasittookthe mantogetintothetruckwithher AshappyasshewastoimagineNorriebeingalive,herownsituationhadsuddenlybecome dire.

“Whatdoyouwant?What’syourproblem?”

“Shutup.Keepdriving.There’sawomannearherewho’sabouttogetwhatshehascomingtoher.Iintendtofind her.”

“Look,Idon’tknowwhatyourbeefiswithher,butit’snoneofmybusiness You’reastrang ”

“Isaid,shutup.Justdoasyou’retold,andyouwon’tgethurt.Drive.”Heshovedhisgunintohersidetoconvince herhemeantbusiness

Demiputthetruckintogearandstartedslowlyforward,hopingtoseeherwolfinthedistance.Nitoalways seemedtoknowwhenshearrivedandwouldoftenbewaitingforheratthecabin.Sheprayedthistimehe’dshowup.

“Pullinfront Noonewillsuspectanything’swrongwhentheyseeyourvehicle”

Demididn’targue.Butsheknewdamnedwellthatanyonewhoknewherwouldknowthatshe’dneverdrivetothe frontofthecabin EventhoughWhithadclearedanarrowareathere,mainlyforthemtobeabletowalkfromtheparkingspots tothefrontdooreasily,they’dnevergotteninthehabitofdrivingthere.

“Climbovermeandgooutthisdoor Iwantthemtoseeyoufirst”

“Noway.Idon’twanttobeanywherenearyou.”

“Don’tmesswithme,lady.IfIhavetoshootyou,Iwon’thesitate.I’vecomethisfartoputabulletinAlex,so killingonemorewon’tmakeawholelotofdifference”

“Who’sAlex?Ihavenoideawhoyou’retalkingabout.”

“Yourpreciousdoctor Quitstalling Out”

Hearingthemadnessinhisvoice,Demidecidedthatshe’dhavemoreluckmakingamovewhentheirproximity wasn’tsoclose Doingasheordered,Demishiveredwithrevulsion Beingwithininchesoftheclean-shaven,white-haired aristocraticmadebilegatherinherdrythroat.

Shescrambledoverhim…thinkingtoaccidentlystumbleandshoveherelbowintohisgroin.Butwhenheheldthe gunbarrelagainsthertemple,shechangedhermind Scanningthearea,prayingtoseeNito,sheslowlydescendedfromthe truck.

There Theclever,beautifulbastard Godshelovedthatanimal Shewatchedhimrunlikethewindintheirdirection,silentyetdeadly.

“Stophere.”Philipshovedherforwardslightlytogivehimroomtogetouthimself.

KnowingNitowasonlysecondsaway,shedecidedtomakehermove.Rammingherselfbackward,hisbody betweenherandthetruck,shethentriedtogetoutofthewolf’sway.Unfortunately,whenthebulletpiercedherback,shehad noideaifherstrategyworked

NorrieandLorettasawtheragingwolfflythroughtheairtotakedownthekiller.Theywaitedasthevicious animalwentforthethroat onlytogetthenextbullet

SeeingPhilipthrowofftheanimal’scarcass,NorrieaimedHarold’srifleandpulledthetrigger.

ChapterOne

“Demi.”Norrie’sscreamtorethroughtheair.Droppingtherifleshe’dusedtoshootthemanwho’dputabulletin herbestfriend,sherantothelifelessbodyonlytobepushedasidebyDr.LexieBower.

“Letmeexamineher YougocheckonPhilip Seeifhe’salive”

“Godhelpme,Ihopehe’sdead.BastardshotmyDemi.He’samadman.”

“Go Rottenasheis,he’sahumanbeing”

Norriewenttowherethebodyofhernemesislayinthesnow,bloodseepingallaroundhim.Shecheckedforsigns oflifeandfoundnone

Next,takinghercourageinherhands,shekneltbesidethewolfwho’dsavedtheday,prayinghewasn’tconscious andthereforedangerous.Tentatively,sheleanedoverNito’sproneform.

Fromwhatshecouldsee,hiswoundappearedtobeinhisshoulder,anditwasbleedingprofusely Takingoffher sweater,thoughthefrigidtemperaturesshouldhavemadeherthinktwice,sherolleditupinaballandhelditclosetohis wound,wantingtostemtheblood

Thinkingquickly,shetookhandfulsofsnowandpackeditaroundthemakeshiftbandage,keepingitinplace. Knowingshecouldn’tstayoutsidewithoutadequateclothing,shelefttheanimalandheadedforLexiewhoseconcentration remainedcompletelywithherpatient.

Runninginsidethecabin,shereappearedwiththeirparkasandthrewoneoverLexie’sshoulders.“Philip’sdead. AndNito’salivebuthurtbad WhatcanIdotohelphere?”

“WeneedtogetDemiinthehouse.You’restrongerthanme.Canyoulifthershoulders?I’llgetherlegs.Begentle. Thatbulletisstillinthere Onceshe’sinthehouse,I’llneedmybagfromthecar IfIcanoperateassoonaspossibleandget thatbulletout,she’llmakeit.”

FeelinglighterfromLexie’swords,Norriegladlyfollowedinstructions.Oncesheleanedoverthestillform, Demi’sfaceappearedpaleandsomeofthebloodsprayfromherwoundcoloredherwaxencheeks.ItmadeNorrietrembleto seeherbestfriendinsuchacondition.

Withasmuchcareaspossible,sheraisedDemi,balancingherandtryingtotakeasmuchofherweightaspossible Betweenthetwoofthem,theycarriedDemioverthethresholdandwithsuperhumanstrength,theyliftedheronthetable, pushingtheusedcoffeecupsoutoftheway

“Pleasegogetmybag.Where’rehersheetsandtowels?”

“Here,inthiscupboardshehasdishtowelsandthere’sanotherclosetbyGlen’sroomovertherewhereshekeeps therestofthelinens I’llgetthebag”

Minuteslater,runningthroughthesnow,Norriefetchedthebagandonherwaybackinside,shemadea heartbreakingdiscovery Nitohaddisappeared Onlyherbloodstainedsweaterremained Nowwhywouldthatwolfleave?It madenosense.Unlesshewasn’tinjuredasbadlyashe’dappearedtobe.Onecouldonlypray.

Shakingoffthatparticularworry,Norrieheadedbackintothehouse,knowingshehadalotmoretodealwith Onceshe’ddoneeverythingshecouldtohelpLexie,shetookafewsecondstotextWhitwithamessageforhimtocome quicklyandbringthesheriff.

Theyneededallthehelptheycouldget

ChapterTwo

“I’llbuildthefireandgetitwarmedupinhere.”Norrieneededtokeepbusy.

“Goodidea.Makeithotterthannormal.Wewanttokeepthepatientcomfortable.”WhileLexieputteredaround gettingorganized,shesentNorrietoboilthekettleandthenfillahugepotsoshecouldsterilizeherinstruments

Oncetheyweredone,LexieagainexaminedDemiandnoddedwithsatisfaction.“She’sready.Let’sgetthis finished”

Norriehadneverseenanoperationupclose,exceptontelevision.Turnsoutreallifewascompletelydifferent. Lexietookchargeandsoontheyhadthetabledrapedwithcleansheets,theywerebothdecentlycoveredtotheextentof wearingproperplasticgloves,specialmasks,andthereweresterilepadsandbandagesfortheirpatient.

Nakedfromthewaistup,Demi’sfaceappearedashen.Herlongredhairnowdrapedbehindherhead,hungover thebackofthetable

“Soyouknow,I’veneverbeeninvolvedwithanythinglikethisbefore.IhopeIdon’tdisgracemyselfandfaint,or worse upchuck”

“Ifyoufeelanythingclosetothat,stepaway.Otherwise,Icoulduseyourhelp.JustpassmewhatIaskfor.”When shesawtheconfusiononNorrie’sface,sheadded,“I’llhelpyoubypointingtowhattheyare.Justhandthemtomecarefully. Nodroppinganythingnowthatwehavethemsterile.”

“Yeah.Okay.I’mgood.Butyou’remywitness,Demi’sgonnaoweme–bigtime.”

Chuckling,Lexielookedupfromconcentratingandwinked “She’llbebuyingthenextroundforbothofus”The doctortalkedassheworked.“Isawyouonthephone.”

NorriecaughtontoLexie’sployofgettinghermindoffthesurgeryinfrontofthem Assheremovedthebulletfrom Demi’schest,thesuckingnoisealmostgottoher.Butagain,Lexiecovereditupwithanotherquestion.“Whodidyoutext?”

“ThesheriffandWhit.They’llbeheresoon.Areyousureweshouldn’thavetakenDemiintothehospitalforthis procedure?”

“Nope.Don’twanttheretobeanymorechancesofinfection.Besides,she’slostalotofblood.Look,justgoand boilthekettleagain I’vegotitfromhere”

Handingoverthelastrequestedinstrument,Norriesteppedback.Gleefulthatherkneesdidn’tgiveout,she stumbledlikeanoldladytowardthekitchenareaandthendroppedtothefloor

Don’t fall apart now you idiot. Herbraingaveherhell,butherlegsdidn’tcare.

Shewasdonefor.Awuss.Goodfornothing.Herheaddroppedintohershakinghands,anditshockedhertofeel thetearsdrippingthrough

GrowingupinAlaska,she’dkilledalotofanimalsinherlife,butneveratwo-leggedone.Shesniffed,trying desperatelytoregainhercoolandnotletLexiedownwhenthewomanneededher Afterall,hadn’tthedoctorjustfacedthe disgustingstalkerwho’dmadeherlifehellforalongtime?SeeinghimgetshotafterheputthebulletinDemi-onethatwas meantforher-couldn’thavebeeneasy

So,ifshecouldmanagetostayfocusedandoperate,thenNorriecouldbloody-wellgethershittogetheranddo whatshecouldtohelp.Struggling,shewipedherface,leftthesnotonhersleevewithoutcaringwhatsoever,andpulledherself toherfeet Likeanoldwoman,shebegantogatherthekettleandfillit

Whileleaningnearthesink,shesawWhit’sspeedingtruckswervinginthesnowasitcameintoview.Within seconds,itbrakedtoastop,almosthittingDemi’struckstillparkedinfrontofthecabin Shebangedonthewindowtostop bothmenfromhurlinginsidewhileLexiestillworked.

“IsthatWhitandthesheriff?”Lexiemusthaveheardthetruckpullup

“Yes.I’mtryingtogettheirattention,sotheydon’tcomeinanddisturbyou.”

“It’sokay.Demi’sbandagedandcoverednow.Icouldusetheirhelptomovehertothebedroom.”

Whit’sscaredexpressionquestionedNorrieinthewindow Whenshewavedhimin,heburstintotheroomalone, hisfacefilledwithanxiety,andhisblueshockerswidewithfear.“Whathappened?Wesawthebody.That’sPhilipCrane who’sbeenshot,right?”

SuddenlyhesawDemi’sunconsciousbodyonthetable.Hestoppeddead,hisfacewhitening.Totallyshocked, wordsdiedonhislipsashefacedNorrieandthenswervedtolookatthedoctor.“Wha…wha…Oh,myGod.Pleasetellme she’salive,”hebeseeched.

Lexiesmiledcomfortingly.“She’salive,Whit.Andshe’llbefine.ButIneedyoutohelpusgetherintoherbed beforethedrugswearoff I’vegivenhermorphineandasedative,butbothwillfadesoon,andshe’llwakeup”

Rippinghisouterclothesoff,Whitnodded.Thenasifdealingwithaprecioustreasure,hetenderlyliftedDemiinto hisshakingarms,huggedhercloseforaninfinitesimalsecondsohecouldplaceakissonherforehead,andthenturnedtoward thebedroom.

Norriewatchedthelargemancarrythewomanlikeacherishedtreasure,herlongredwavesdrapedoverhisarm,

flowingalmosttohisknees.

Gettingtherebeforehim,LexiehelpedNorrielayacleanpadonthebed,readyingitforDemi.“Wait,canyouhold herforafewseconds?”Shelookedatthedresserthenattheman “Doesshehaveanightiethat’swarmandeasytogetinto?”

Whitlookedbewilderedasifhismindcouldn’tcopewithanythingsomundane.Understandinghisshock,Norrie wenttothedrawersandsooncamebackwitharecentlypurchasedfuzzyChristmasnightiethatwouldwork Betweenthem, theydressedDemiandthenlaidherunderthecovers.

Thedoctortookherpulseandnodded,satisfactionslidingoverherpaleface “She’sdoingfine Wejustneedto watchforshockandanykindofriseintemperature.I’llhavetostaywithherallnight.”

BeforeWhitcouldanswer,thesheriffstoodattheopendoor,beckoningforherandNorrietocomewithhim. LexienoddedandpattedWhit’sshoulder “Youwatchherandcallmeifshewakesup We’lldealwiththesheriff”

ChapterThree

NorrieaddedmorewoodtothefireandthenbustledaroundclearingthetablewhileLexieputonthekettle. “Dawson,youwantacoffee?LexieandIneeditbad.JustwishIhadabottleofwhiskeytoaddsometoit.”

Thesheriffreachedintohisparkapocketandbroughtoutaflaskbeforeheremovedthecoatandthrewitoverthe sofa.“Yourwishismycommand,”hesaidgallantly,makingherlaugh.Soon,theywereseatedaroundthetableandnibblingon thebiscuitsNorriefoundinGlen’scookiejar

DawsonwatchedbothherandLexie,hisfrankgazefinallygettingtoher.“Askuswhatyouwant,man.Wehave nothingtohide”

“IknowthatNorriegirl.I’veknownyousinceyouwereasmallpoppetmakingyourMama’seyesroll.You alwayswereoneformischief.”Hesippedathiscoffeebeforetakingouthisnotebookandapen.“Okay.Howaboutyoutell mewhathappened fromthebeginning Butfirst,IwanttoknowwhyNorrieiscallingyouLexieandnotLorraine?”

“AndIwanttoknowwhyshe’scallingyoubyyourlastnameSheriffDawsoninsteadofyourgivenname?”

“Youfirst I’mtheonewiththebadge”Hechuckled,thinkinghimselffunny,andbothwomensmiledalongwith him.

Lexiestarted.“RememberwhenIfirstcamehere,andhowIhadexplainedthatIhadtakenadifferentidentityto protectmyself?Well,IfinallycamecleantoNorrie,andshe’sdecidedtocallmeLexieratherthanAlexandra.”

“Okay.Makessense.”

“Nowyou”

“HatemyfirstnameandprefertobecalledDawson.It’sassimpleasthat.”

“Areyougoingtotellusyourfirstname?”

Hescratchedhisday-oldwhiskersandgrinned.“Nope.Now,let’sgetonwiththestory.”

Norrie,knowingthatDawsonwouldn’tbechanginghismind,lookedatLexieandsentheraconfidentsmile,her wayofbackingoffsothedoctorcouldbegin.Afterwipingthecookiecrumbsfromherhands,Lexiewrappedherfingers aroundthehotmugandclearedherthroat.Afterafewseconds,whereoneimaginedshegotherthoughtsstraight,shebeganher story

“Well,IsawPhilipatthecliniclastnight.Hedidn’tseeme.Whilehewalkedaroundthefrontofthebuilding,the motionlightsflashedon,andIrecognizedhisface Isnuckoutthebackandgotintomycar Atfirst,Ididn’tknowwhattodo ButonceIcalmeddown,IdrovetotheGlacierInntofindyou.”

“Yep.Iwasthereallright.Whydidn’tyoucomeinandgetme?”

NorriewatchedLexieclosely,knowingheranswerwasimportant

“Ijustcouldn’t.IknowpersonallyhowdifficultlifeisforyouandMargie,havingtodealwithyourgrandson. WhenIwatchedyoudancingtogether,andyoubothlookedsocarefreeandhappy,Ididn’twanttobringmynightmareintoyour world.IshouldhavebecauseNorriecaughtmeditheringandendedupgettinginvolved.Tokeepwarm,shepushedherway intomycarandfinallygotmetotellherwhyIwassuchamess Thenshebroughtmehere,thinkingthatmadmanwouldnever findthisisolatedcabin.”

“Iwonderedaboutthattoo,soIcheckedhisphone.He’dputatrackeronyourcar.”

Lexienodded “Shouldhaveknown Philipbraggedaboutbeingatechwizard WhatIcan’tunderstandishowhe endedupinDemi’struckwithher.”

“He’drunhisownvehicleintotheditch MyguessiswhenDemicamealong,hejumpedoutinfrontofherwaving hisgunandmadeherbringhimalong.”

“ThankGodhedidn’tjustkillherandtakehervehicle”

“Hedidn’tknowhowfartheplacewasyouweregoingto.Beststickwithsomeonefromaroundhereismyguess.”

Lexienodded,showingheragreement.“Whentheydroveup,wejustexpectedDemi.He’dforcedhertogetoutof thepassengersideinfrontofhim”Lexiebegancryingthen,thecomposuresheclungtoforsolongfinallydisappeared Norriesentherasupportiveglanceandtookoverthetale.“Ithappenedsofast,Sheriff.Oneminute,wesawDemi withherhandsup ThenmyguessisshesawNitocomingandthrewherselfbackagainstthatcreeptohelpthewolf That’s whenallhellbrokeloose.First,PhilipshotDemijustasNitoappearedoutofnowhere.See…whenthewolfleapttoattack,it madethegunlift.Nodoubtthatbeautifulwolfsavedherlifeandtookthesecondbullethimself.Butitgavemetheopportunity Ineededtoshootthatsickprickandmyaimwasdeadly.”Thelastfewwordswerespokeninaharshvoice…nopity whatsoever.

Dawsongrunted “Likeyouweretaught”

“Exactly.YoumadesureIlearnedmylessons,didn’tya.”Norrie’sgrinwasshakybutthankful.

“Yep”Dawsonpattedherclenchedhands “Wasn’teasy Whatwasityouusedtosay–youlovedallofGod’s creatures.Ibelievethattobetheexcuseyouusedeverytimeyoubalkedattakingthefatalshotaftertargetingananimal.Guess papertargetsandbottlesworkedjustaswell.”

“See,that’swhyIendedupworkingMom’sstore.I’dratherbuymymeatallpackaged.” Dawsonlaughedheartilybeforesoberingtoask,“Sowhere’sthegunyouused?”

“Overtheresomewhere IthrewitawayafterIknewhecouldn’thurtanyoneagain”Norriestoodandwearily walkedovertowhereshe’dleftHarold’srifle.“Hereitis.”Shestooditupagainstthepillarandcamebacktothetable.

“Good,it’sevidence HowsoonbeforeIcangetafewwordswithDemi?”HelookedtowardLexie

“She’llbeprettygroggyandinalotofpain.Ihavemoremorphineforher,butitcanwaituntilafteryouquestion her She’llbecoherentlongenoughforyoutotalkwithherbutonlyforafewminutes”

“It’sallIneed.Youwarnedmeaboutthepossibilityofthatmanfindingyouhere.IalreadycontactedtheRCMPin Stewart.They’llcomeandinvestigatethescene,collectevidence,andprobablyaskyoumorequestions.I’llwantyoutostick aroundifyoudon’tmind”

NorrielookedatLexieforheragreement.Whenshenodded,Norrieanswered.“Surething.Whateveryousay.”

ThesheriffturnedtoLexiewho’dstoppedcrying Hepattedherhandclutchingthetissuesandspokegently “I wantedyoutoknowthere’sarecentarrestwarrantoutforthatman.Seemshe’sbeenescalatingoverthelastfewdaysandshot amotelowneroveradisputedbillinVancouver Plus,hishousekeeperinLA calledthepoliceafterheleftandfiledcharges forabuse.Guesshelosthistemperandbeatherbadly.She’sinthehospitalwithcrackedribsandabrokenjawbone.”

Lexiemadeaface.“Hespiraledthatbadly?”

“Yep Supposethestressoflosinghissister,thenhisbrother,andfinallylocatingyou,brokethelaststrandhehad tosanity.”

Whitappearedinthedoorwayfromthebedroom,breakinguptheirdiscussion “Demi’sawake”

Whit’sshouldersheavedasheclawedbackhisemotions,prayingtokeepthemundercontrol.SeeinghisDemi lyingthereunconscious,abandagearoundherbodyshowingfromunderthecollarofhernightie,andherfaceaspaleasthe whitepillowshelayonmadehisstomachgrindinfear.

Hewouldn’tblameheriftonight’sbattleendedupasthelaststrawshe’dtakefromthiswildcountryhelovedso much.Beingacitygirl,hehadtobelieveshe’dneverundergonedangerssuchasthoseshe’dexperiencedwhileinAlaska.

Hewishedheknewifshehadafamilyhecouldcall Theonlypeoplesheevertalkedaboutwerefriendshe’d thoughtatfirstwerehersiblings,butshe’dcorrectedhimandthenchangedthesubject.“TannerandBellacouldn’tbecloserif theyweremyrealfamily.”

Hehadnoideahowtogetintouchwiththemorevenifshe’dwanthimtobringthemheretobewithher.He’d havetogointoherphoneandthatdidn’tsitwellwithhim.Fromthestart,she’dbeensuchaprivatelittlesoul,hehesitatedto digintoherworldwithoutpermission

Theyneededtotalk.

Holdingherhand,hopingsomehowshe’dsensehimtherewithher,hewhispered “Youandme we’regonna cometoanagreement,mylove.Ineedyouinmylifeforever.Thatmeansweneedtotrusteachotherwithoursecrets.I’vetold youmineandnowit’syourturn.”

Beforehecouldgoanyfurther,hereyesflutteredopen,andsheansweredwithagroan “Ca-anitwaittillI’m feelingbetter?”Hereyesroamedtheroomandthensheletoutasob.“Where’sNito?”

ChapterFour

OnceWhitknewDemiwasinDawson’scare,hemadeithisbusinesstofollowthetrailleftbythewolf.He thoughtitwenttothetreesbecauseofthepawprints,buttheycouldhavebeenoldones.

ThenhebacktrackedandsawwhereNitohadruntothecabinandthencameoutfrombehindtheshedtoattackat thetruck.Knowinghewasmissingsomething,hesearchedaround,andthat’swhenhesawthebodyofthewolflyingnotthree feetfromthecabin Therecentsnowhadcoveredthedarkfur,makingitimpossibletospothimunlessonelookedcarefully

HemusthavebeentryingtogettoDemiaftershe’dbeenshot.Withhisscentingability,heprobablysmelledher blood AsWhitapproachedwarily,knowingheandNitohadneverbonded,hecalledoutusingalow,calmvoice “Nito It’s me,Whit.Letmecomeclose,boy.Ijustwanttohelpyou.”

Heloweredhisbodysoasnottoappearthreateningandinchedclosertotheproneanimal,onlytohearawarning snarl

Thank God, he’s alive.

Ifhe’dhadtotellDemishe’dlostherwolf,hedidn’tknowwhatshe’ddo Consideringshe’doncetoldhimshe hateddogs,thisguymatteredlikeabestfriend.Hesatbackandmadeadecision.He’dneedhelptogetthelittlebastardinside thecabin,butonceNitoknewDemiwasthere,he’dsurelysettledown.

Turningbacktotheanimal,heleanedintoreassurehimhe’dbeback.Gettingtooclose,Nitolungedbeforehefell backweakly.

“Youlittlebastard,youbitme”Whitpushedhishandintothesnowwheretheteethhadgrazedtheskin Thenhe heardawhiningsoundthatmadehimturnbacktothewolf.HesawNitostaringathimasifquestioning.“What?Nowyouwant tobefriends NowonderDemicallsyouherlittlebastard,you’reamenace”

Whenhestoppedraving,Nitowhinedathimagain.Nomoresnarls.Nomoreattitude.Itwasasifoncehe’dheard hisname,Bastard,hedecidedWhitcouldjoinhissmallgroupoffamily.

Tentatively,WhitheldouthishandandthistimeNitolayquiveringbutquiet.“I’llbebackwithhelp,boy.Then we’lltakeyoutoDemi.”

Oncehe’dexplainedthesituationtoLexieandtheSheriff,thingsmovedquickly.“Ihavesomethingwecangive him”Lexieopenedhermedicalbag,searchingforthevialshewanted “It’llputhimoutlongenoughformetomakemy examinationandhopefullybeabletotreathim,andthentogethimintoDemi’sroom.”

ShewentalongwithWhitandthesherifftowheretheanimalstilllay,andonceWhithadapproachedandwasable tosecureNito’shead,shequicklyinjectedthepentobarbitalandwithinminutes,theymadeaslingoutoftheheavytarpthey’d broughtsotheycouldhaulthebigwolfuptothecabin.

Witheveryonehelping,theywereabletocarryhiminsidewhereLexieusedherskillstosewupthelonggashthe bullethadmade.Onceshe’dfinished,shesatbackexhausted.“ThankGoditonlygrazedhim.Itwasdeepbutnotfatal.Now thatthebleeding’sstopped,heshouldbefine”

Oncemore,theyliftedthetarpandcarriedhimtoDemi’sroomtomakehimascomfortableaspossible.

Inthekerfuffle,Demiwokeuponceagainandwatchedastheyplacedthewolfclosetoherbed.“Ishebadly hurt?”Hervoicesoundedshaky herlackofstrengthnoticeable

“He’llbefine,honey.”Whitcalmedherquickly.“Thedoctorsewedhimupwherethebullettoreastripoutofhis shoulder Helostalotofblood,buthewasawakewhenIfoundhim Thebastardhadenoughstrengthtobitemetoo”He showedherhiswoundandchuckledwhenshepretendednottoseeit.

“DawsonsaidNor-rieshotthekil-ler”Hisladywasquicklyfading Hecaressedhercheekandleanedinclose.“Yep.Thebadman’sgone,andthegoodguyswontheday.”

“I’mglad.Nito?”

“Onceagain,he’sahero”

Duringthelonghoursofthenight,Demiheardherdoorbeingopenedoftenwhilevariouspeoplelookedinonher Thedoctorbecamearegularvisitor,alongwithNorrie.Whitstayedintheroomthewholetime,andhispresencesoothedher asdidthepantingsheheardfromthefloorarea.

Towardsdawn,shewokeandcalledoutbuttherewasnoanswer.Whitmusthaveleft,andshefoundherselfalone. ShetriedtomovetotheedgeofthebedtoseeNito,butherbody’sweaknesswouldn’tallowit.Upset,shefellbackagainstthe pillows That’swhenawetnosepokedatherhandinthedark,andshefeltNito’spresencebyherside

Overcomewithgratitudeforherpet,feelingweakasababy,asobbrokeloosethatshedidn’texpect.Emotions lowerthanatanyothertime,sadandfrustratedbecauseshecouldn’tcheckNitoforherself,shetriedtostopthetears Suddenly,aloudgruntsoundedasahugeanimalawkwardlyclimbedtobebyherside.Hestraddledherbodywith hisfrontpaws.Asifheknewwhatshehadwantedsobadly,he’dcometoher,closeenoughforhertobeabletohughimand

cryintohisfur.“Thankyou,baby.Forsavingmylifeagain.”Sheruffledthesoftnessaroundhisears.“You’remylittlebastard, youknowthat,right?Iloveyousomuch.”

Awarninggrowlbeganbutsoonstopped Demirealizedthedoorhadopenedbutclosedwithoutanyoneappearing Whitmusthavesenseditwasn’tagoodtimetointrude.

DemicontinuedtostrokeNito’sfurandplacekissesonhisfacenowlyingclosetohers Thelargeanimalallowed herthisbehavior,butshehadafeelingitwasonlybecausetheywerebothsurvivorssharingwounds,boththankfulforbeing alive,andbothacceptingtheywerenowateam

Filledwithhappinessthatcleanedoutalltheearlieryuckyemotionsofself-pityandfear,sheclosedhereyes. Beforeshecouldallowherselftoslipintoarestfulsleep,sherememberedthewordsshe’dheardearlierfromtheothermale sheloved Onewhoneededalotmorefromherthanshe’dsofarallowedherselftogive

Havingundergonesuchaclosecall,Demiunderstoodonething.Shehadtoletgoofthoseprotectiverestraints she’derected Hadtoforceherselftobevulnerable Whitmattered morethananyoneelse Hewasherman,andshebetter lethimknowhowmuchshecared.Lifewastoouncertaintoletanymoretimeslipaway.

Havingmadethedecisiontoshareherfeelingsassoonaspossible;withherfingersclingingtohersleepingwolf, sherelaxed,andhereyesclosed.

WhithadheardDemi’swordsofloveforNito Wordshe’dlongedtohearhimself Shetreasuredthewolf Andit wasonlyrightthatshedid.Aftertheanimalsavedherlifeyetagain,healsofeltanenormousaffectionforthelittlebastard.

Selfishly,helongedtohearthosesamevowsofaffectiontoo Shakinghisheadathisvulnerability,almostashamed forbeingenviousofthewildanimal,hewaitedbeforeenteringtheroom.Tiptoeingbacktohischair,hewatchedoverbothhis patientsfortherestofthenight.

ChapterFive

Demibegantofeelbetterbythenextday.Asthemedicationworeoff,andherstrengthreturned,shedemandedthat shebeabletostayonthecouchratherthanbeinganinvalid,hiddenawayinherbedroom.Toherannoyance,noonepaidany attention

WhenGlenheardabouttheshootingthenightbefore,he’drushedtothecabintocheckonDemibeforetraveling backtothehospitaltospendthenightwithRudy

Nowhomeagain,he’dforcedWhittogointohisroomforawell-neededrestwhilehecarriedatrayofbreakfast totheinvalid

“Glen.Hi.I’mfine,stopfussing.CanyouhelpNito?Ithinkheneedstogooutside.”

“Sure.”Glenwatchedastheanimalslowlylimpedtothelivingroom.Followinghimtotheoutsidedoor,he openedit,andsawthewolfslowlymakehiswaytothetreesinthedistance

Returning,GlenhelpedDemileanbackagainstthebunched-uppillows,placedthetrayonherlap,andpulledthe chairoverbyherside “Youjustcan’tstayoutoftrouble,canyou?TheminuteIturnmyback,you’reintotheshit-pileagain” Demilaughedweakly.“Thendon’tturnyourback.”

“Easyforyoutosay,”hegrumbled.“It’sbeencrazyaroundthisplacelately…neveradullmoment.”

“Yeah.Exceptit’sChristmastomorrow,andIrefusetospoilit.Pleasehelpmegetupandontothecouch.Noway I’mspendingmyfirstChristmasinAlaskainasickbed.”

“Jesus YousoundlikeRudy HewantsoutofthehospitalsohecanhaveChristmaswithme Itoldhimhecan’t comeherenowwithyoubeinghurt.”

“Whycan’the?Ifthedoctorsaysit’sokay,hecansleepinyourbed,andyoucanusethesofaforonenight Come on,Scrooge.It’stheseasontobejolly.”

“Yeah.AndyoujollywellknowthatWhitwon’tlikeitonebit…youoverdoingyourself.”

“Iwon’t.IpromiseI’llbehave.YouandWhitcancooktheturkeyandmakedinner.”

“Me?Whit?Hell,Demi.We’dburntheplacedown.”

“Notwithmeinstructingyou Comeon I’llbecomfyinWhit’schairandRudycanstayonthecouchfortheday” Asifshejustthoughtofit,sheadded,“MaybewecangetNorrieandLexietocome,andtheycanhelp.”

Amovementatthedoormadethembothturn

“JustasIsuspected.You’rebothcrazy.”Whitmovedtotheendofthebedtoperchontheblanketsbeforereaching forapieceofDemi’stoast.

Demifeltherselfglow,seeinghimsoclose Shereachedoutherhandandfeltthewarmthofhis Grippingtightly, shebeseechedinhermostcajolingvoice,notsomethingshe’deverdonebefore.Amazedathowscaryitfelt,shehidhereyes andspokesoftly “Iwantthis,Whit Please”

Glen’sheadswiveledtoWhit’s,andshepeekeduptoseeawarninginhisgaze.Thenhespoke.“Demiwantsher firstChristmasinAlaskatobespecial”

“Thenifthat’swhatshewants,it’swhatshe’llget.”Beforetheycouldreact,hehelduphishand.“Butifatany timeIseeeitherofourpatientsovercome,wecallahaltforaperiodofrest.Right?”

“Agreed”

Gettingherway,Whitcarriedhertothecouch,andshemadeherselfascomfyaspossible.Withaslingtosupport hershoulder,andpillowspiledforherback,sherestedeasy Betweenthetwomenfollowinghercommands,theyfixedupthe restoftheChristmasdecorationsandevenletherplayhercarols.

WhenNorrieandLexiedroppedbylaterinthedaytocheckonher,shecajoledthemintopromisingtocomeand sharetheirChristmasdinnerthenextday.

WhileLexieexaminedherwound,Demiwaitedpatiently.

“Doyoufeelmuchpain?Howaboutheadachesorfever?”

“Itaches,butit’sbearable.IstoppedtakingthemorphineanduseonlyTylenol.Myhead’smuchclearer.Iknow frompreviousinjuries,Ihealfast”

“Thatyoudo.Everythinglooksgood.Butdon’toverdothings.”

“HowcanIwiththesetwoguardswatchingmyeverymove.”DemipointedtowardsthetablewhereNorrie,Whit andGlenwereenjoyingherhomemadebeefandbarleysoup.AplacewaitedforLexietojointhemonceshe’dfinishedwith herpatient.

“Ihaveaquestion”Demikeptherfingerscrossedwhilesheaskedforadvice “Shoot.”

DemiflinchedandLexiegrimaced “Toosoon?”

Bothchuckled,andthenDemicontinued.“DoyouthinkitwouldbeokayforRudytocomeherelaterandspendthe nightwithussowecanallhaveChristmastogether?”

Lexiesatthinkingbeforeshenodded.“Thatdevilhasbeenthreateningtoleavethehospitalsinceyesterday.It’s onlyGlenkeepinghimtherewiththreatsandpromises.”Lexiemadeeyecontact,soDemiunderstoodhowimportanthernext wordswere “Rudyfeelsprotectiveofyouafterwhathappened It’skillinghimthathehasn’tbeenherewhenyouneededhelp YetwithFredgone,Icouldn’tlethimoutofthehospitaltogohomealone,andthoughGlenwouldnormallytakecareofhim, hewon’tleaveyou”

Demiwasn’tsurprisedtohearofthissituation.She’dalreadysuspectedthatGlenwasbeingtornintwodirections.

“Thenthiswillworkoutforeveryone,right?GlenwillbeherewithmeandRudyatthesametime”

Lexiesmiled.“Right.Soundslikeaplan.Plus,withRudyouthere,wecangethimtobackoffmakingany decisionsabouthisfather.GlenandIboththinkit’stoosoonforhimtohavetohandlethosedetails.Dawsonhasbeen wonderfulincontactinghisbrothers He’sgoneaheadandmadealotofthearrangementsforFred’sbodytobelookedafterin themeantime.Andtherestcanwaituntilaftertheholidays.”

Feelingbetterforhavingeverythingarranged,Demisnoozedandwokeuptofindherselfinherownbedwiththe coverssnuggledaroundher.Sheknewshemightgetintrouble,butwhattheheck…sheslowlyloweredherfeettothefloor andwaitedtofeeloriented Onceshefeltready,shetookafewstepstothechairtogetherhousecoat Restingforafewmore secondsasherstrengthgrew,shedressedherselfandthenwobbledtothedoor.

Leaningagainstthedoorframe,shewatchedtheothersintheroomtalkingandlaughing.ShesawthatRudyhad arrivedandwasonthecouch,dressedinloungewearandbeingsupportedbylotsofpillows WhitandGlenwerewrapping presentsonthefloornearhim,arguingoverwhatcolortissuetouseineachgiftbag.

Filledwithloveforherfamily,shewalkedforwardandallthreelookedup Whitshottohisfeetandcametopick herup.“No.Whit.I’mfine.Youdon’tneedtocarrymearoundanymore.Justmaybeletmeuseyourarm.Ineedtogotothe bathroom.”

Whenshe’dfinishedandhadopenedthedoortojointheothers,shefoundWhitwaitingtoguidehertohischair. “Wehaveablanketandpillowhereifyouwantit.”

“No I’mgoodfornow”Shemadeherselfcomfyandsmiledatthemanacrossfromheronthecouch “HeyRudy Gladyoucouldmakeit.”

“Thanksforhavingme,especiallywhenIknowyoumustfeellike ahh,terrible I’msosorryaboutwhat happenedtoyou,Demi.Glenwasfranticwhenheheardyou’dtakenabullet.”

DemismiledherthanksatGlenwho’dbroughtheracupofhotchocolateandwasplacingitonthetablenearher.

“Can’tleaveheraloneforaminute,andshe’sintrouble.”Hisgrumblingmadehergrin. Whitaddedinawrytone.“Tellmeaboutit.”

Teasingly,shegrouched “Hey,givemeabreak It’snotlikeI’mtheonlyoneherewho’shadturmoiltodealwith That’swhyit’ssoimportanttocelebratewitheachotherforChristmas.It’llbeonedaywherewe’realltogether,safe,and happy”

Herwordsturnedouttobetrue.Afterawarm,ratherpeacefuleveningwithmorebowlsofsoupfollowedby eggnogandcookies,allfourpeopleweresatisfiedjusttobetogether

StoriestoldinfrontofthefirebecamefunnierandfunnieruntilRudybeggedthemtostop.Glen,whosatonthe floornexttothecouch,promisednomore,andevenWhittriedtoconcealhistwinklingenjoyment

DemisuspectedthatlaughinghurtRudy’sinsidesbutseeingthejoyonhisface,theycouldn’ttakehispleastoo seriously Whenhe’dloweredhisfingerstostrokeGlen’shair,shesawthejoyhecouldn’thide Hell,couldtherebeabetter medicineintheworldthantocomeoutfromhidingyourtrueselfandbeaccepted?

Theybrokeupearly,andtheonlysournotetothenight’sfuncamewhenWhitrefusedtosleeponthebedwith Demi “I’msuchabearinbed,Idon’ttrustmyself I’dneverforgivemyselfifIhurtyouaccidently”

“Don’tbesilly.I’mfine.Ifyoudocometooclose,I’llwakeyou.”

“Areyousure?YouknowIhaveahabitofreachingforyouinmysleep”

“AndIlikewhenyoudoit,sostoparguing.”Shewearilytookoffherhousecoatandletitdroponthebed.Before sheclimbedbackunderthecovers,shegavehimakiss Tryingtokeephereyesfromclosing,wantingtotellhimabouther loveforhim,shefeltherbody’swearinesssinkin.Acceptingitwasn’ttherighttimetoshare,sheshuthereyesand rememberedthattomorrowwasgoingtobeabigdayforher.Shedriftedoffintowiththelastthoughtthatmadehersmile. TheywouldbetogetherforherfirstChristmasinAlaska

ChapterSix

Thenextthingsheknew,Whithadrisenfortheday,andshe’dsleptmuchlaterthanherusualearlyinneralarm allowedher.Shakingoffthestupor,realizationhitherhard.

ItwasChristmasday

Delightburst,clearingawayherearlierannoyance.Neverbeforeinherlifehadsheplannedandlookedforwardto theholidayslikeshehadthisyear Filledwithexcitement,shefoundherclothes Earlierinthemonth,she’dboughtanugly sweaterandhadhiddenitaway.CarefullydressinginherblackyogapantsandfuzzysockstomatchthejoyousredSanta emblazonedonherchest,shelookedinthemirrorandlaughed

Herwildhairamassedaroundherbodyeverywhichwaymadeherlooklikeachild.Gatheringitinherhandsto firstbrushitandthenformaquickbraid,shetiedaredbowovertheelasticandletithangoverherleftshoulder.Thenshe madeherwaytowheresheheardnoises,meaningtheothershadbeguntorise

Whensheappeareditseemedtobethesigntherestofthemneededtostartcelebratingtheday.Anditcouldn’t havebeenbetterifshe’dplannedeverydetail

FirsttheygorgedonthewonderfulbreakfastWhitandGlenproducedwithDemigivingthemorders.Bothmen couldmakeameanomeletandwiththehamandonionsmixedwiththemushroomsandcheese,thewholeroomsmelled deliciousfromtheirefforts.Warmingthebiscuitsshe’dfrozendaysago;theytoastedthemthenwashedeverythingdownwith orangejuiceandhotchocolate.

Finally,theyputtheirplatesinthekitchentodealwithlaterandformedagrouparoundRudywhosesofabedwas nexttotheChristmastree.Thelightsonthebranchestwinkledbeautifully,andsodidtheonesthatWhithadstrungaroundthe topofthegarlandshroudingthefireplace He’dpurposelyfoundbrancheswithclustersofredberries,whichaddedtothe decoration.Infact,thewholeroomlookedasfestiveastheycouldmakeit.Seeingitallnow,Demi’sheartswelledwith delight.

Watchingothersburstingwithfamilyspirithadalwaysmeantsadnessforagirlwhoneverbelonged.Thistimeit wasdifferent.WhileshepettedPearliewho’dcurledupinherlap,shegazedateveryonearoundherandsawamatchingkind ofdelight Itmadeherwonderifthismightbethefirsttimetheytoohadexperiencedthesameclosenessandfeelingofcoming home.Closinghereyes,sheblessedthefacttheywereheretogether.

ThensheglancedatWhit Ofcourse,asaboygrowingupwithamotherwholovedhim,hewouldhavehadother Christmasestoremember.Feelinggladforhim,sheclappedherhands.“Let’seachopenapresentoneatatimesowecanall enjoywhat’sinthem.Okay?Glen,canyouplaySanta?”

Afterthepresentswereopenedeveryoneshowedtheirappreciationtoeachother Demilovedthetop-of-the-line cellphonesthatWhithadgivenbothherandGlen.She’dclungtohimwhenhe’dbentdowntoreceiveherthanks.“Iloveit. NowI’llbeintouchwitheveryoneallthetimelikeyouarewithyourphone”

“Good.Seethere’smethodinmymadness.Ihatedthinkingofeitherofyoubeingstrandedandnotbeingableto reachme”

GlenhadshylyhuggedWhittoo…toshowhisgratitude.Andbothhadhuggedherwhenthey’dopenedtheirgifts andfoundthenewscarvesshe’dknitted.Thistime,shebelievedtheyreallylikedthem.AndsodidRudy.Hishadactually beenmadeforher,butsinceshe’dusedadarkblueandknewitcouldbeforamanaswell,she’dgladlyandfrantically wrappeditupatthelastminute.

Suddenlyapallhungoverthemood Disheartened,RudyapologizedfornothavinggiftsforanyonebutDemi “I’m sorry.Ijustcouldn’tgetanythingthisyear.Lastminute,NorriehelpedmeforDemi.”

BothWhitandGlenspokeatthesametimeandthenchuckled “It’sfine Butthenextsteakdinneratthecaféison you.”

“Deal.”Rudysettledbackwithasatisfiedgrin.

DemiheldupRudy’sgift “CanIopenitnow?”

“Sure.”

Shetookthetopofftheboxandbegantolaugh Theresattheelaboratelydecoratedcookietinshe’dhadhereyes oninthestore.“Thankyou,Rudy.Isthisahintformetomakeyoucookies?”

Heblushed.“Aha!Youcaughtme.Butthere’ssomethingspecialforyouinside.”

Surreptitiouslyshakingit,sheheardanoiseandopenedthelidtoseesomethingwrappedintissue.Whenshe spreadthepaper,alovelybraceletlaynestledbetweenthelayers.Liftingthegorgeouspearlchainwitharhinestoneencrusted charm,shefoundtheengravedwordsEarthAngel

“Itremindsmeofyou.”Rudyappearedchokedupwhenhespoke. Sentimentsofdelightbrokeloosefromhershock “Howbeautiful!”Thegiftmadesuchanimpressionthatshe foughtherbuddingemotionsnotwantingtoactlikeablubber-puss.“I-Iloveit,Rudy.Thankyou.”Notabletoreachhim,she slippeditonherwristandsmiledhisway,lettingherdelightshowopenly.

Glen,knowinghowcloseshecametobreakingdown,interruptedwithhisgift.“Andthisisfromme.Ihopeyou likeit.Ididn’tknowwhattobuyagirl.”

Carefullytakingtheboxfromthetissuepaperithadbeenwrappedin,sheopenedittoseethesamebookon writingthatshe’doftenusedonherKindle.Morethanonce,she’dmutteredaboutlosingherplace,wishingshehaditin paperbacksoshecouldflipbackandforththroughthepages

“Yourascal.YouheardmyfrustrationeverytimeIhadtolooksomethingupaboutwriting.Idon’tknowhowmany timesIhatedtheeBookformat Itmadesearchessodifficult”

“Youdidmentionitannoyedyouwhenyoucouldn’tjustgotocertainplacesinthebook.”

“YoumeanI’dscreamobscenitieswhenI’dlosemyspot.”Laughing,shehuggedthepresent.“I’lluseitallthe time,buddy Iloveit Thankyou”

Beforetheycouldgetthepaperputaway,therewasabarkatthedoorandWhitrosetoletNitoin.Theanimal hesitatedwhenhesawsomanypeople,especiallyRudywhowasn’tquiteastrangerbutnotsomeonehehadacceptedyetas belonging.

Pearlierantogreethimandnuzzledherfaceagainsthisshoulderasifsheknewwherehisrecentwoundshadbeen theworst.HenudgedhergentlywithhisheadbeforesheranbacktowhereGlen’slapwaited.

Demicouldn’tletthelargeanimalleavewithoutthetreatshe’dsaved.“Nito.Comehere.Ihaveapresentforyou too”

Thewolf,whowouldn’tleavethematbythedoor,juststaredather.Thenasifheacceptedshewasfine,heturned aroundtogobackoutside “No,wait”Demiroseawkwardlyfromherchairandslowlymadeherwaytothefridge,Whitright besideher.

Thereshetookoutaparcelwrappedinbutcherpaperandfoundthehamboneshe’dsavedforthewolf.She lowereditsohecouldtakeitfromherhand.Hehesitated.Theyhadn’tquitegottentothepointwhereheacceptedfoodshe didn’tjustlayinfrontofhim.

Shenudgeditcloser,andheslowlytookitandturnedtoleave

Whitstillbesideherincasesheneededhissupport,movedtoaccommodatethewolf.“I’lllethimout.”Heopened thedoorandpurposelypattedtheanimal’sbackwithoutflinchingwithfear Demi,seeingthatmove,quicklyturnedtofacehim, andsawthepridehecouldn’thide.

Whitandthelittlebastardhadfinallymadefriends. ***

BythetimeLexieandNorriearrivedwithmoregiftsandlotsofpremadefood,thecabinsmelledlikeparadise. BetweenDemiandhertwoslaves,they’dgottenthedressingmade,andtheturkeystuffedandintotheovenwithlotsoftimeto spare.

Later,afterunwrappingthepileofgiftsfromthegirlsandputtingtheemptyapplepieplatesaside,Demisatback inherchair.Filledwithpride,shelookedaroundtheroomandbeamed.NotonlyhadNorrielovedhernewsweaterbutLexie hadseemedtoreallyappreciatetheboxofcookiesandthetwojarsofjamshe’dwrappeduplastminuteforher.

TheyalllaughedwhenRudymentionedquiteloudlyhowmuchhelovedjamtoo,anglingforsomeofhisownto takehome.

“Don’tbeg,man It’sembarrassing”Glenteasedhim “Besides,Iknowwhereshehidesherstock”

OnceGlenandRudyrelaxedinthelivingroom,talkingquietlywithLexie,NorriesidledovertoWhitandDemi whowerestillatthetable “IhaveafavorIneedtoask,Whit Butifyoucan’t,I’llunderstand It’sjustthatItrustyoumore thananyone.You’vedoneitallbefore.Andyou’regood ”

“Hey.Stopwiththebutter.Justspititout.”

“Ineedsomeonetolookafterthestoreforafewdays IwanttogobacktoLA withLexietohelphersettlethings beforeshemoveshereforgood.”

Whitdidn’thesitate “Sure Startingwhen?”

“Tomorrow?”Norrie’slowvoiceturnedquestioning.Shewincedwhenshesawhiseyesflash.“Iknow.It’sso soon Butwedidn’tthinktheFBIwouldwanthertoreturnrightaway Seemsthere’squestionstheyneedanswersto Plus,her familyhasn’tseenherforsometimesinceshewasbasicallyinwitnessprotection.Shefeelssheowesthemanexplanation. I’mjustworriedforhertogobacktherealone.”

DemisawhowmuchitmeanttoNorrieandbrokein “Weunderstand,Norrie Thedocwentthroughatoughtime withthatpsycho.It’llbehardforhertoreturntotheoldmesswithoutbackup.”

Demihadseenthegrowingrelationshipbetweenthetwogirlsandwasthrilledforbothwomenwhomighthave thoughtthatromancehadpassedthemby.

SheturnedtoseethatWhitwaswatchingherreaction,andshenoddedherheadencouraginglytowardhim.“Ican helpifit’stoomuchforyoualone.”

Hebegantochuckle,andNorrieshookherheadbeforespeaking.“Thiscrazy-assedbroaddoesn’tgetit,does

she?”

“Notevenalittle.”Whitrolledhiseyes.

TurningtoDemi,NorriepattedherhandjokinglyandspokeasifDemiwereachild “Honey Youwereshot You needtorest.Youcan’twork.Notforsometime.”

Makingagrotesquefaceatthemboth,shepretendedtopout “Fine I’lljuststayhereinthecabin,twiddlemy thumbs,androtaway.”

Whitputhisarmaroundhershoulderandaskedveryseriously,“Areyousureyou’llbeabletomanage?Glenand Rudycanhangaroundforafewdays.Idon’tthinkhisbrotherswillbehereuntilaftertheNewYear.”

Perkingup,losingthepretendact,shesaid,“Ohwell,ifthey’llbehere,thatmakesallthedifference.I’llhave someonetodomychores andkeepmecompany”

Asifspeakingtoachild,sheadded,“Whit,I’llbefine.We’llallbefine.Yougoanddowhatyoushould.Ifit’sto helpNorrie,pleasedon’tstoponmyaccount”

OnceheandNorrihadsettledthedetails,sheknewthatthedespairshekepthiddenstemmedfromregret Again, herfantasiesabouthowshe’dmakethemaromanticdinnerandtellhimaboutherpast,herfeelingsforhim,andherhopesfor theirfuturewouldhavetowait.

Ithadbecomeveryimportantthatshefillhiminonallhersecrets Andthatcouldn’tberushedinthedarkbefore makinglove.Sheneededtowatchhisexpressions.Seeforherselftheproofthatitwouldn’tmattertohimthatshehadcome fromsucharottenbeginning anabandonedthrowaway

ChapterSeven

WhithatedbeingawayfromthecabinandDemiforthedayshestayedintowntolookafterthestore.Workingthe hoursthatNorrieputin,hesooncametorealizethatthewomandidn’thavealife.Well,apartfromherbusinessthatis.

Shekepttheplaceopenuntilnineintheeveningandunlockedthedoorsateightthenextmorning He’dbetalking toheraboutthiscrazyitineraryassoonasshereturned.Thepeopleinthetinytownjusttookadvantageofhergoodnature.

Thinkingback,heknewhe’dbeenaculprittoo And,becausetheyallexpectedtofindthestoreopen,Whitdidn’t liketotakeituponhimselftomakeanydrasticchanges.Unsurprisingly,hefoundthatnotallthecustomersweretheretoshop. Theyexpectedtohangout,drinkcoffee,andcatchuponthedailygossip

Clivestoppedbynumeroustimesadaytowarmupwhileclearingsnowoffthehighwayandlocalareas.

Whitteasedhimafterthethirdbreak.“Heyman,don’tyouhaveahomelife?”

“Nope Myoldlady’sgoingthroughearlymenopause,andshe’sdrivingmecrazy Atleasthere,Norrie’salwaysin adecentmood,andhercoffee’sthebestintown.”

“Hey,thatwomanofyoursspoilsthehellouttayou MaybeMaudejustneedsatriptoasunnyplace Youknowthe ladiesgetaffectedwhenthere’ssolittledaylightoverthesewintermonths.Trysendinghertohersister’splaceinOregonfora fewweeks.That’llbrightenherspiritsup.”

Clivelookedthoughtful.“Maybeyou’reright.Shehasbeenkindaweepylatelyandseemsdepressed.Planninga tripmightbethebestmedicine.Okay.Goodcall,Whit.I’llsuggestittoday.”Clivesettledinforachatandaskedthesame questionWhitheardfromeveryone “So,what’sthenewstoday?”

“Givemeabreak.WhydoyoualwaysfigureI’myourFacebookfeed?”

“Cause everyonecomesinheretosharetheirstuff Don’tyoulisten?”

Personally,heseldompaidattentiontothevariousstories,butitdidn’tseemtomakemuchdifference.Theystill expectedhimtosharewhatheheardfromothers.Heshookhisheadandwenttostackshelves.

Ifitwasn’tforDemihavinghernewphonenowandbeingabletoFacetimewithhereveryday,he’dbeseriously pissed.Eventheweatherwouldn’tbehave.He’dhavetraveledhomeeachnightifthethermometerhadn’tdroppedtorecord lowswhichmadehimworrythathemightnotbeabletogetbackintotownthenextday

Instead,hebunkedinNorrie’sguestroomandmadedowithhertwoaffectionatecatsforcompany.Asmoredays passed,hekepthopinghe’dhearthenewsthatNorrieandLexiewouldbeonthenextflight,butitseemsthateitherthelawyers neededthemtostickaroundforextradaysortheweatherheldthemback.

OneoftheproblemsthathedealtwithhadtodowithakidcalledCharlieWelch.He’dwatchedthescruffylittle beggarcomingineveryday,wanderingtheaisles,andleavingwithoutbuyinganything Thenoticeablebulgeinhisparkatold thestoryofhisactivitiesandratherthancallhimout,WhitdecidedtotalktoNorrieabouthim.

“Christ Thatpoorkidcan’tcatchabreak They’renewintown himandhismomwho’sasinglewoman Beth worksatthebar,andJackletsthemstayintheroomabove.Atleastit’swarm,andaplacetohangout,butthat’saboutallIcan sayforit”

“Jesus.It’sadump.”

“Iknow.Jackusedtostayuptherewhenhegotsnowedin,butnowhelivesintownsoit’susuallyempty.Look, Whit,Ifigureifthekidstealsacanofstewtofeedhimselfnowandagain,Icanwriteitoff IgatherwhenBethgoesona bender,sheoftendisappearsfordaysonend.Ihatetothinkofthekidbeinghungry.ForChristmas,Igavehimabagfuloffood: peanutbutter,chips,cookies;youknow,thingsakidlikestoeat Iaskedhimabouthismom,andhesaidshewasn’tfeeling wellandhadstayedinbed.ButthenwhenJackshowedup,hesaidBethwasMIA,andthatithappensallthetime.According tohim,ifoneoftheminerscomestotown,shetakesupwiththemuntiltheyhavetogobacktowork Thenshereturnsall apologeticandpromisingitwon’thappenagain.Jack’ssodesperateforworkers,he’sallowedhertogetawaywiththatshit.I madehimpromisetoleaveCharliealonewhenthisgoeson,andheagreed.”

“Howoldistheboy?”

“Ithinkmaybeelevenortwelve.Why?”

“Lettingakidgetawaywithstealingisn’tsendingagoodmessage,Norrie Youknowthat”

“You’rebreakingmyhearthere.”Theuncomfortableringinhertonelethimknowshefeltbad.

“It’strueandyouknowit.”

“Yeah,Ihearyou.Butthingshavebeenabitcrazy,anditwaseasiertoturnablindeyethanmakeafuss.”

“Well,Ican’tdothat.I’mcallinghimonhisthieving.”

“Oh,Whit,don’tbehardonthekid”

“Don’tworry,Iwon’t.Butbythetimeyougethome,you’llhaveanewemployee.Byenow.”Whenhehungup,he didsowithasmileonhisface

Notlongafter,hewatchedCharliemakehiswaytothecannedsoupsandwaitedforabeatbeforesneakingtothe endoftheaisle,standingwithhisarmscrossed…lingeringuntilthekidnoticedhim.Hiseyespickedupontheskinnyframe

toppedbyamassofunevenauburncurls,undoubtedlycutbysomeonewithapairofscissorsandnomoney. Hemovedoutofhiding.“What’sthatyougotthere?”

Charlie’sfaceturnedred,andhisfingerscurledintofists “Nuthin” “Yeah?Isayyoustolesomething,andit’sinyourjacket.”

TheboylookedupandWhitsawhimpaleandthenstarttoshake Butheswallowedandstilltriedtoplaythe innocent.“You’rewrongmister.”BeforeWhitknewthelittlebastardwould,hebegantorun,andifthedoorwayhadn’tbeen blockedbyClivearrivingforhisregularcoffeebreak,he’dhavegottenaway “Clive,grabthekid”

Withoutquestioninghim,ClivegrabbedCharlie’shoodandheldhiminplace.“What’sgoingon?”

“Canyouhelpyourselftocoffee.Thislittlebeggarandme…wegotsometalkingtodo.”

ClivelookedintoWhit’sfaceandrelaxedassoonashesawthesneakywink “Right Here Youtakehim I’llgeta drink.”

WhittookCharliebythearmandledtheunwilling,wriggling,skin&bonesbodyintothestoreroom “Stopfighting.Settledown.I’mnotgoingtohurtyou.”Heletgoofthejacketandstoodinfrontofthedoorto destroyanyideasofrunning “Givemewhatyoutook”Heheldouthishand “Ididn’ttakenuthin’.Itoldyoualready.”Thistime,Charlie’svoicewobbled,andhecouldn’tlookWhitinthe eye.

“Heybrat,Iwouldn’trecommendyouaddlyingtostealing Youdon’tdoeitherwell Justgiveitover” Suddenly,CharlietriedtorushWhit,thinkingtofightforhisfreedom,andwhileheattacked,thecanofstewfellto thefloor Thenoisestoppedhiminhistracks

Whitpushedtheboybackandleaneddowntopickuptheevidence.“So…what’sthis?” “HellifIknow.”

“Christonastick,kidyou’repushingmypatience.Why’dyoutakethis?”

Charliewouldn’tlookathim.Instead,heshovedhishandsinhispocketsandkickedataboxlyingcloseby.“For mymom She’ssick She’llpayforitwhenshecomesinherself” “Whydidn’tyousaysowhenIaskedyoubefore?”

“Becauseyoucalledmeathief Andyouattackedme” Whitbegantolaugh.“You’reareallittleactor,ain’tya?Ineverhurtyou,andyouknowit.Ijustwanttogettothe bottomofwhyyou’restealinginsteadofworkingforwhatyouneed.”

Charliemadeaderisivesound,toomatureforayoungstertohaveinhisarsenal.“Meworking?Getwithit,mister. Nobody’dhireme.I’makid.”

“Andabagofbonesatthat Butyou’rewrongaboutmenothiringyou Youwanttoeat?Youpayforyourfoodby earningawage.Ineedsomebodytohelpouthereatthestore.There’sasidewalkthatneedsshovelingandthisstoreroom needscleaningandarrangingallthetime Plus,shelvescouldstandtobewashedandorganized Itdoesn’ttakeageniusora mantodothatkindofwork.Youwantacanofstew,it’syours.Afteryoushovelthefrontwalk.Yourhoursareeveryday,four tosix.”

Andsostartedaweirdkindoffriendship Everyday,Charlieappearedatexactlyfouro’clockandWhitgavehim alistofthreeorfourchores.Itdidn’ttakelongforWhittorealizethekidhadtroublereading.

Fromthebeginningoftheirrelationship,Whithadlaiddownthelaw “Amanwhocan’tread,won’teverearna decentliving.Hell,dude,evenstockingshelvesmeansamanhastoknowhowtoread.”Whitwenttotherevolvingstandand slidoutapaperback HepulledthesameoneoutfromunderthecounterandpassedthenewonetoCharlie “Here’sanewteen bookcalledShadowJumperthatI’mreadingmyself.It’sgoodandfullofaction.”

Greeneyesfilledwithdisbeliefstaredintohisface.“Youserious?YouwantIshouldread?”

“Yougotbetterthingstodo?Whenyoucan’treadthelistIprintouteveryday,thenyouhavetoreadmeapage fromthisbookbeforeyoustartwork.Deal?”

Confusedyetinterested,Charliereplied,“Deal AndIgettokeepthiscopy?”

“Yep.Youhavetopractice,right?Andnotduringworkinghours.”

Beingakidwithfewwords,Charlietookthebook,andWhitwatchedasheputitcarefullyasideasifitwerethe crownjewels.Thenhedidthechoresforthedayandbeforeheleft,hegatheredupthebook,askedifhecouldtakeaplastic bagtoprotectitfromthesnowfalling,anddisappeared.

Thenextday,hehaltinglyreadthefirstpage Andsoitcontinuedlikethateachdaytheyworkedtogether Whit broughtNorrieuptodateonwhathadtranspired,andwhenshequestionedhimabouttheboy’swages,headmittedthey’d settledonminimumwage buthe’dbetakingcareofthathimself

“Noway,Whit.YouknowIcanusesomehelparoundtheplace.I’vejustbeentoolazytodealwithhiring someone.Themoney’snoproblem.”

“Hey,he’smyresponsibility.Ihiredhim,andI’lllookafterthemoney.Youpayhim,andI’llpayyou.Capuche?”

“Fine.Youalwayshavetowin.Iwon’tbotherarguing.JustknowhowmuchIloveyouforhelpingmeout.”

“You’reprettyswellyourself,sugar.Havefuninthecitybutgethomesoon.”

Lyinginbed,hethoughtabouttheearliercallhe’dmadetosaygoodnighttoDemi He’dsensedthatsomethingwas different.Infact,eachdayhewasheldup,thingsgotdownrightweird.Likesheappearedalmostshy…hellhedidn’tknow exactly

Sensingherbeingtroubled,hefinallyasked,“What’swrong,honey?”

“Nothing We’refinehere I’muptengamesofcribonbothGlenandRudy And Laurielikedmybooksomuch; shesentmeahugeadvancetostartmysecondstory.”

He’dlaughedatherbraggingandwasthrilledshe’ddecidedtocontinuewithherwriting.“That’sgreat,baby. Look,Imissyouguys Ifthecoldsnapbreaks,I’lltryandgethometomorrow”

“Wemissyoutoo.Ihopeyoucangethere,butIunderstandifyoucan’t.”Thenshe’dshutdownthecall,andhe sensedshe’dleftsomethingunsaid

Unabletorelax,decidinghe’dquestionherontheirnextface-to-face,hethoughtabouthowthingsmustbegoingat thecabin HeknewRudyhadstartedgettingaroundalotbetter,andGlenkeptbusywithchoreslikekeepingthefirewoodwell stocked,shovelingthesnow,andwatchingthegeneratorsoitdidn’tfreeze.Accordingtothefrequenttalkshehadwithhis buddy,theyspentmosteveningsplayinggamesandtakingturnscooking.Infact,theysoundedliketheyweretotallyenjoying lifewithouthim,anditkindapissedhimoff

BythetimeheheardfromNorriethattheirflighthadbeencancelledyetagain,he’dbeentakingcareofbusiness almostaweek “I’msosorry,Whit We’vebeenattheairportforhours,andtheyshutdownanotherplanejustnow Doesn’t looklikewe’llbeabletoflyoutuntiltomorrow.”

“Hey,don’tworry.Youcan’tfightMotherNature.Justgethereassoonasyoucan.”

Hefumedquietlyfortherestofthedayandwokeupthenextmorningfeelinglonesome.Maybehe’djustclose downforafewhoursandtrytogetouttothecabinwithClive.Feelingcertaintheyweresnowedin,orthey’dhavedroveBlue intotown,hedecidedtopayextratohavetheirroadcleared

Thinkingitwasagreatidea,hemadethearrangementsandfeltalotbetter.Butjustashewasabouttolockthe storeupandheadoutsidetowhereClivewaited,hegotacallthatchangedeverything

ChapterEight

DemihatedhavingWhitbeingcloseandyetsofarthattheycouldn’tbetogetherinperson.Asmuchassheloved theefficiencyofhernewphone,shehadn’tquitegottenintothevibeofseeinganotherpersononascreen,knowingtheycould seeher She’dalwaysbeenonewhoneededherpersonalspace,andthisfeltlikeacompleteinvasiontoher Thoughshetried nottoletitinterferewiththeirdiscussions,shecouldn’twaituntilNorriereturned,andlifegotbacktonormal.

Thankfully,hershoulderbecamestrongereveryday Whensheoverdidthings,herbodyletherknow,andsoshe stillhadtotakethingseasy.Thankfully,Lexiekeptintouch,andtheydiscussedherhealingprocess.

“Iwanttostartworkingit Whatdoyousuggest?”Ifexerciseswouldhelphergetstrongagain,sheitchedtoget started.

“Hey,justbepatientandleteverythingheal.Maybethisweekyoucanbeginwithsomelightmassage.It’llhelp loosenthetightness GetWhittouseacreamandworkitingently,nottoohard”

“Whithasn’tbeenhomesinceyouguysleft.”

“What?Why?”

“It’scompletelysnowedinhere.Wehadahugedumpthedayyouflewout;youwereluckyitcameafteryour flight.Theneverythingfroze.Andmoresnowfelleachday.Thehighwayhasbeensotreacherous,he’sworriedifhedoesget throughourroad,hewon’tbeabletogetoutagain.”

“Jesus,I’msorry,Demi.Wedidn’tknow.HenevermentionedittoNorrie.We’llgetbackassoonaswecan.I’m gladyoustillhaveGlenandRudywithyoutotakecareofthings”

“Me,too.Rudy’shealingfastnow.Infact,he’smoreanxiousthanIamtobedonewiththislivinglikeapatient.”

“Iknow WhenItalktohimandGlen,hekeepstryingtopushthelimits Notthatit’sabadthing InRudy’scase, hisbodywillstophimgoingoverboard.Thoseribswilltaketheirmerryoldtimehealing.Ialreadytoldhimheneedstopay attention,orhe’llsufferforhisfoolishness.

Demichuckled.“He’salreadypaidthepriceafewtimes.Glen’sbeenlikeacluckinghenaroundhim…hell, aroundbothofus.Actually,he’sbeenquitewonderful.”

“NorrieshowedmeapictureofGlenfromlastyear Ican’tbelievehowmuchbetterheisaftermeetingyou Norrieexplainedwhathappened.Infact,she’stoldmeabitaboutallthecharactersintown,andbetweenus,Ican’twaittoget back I’mthinkingabouttheplacelikeit’shomenow”

Demiletoutasmalllaugh.“BetknowingNorrielivesheremakesadifference.”

Lexiegiggled;asoundnotusuallyheardfromthewomanwhopreviouslyseemedsoserious.“She’swonderful. Myfolksloveher Ipromise,we’llgethomeassoonaswecan Nowlisten,doctortopatient,leaveyourshoulderaloneto heal,andI’lldoanexaminationwhenI’mbackattheclinic.Thenwecandiscusssomeexercises.”

Demihungupagreeingyetfrustrated Sneakingvariouschores,sheadmittedtherewasalotoftendernessaround herwound,andyetifhermindcoulddriveherbody,she’dbeoutsidehelpingGlenshovelinsteadofinsidearguingabout cooking

Onethingshecoulddowastoworkonhercomputer.Decidingnottosniveloverthingsshecouldn’tchange,she gotoutherlaptopandcheckedheremails.

That’swhenshesawtheletterfromLefty,Harold’sfriendinVancouver Thesamemanwhoownedthecaféand hadcookedthemoneofthebestmealsshe’devereateninarestaurant.

Dear Demi,

I know Harold would be upset if he knew I was writing to tell you this, but I felt you’d want to know. He’s been going downhill for the last few months, lost quite a bit of weight and is often tired I was finally able to drag him to the doctor’s, and they say he’s in congestive heart failure.

I first noticed it when he started wheezing, and his appetite had dwindled. You know him when he comes to my place, he usually eats like a bear Not so much now He fainted last week, and I saw how bad his ankles are swollen He’s slowed down so much. Doc says he needs more oxygen but he’s being stubborn.

All he talks about is coming to see you in the Yukon Says if it’s the last thing he gets to do, he’ll die a happy man.

I asked the doctor, and he says Harold should go if he wants to They can give him some medicine to make him breathe better and to keep him stable for now. Since he’s determined, they told me there’s no time to waste.

If you can find us a place to stay, I promised him I’d come with him in the airplane. He wants to surprise you, but I told him no It’s not fair So, he will bring it up next time you call him on Sunday

I just wanted to warn you about the truth. If you can’t have us there, I understand.

Your pal,

Lefty

Atthatinstant,theworldshifted,andfearbegantotakeshape.WhenDemisawthesignaturelogounderhisname withtherestaurant’stitle,address,andphonenumber,shedidn’thesitate.Callingthenumber,sheanxiouslywaitedtohear Lefty’svoice

Thankfulitwasn’toneofhisworkersanswering,shequicklyreplied,“Hi,Lefty,it’sme,Demi.Ijustopenedyour emailandfoundoutthatHaroldissick I’msosorry Helookedwellinthesummer,butIknowhe’sgettingon”

“Yeah,hiDemigirl.Irewrotethenoteanumberoftimes,andthenalmostdidn’tsendit.Haroldwouldbemadif heknewIwentbehindhisback”

“Thenwewon’ttellhim.Ijustwantedtoreassureyouthatyoucanbringhimwheneveritsuitsyou.IknowWhit wouldn’tmindifyoubothstayedathishouseintown.Hehaditcloseddown,butherecentlyopeneditforsomefriendsover theholidayswhoneededaplacefortheirparentstostay Theyleavetomorrow”

“Thatsoundsgood.Iknowyou’rekindaisolatedatthecabin.”

“Weare Hishouseisbettersituatedbecausetheclinicisclosebyandsoisthestore Ofcourse,aslongasthe weatherisgood,you’llspendalotofyourtimeherewithmeatthecabin.”

“Areyousureit’sokaywecome,Demi?He’sfeelingprettylow,andIknowit’llcheerhimalottohavesomething tolookforwardto.And…hetalksaboutyounon-stop.You’vebecomeveryimportanttotheoldfart.”

Laughing,asifheknewshewould,herfacebrokeintoahugesmile,andherdelightattheprospectseeingthem soundedinhervoice “Ithinkit’sawonderfulidea Ican’twaittohaveyoubothhere Whendidyoufiguretotravel?”

“I’vebeenwatchingtheweather,andIknowyou’vehaditbadforthelastweek.Butitlookslikethere’sabreak comingandsomebettertimestofollow Wouldthreedaysfromnowworkforyou?It’sNewYearsDayandoneoftheeasier timestogetreservations.”

“Goodthinking.We’llpickyouupinTerrace–justsendmeyouritinerary.Anddon’tworry.We’llgetyousettled. Doyouhavewinterclothing?”

“Ido…fromwhenIlivedinManitoba.ImightevenhaveaparkaforHarold.Noproblem,we’llcomeproperly attired”

Laughingathiswitticism,sheendedthecallinallseriousness.“I’mgoingtocallHaroldrightnow.”

“He’llwonderwhy YoualreadycalledforChristmas”

“Hey,IhaveothernewsIcanshare.Myeditorjustsentmeabigroyaltypaymentandwantsmetowriteasecond book.He’llbehappyforme.Ifhebringsupthetrip,I’llknowwhattosay.”

“Canyouletmeknowhowitworksout?”

“Absolutely.I’llcallyourightafterItalktohim.”Beforeshehungup,sheadded,“Lefty,keepmeuptodatewith yourplans Ifthere’sanythingIcandofrommyend,letmeknow”

“Thanks,Demi.You’reasweetheart.Talksoon.”

Demisatbackandlettheinformationshe’djustheardsinkin SickinsideatthethoughtofHaroldbeingunwell madehersighlongandhard,clenchherhands,andbowherhead.Goddammit.Justwhenshefeltlikeshehadafamily,this kindofshithappened.

Shehatedtothinkofaworldthatdidn’tincludethatoldman She’dkepthiminvolvedineverythingshe’d accomplishedoverthemonthsoflivinginAlaska.Atfirst,she’dsentletters,butsincehiswritinghaddeclinedsomuchover thelastfewmonths,she’dcalledinstead Therecentphonecallshadbroughtthemcloser Inherdreamworld,shethoughtof himlikeherfamily,andithadmadeherfeelsafetoknowheexisted.

Dealingwithhermiserybeforecallinghim,sheswallowedherpityfortheman,clearedherthroat,andsatup straight.Whenheanswered,happytohearfromher,shesharedhernews.Hisexcitedcongratulationswerelikeabalmtoher woundedspirit.

Sinceshe’dsenthimacopyofhermanuscriptonceitwasfinished,sheknewhispraisecamefromaplacewhere he’dreadherwork,hadevenpointedoutafewblatanterrors,andhadravedaboutthefinishedproduct.Shelovedhearinghim tellherhowhejustknewshe’dbewritingalotmorebooksinthefuture becauseinhiscase,theyweren’tjustempty compliments.

Tryingnottoletoutherknowledgeabouthissecret,shesneakilyledthetopictowhenhe’dbeabletovisit somethingshedidoften.Onlythistime,hetoldherthathe’dconvincedLeftyintotravelingwithhim,andthey’dliketocome soon.Pretendingshock,sheletoutalittlescream.“Oh,Harold,Iwouldlovethat.Ican’twaittoseeyou.Ihavesomuchto showyou Allthethingswe’vedonewiththecabin,plusintroduceyoutoCharlieandNito Ihavenodoubtyou’lllikethem both.”

Neitherhenorshebroughthisdoctor’sdiagnosisintotheconversation Unknowinghowtobringitupwithout upsettingtheoldguy,shedecidedtowaitforthattalkuntilshesawhim.

Bythetimetheirdiscussionended,shefeltabitbetter.Hesoundedmuchthesameasusualandseemedthrilledby heracceptanceofthemcomingtoAlaska.

Infact,heshutdowntheircall,leavinghersurprisedatthespeed.Usually,helikedtotalkforaslongashecould

stringitout.Hisvoicefilledwithexcitement,hesaid,“IgottatellLefty.Hewantedtowaitfortheweathertogetbetter.Itold thewussIdidn’tcareaboutabitofcoldandsnow.Now,I’lltellhimtogetstartedmakingourarrangements.”

“It’llbewonderfultohaveyouhere,Harold Ican’twaittoshowyouwhat’sbeendoneontheproperty”

“Missy,youjustcan’tunderstandhowmuchIwanttoseeyou,andtoshowofftothescenerytoLeftythatI’ve braggedaboutforyears Nodoubt,it’sprobablytheworstseasontotravelthere,butyouknowwhat?Idon’tcare Justtosmell thewintermountainairandseethosestarsagainwilldomewonders.”

“Hey whataboutme?”

Haroldlaughedloudandhard,hisexcitementinfectious.“Itgoeswithoutsayingthatseeingyouagainwillbethe bestmedicineofall.”

“Nowyou’rejustbutteringmeup”Shelaughedwithhim “Seriously,letmeknowwhentoexpectyou Iwantto sharethenewswithWhit.”Sheclearedherthroatfromthehuskinessthathadsuddenlyappeared.“AndHarold,Ican’twait.”

Feelingbetterforhavinghadtheconversationwithamanshethoughtwouldsoundsickly,onlytofindhimmore robustthanusual,herdepressiondisappeared.Happier,shecalledWhitwiththenewsandbeforeshecouldshare,shefound outthathehadsomeofhisown Informationthatwasn’twhatshewantedtohear

“You’releaving?BeforeNewYears?Why?”

ChapterNine

Whitabsolutelyhatedsharingthemiseryhecouldn’thidefromher.“Demi,there’ssomethingI’dmeanttotellyou aboutbeforetheshootingtookplace.Afterallthatexcitement,Iforgotcompletely.”

“IsitwithyourOphthalmologist?Whenhecalled,youhidyourconversation,andIwasworriedthathegaveyou badnews.”

Hearingthehurtinhervoice,Whitfigurativelykickedhisassfornottellingheraboutthecallwhenithappened Tryingtosaveherfrombeingdisappointedifhewasn’tchosenforthetrials,he’dkeptitallasecret.Yetnowhefindsout, she’dknownsomethingallalongandfeltleftout

Fuck!Aguy couldn’t win.

“Ididn’twanttogetyourhopesup.It’snotthatIdidn’twanttoshare ” “Iunderstand Youdidn’twantmethatinvolvedinyourlife”

“No.No,no.Itwasn’tlikethat.HonesttoGod,sweetheart,Iwasgoingtotellyou.Ipromise.”Frustratedwith havingtodealwithsuchasensitivetopicoverthephone,helethisdispleasureappearandknewshetookittoheart

Dammit, how could a guy talk to his lady about all the things he wanted to share over a phone?

“So,tellme.”Havingnoactingskills,shehadtobeawarethatheheardthedisappointmentshecouldn’thide.

“Whenthedoccalled,hetoldmeaboutatrialtheywouldbedoingoneyeproblemslikemine,andhewantedmy permissiontoputmynameonthelist.Butbeforehecould,heexplainedI’dhavetogothereforanotherexamination.”

“Okay Butsosoon?Idon’tunderstand Whydidn’themakethearrangements,givingyoumoretime?”

“Hedid.Igottheemailthedayyouwereshot.Myappointmentwastobelaterinthemonth.Iwasgoingtoaskif youwantedtomakeatripofitandgowithme Buttheyjustcalledtosayit’sbeenmovedupbecausethespecialistincharge ofthetrialshastakenanassignmenttoworkfortheDoctorswithoutBorders…forveteranswoundedinthewar.”

Shesoundedlesshuffywhenshespokenext.“Okay,whendotheywanttoseeyou?”

“IfIcanmakeit,theywantmetherethedayaftertomorrow.Canyoubereadytotravelwithme?”

Son of a bitch!

Withhergoodmoodnowslitheringintoamessonthefloor,Demiletoutagroan.“Ican’t.Iwantto,butit’s impossible That’swhyIwascalling IjustgotoffthephonewithLeftyandthenHarold”Bythetimeshe’dexplainedabout theirfuturevisitors,shewantedtopoundthewalls.She’dreliedonWhittohelpherwiththetwooldmen.

“Christ.Wecan’tcatchabreak,canwe?I’dlovetohavebeenwithyoutogopickthemup,butI’llhavetoleave tomorrowifIwanttogettoMiamiintime MaybeIshouldjusttellthedoctoputmeinthenextbatchofpatients Mysighthas improved,especiallyinmylefteye.AndIdohavebettervisioninmyright.It’snotperfect,butIgetaroundfine.”

“Don’tyoudare I’llneverspeaktoyouagainifyoumissthisopportunity Besides,you’dneverforgiveyourself”

“Honey,I’mnotevensureifthey’llacceptmeinthetrial.WhatifheexaminesmeandsaysIwon’tbeadmitted?”

“Well,ifhedoes,atleastyou’llknowyoudideverythingyoucouldonyourend Look,Ifigurethetwooldieswill mostlikelyspendacoupleofweekshere.You’llprobablybebackintimetoseethem,right?”

“Idon’tknow.Hell,Idon’tknowanything.Butlisten,Clive’sherenow.I’mclosingthestoreforafewhoursand headingyourway We’llcleartheroadonthewayin,andwhileheplowstheparkingarea,we’llhaveabitoftimetogether beforeIhavetoheadback.”

Truetohisword,heshowedupanhourlater,andDemi’swholebodytingledwhenshesawhimaftersolong. Glenmethimatthedoor,andasWhittalkedwithhim,hiseyessoughthers,andtheirgazesmetandheld Hislookburneda holerightthroughherdefenses,andsheyearnedtobeabletorunintohisarmsandneverletgo.Onlyshynessandtheothertwo playingcardsatthetablestoppedheractingonherimpulses.

GlenwaiteduntilWhithaddevestedhimselfofhisouterwearandthenspoke “Demisaidyouwantmetotakeyou totheairporttomorrow?Goodthingtheweather’sclearingup.NorrieandLexiewillbebacktoo.”

“Yeah,it’sbestifyoukeepmybigtruckwiththeplowaroundhereratherthanhaveitsittingattheairport Especiallywithyourexpectedcompany.Youokaywiththat?”

“Ofcourse.Whateveryouwant.OkayifRudycomesalong?”Rudygavehimthethumbsupsignandgrinnedhappy withthenews.“He’sgettinghouseboundandneedstogetout.Plus,hisolderbrotherisarrivinginTerracetomorrow.Wecan hangoutandbringhimbackwithus,savehimrentingavehicle.Ifyoudon’tmind.”

“Noproblem”WhitwalkedtowhereDemisatinherchairwatchinghimlikeahawk “Anychanceforacupof coffee?”

Galvanized,shejumpeduponlytohavehimholdhershoulderstokeephersitting Heleaneddownandbrushed hislipsoverhers.“Notrightnow.ButClivewillbelookingforsomewhenhe’sfinishedplowing.”

Glenmovedtowardthesink.“I’llgetit,Demi.YoutalkwithWhit.”

Whitheldouthishandandwaiteduntilshetookit,thenguidedhertostandandfollowhimtothebedroom.“Come helpmepack.”

Oncehe’dshutthedoor,heturnedandgatheredherinhisarms “I’msorry,honey Ihopedtobeabletospendlots oftimewithyouafterNorrieandLexiegotback.Ireallywasintendingonexplainingabouttheappointment.Everythingisjust somixedupnow”

Histendervoice,likebalmtoawoundedspirit,madeherforgetallherpreviousangst,andshesimplynestledin lovingly,feelinghiswarmthandhisstrength Shebaskedinthesafenesshealwaysmadeherfeel Evenhispersonalsmell thatofamanwhosebeenoutinthefreshair,madeherclosehereyesandenjoyhisnearness.“Iwouldhavecomewithyou. Youknowthat.”

“Ido ButIunderstandhowmuchHaroldmeanstoyou Besides,I’mnotsurethedoctorwouldadviseyoutobe travelingthissoonafteryourownoperation.”

Shepulledawaytolookupathim “WhitakerHart don’tyoustartthatnonsensewithmetoo Everyonetreatsme likeI’mfragile,andtrustme,I’mnot.AssoonasLexiegetsback,she’spromisedtohelpmewithsomeexercisestostrengthen thosemusclesagain,andI’llsoonbeasgoodasnew,you’llsee”

Laughingnow,helookedintoherface.Heplacedhishandsonbothsidesofherhead,holdinghertheresohecould gazeintohereyes.“I’venodoubtwhatsoeverthatyou’llbestrongasahorse.”Thenherubbedhisnoseagainsthersbefore leaningintokissherforehead

Notsatisfied,Demireachedwithherlips,searchingforhis.Oncetheirmouthslinked,itwaspurecombustion. Theyeachstruggledforcontrolbutneitherhadthestrengthtodenywhatwassoobviouslyneededbyboth

Inseconds,they’dloosenedtheirclothing,wereagainstthewall,andhewasdeepinsideher.Holdingonwithher onegoodarm,shesunkintoeverykiss,everycaress,andasheplungedintoherbody,shekeptherlegswrappedaroundhis thighsandbaskedintheaching,breathtakingbuildupoftheirpassion.

Crushedbydesiresostrong,shecouldn’tbreathe.Instead,shesoftlymoanedherdelightwhilehedidthesame. Drenched,hungry,explosivelyclosetocompletion,shetightenedherinnerwallsandafterafewmorepenetrations,she pumpedhimdry.

Incrediblysensitized,theyheldeachotherinplaceforlongmomentswhilethespasmscontinued,andshudders slowlyebbed.Finally,weaknow,Whitloweredhercarefullyandleanedinsohecouldplacehisfacebyherneck.Groaning intoherear,hewhispered,“Ididn’thurtyou,didI?I’msorry,honey.Icouldn’tstop.Youjustlooksobeautiful.”

“I’mfine.Itwasgood,Whit.It’salwaysgoodwithyouandme.”

Aknockatthedoorsoundedabovethecountrymusicbeingplayedintheotherroom.Theybothstiffened.Glen spokeloudly “Clive’sherenow Saysyouhavetogetreadycausehehasanotherruntomakebeforetheendoftheday” Whit’svoicesoundedhoarseuntilhecoughedtocleartheafter-sexgrittinessfromhisthroat.“Justpacking.Be thereinaminute”

Whilehetalked,Demistraightenedherselfandwenttotheclosettogethisduffelbag.

Bythetimetheyjoinedtheothersforaquickcoffeebeforeleaving,WhithadgivenDemiextrakeysforhishouse andinstructionsoneverythingshe’dneedtoknowforthetwooldiestohaveagoodtime

“I’llbebackassoonaspossible,baby.Butwe’lltalkeveryday.Promisenottooverdothings.”

“Go”Shepointedatthedoor “Ipromise I’llbefine”

GlenandRudysqueezedintothebigrigwiththemastheydrovebackintotown,andforthefirsttimeinmany weeks,DemifoundherselfalonewithNitoandPearl andhermemoriesofwhathadhappened

Atfirst,allDemicouldthinkofwastheirlovemaking…theirpassionandhowitignitedsoquickly.Wouldshe evertireofseeingthatman?Ofbeingdrawntohismagic?

Completelyhonestwithherself,sheadmittedthatasmuchasshecravedhisbody,shecaredevenmoreforhowhe madeherfeelbyjustlookingather.

Sadnessflowed,andshehadnowayofcontrollingit

Onceagain,shehadn’ttoldWhithowmuchshelovedhim.

ChapterTen

Demienjoyedthedaysshehadalone,butassoonasNorrieandLexiereappeared,shewasmorethanreadyfor company.AbletodriveBlueintotownnowthattheroadhadbeencleared,andtherehadn’tbeenmoresnow,shedidhertown choresaswellascatchingupontheirnews

“Tellmeaboutyourtrip.”She’dtalkedNorrieintoleavingthestorewithhercasualworkersotheycouldsitand havelunchtogetheratthecafé “I’mgladEdnagotbackintimeforWhittoleave”

“Yeah,metoo.ShehadagoodvisitwithhersisterinVancouver,butsheneedssomeextrahours…saysshespent afortunewhileinthecity”

“Easytodo.”Demiunderstoodthatconcept.“Withherwantingmorehours,youcantakesometimetoyourself. WhataboutCharlie?Whittoldmeabouthim.How’sheworkingout?”

“Seemstobeokay He’sbeenontimeeverydayandstaysbusywithoutmeneedingtoscoldhim Strangething though,whenhefirstarrived,heaskedforhislist.Itoldhimhedidn’tneedone,buthesaidthatWhithadgivenhimalistof choreseveryday Somethingaboutifhecouldn’tunderstandit,thenhehadtoreadapagefromabookthatWhithadleftbythe till.ItoldhimI’dgetWhittoexplainittome,butforthatday,IcouldjusttellhimwhatIwantedhimtodo.Helookedkinda miserable.Iwasn’tsureifitwasbecauseWhithadleftandIwasback,orhemissednothavingtoread.I’llgettothebottom ofitwhenWhitreturnsmycall.Inthemeantime,doyouknowwhatit’sallabout?”

Deminodded.“Justabit.BesttalktoWhit,andhe’llexplainmore.Butthedayhe’dmadethosearrangementswith Charlie,hetoldmethatwhenhe’drealizedthatCharliedidn’treadverywell,he’dmadeadealwithhim Ifhecouldn’tmake outwhathe’dprintedonthedailylist,thenCharliehadtoreadhimawholepagefromabookhe’dgivenhim.Hehadacopy andgaveonetoCharlie Guesstheboygotintoit Whitsaidthatatfirsthe’dreadfromthebeginningpages,butWhitcouldsee he’dbeenreadingitathomeandwassoonreadingfromthemiddlesection.I’msureheleftitforyouatthestore.”

“I’lllookforit.”Norriechuckled,shakingherhead.“TypicalWhit.Theman’sageniusforgettingthroughto peoplewithoutthemknowinghewasplayingthem.LookatDuffy;Whit’sbeenbankrollingthemanforyears…givinghimall kindsofworkonpurposetokeepthegarageafloat.EvenmakessurethatthePremiereMineprojectsendsworkhisway.Same withMrs Libby Heeatstherealot,sendshisco-workerstotheplace,andpaysaportionofherrentsothebankonlycharges herhalf.Nowhe’smakingmelethimpayCharlie’swages…saidhe’dhiredhim,andhewouldtakecareoftheboy.”

“Ineverknewhewassuchaphilanthropist”Demi’sprideswelledforthemansheconsideredherboyfriend

Norrieeyedher,grinningatherobviouspleasureathearingaboutWhit’sgenerosity.“WhydoyouthinkIasked himtolookaftermystorewhenIwasstuckwithoutEdna?Icantrusthimimplicitly.He’ssteppedinothertimesandsavedmy baconafterMomdied OnceIactuallygottoseehowbadlyshe’dmishandledtheplace,itcouldhavecloseddownwithout Whit’sfinancialhelp.I’ddoanythingforthatman.”

“Me,too ButnowyouhaveLexieinyourlife Whatdidyoutwogetintowhileyouwereaway apartfromthe legalstuffthatmusthavebeendifficult?”

BythetimeNorriehadfinishedravingaboutwhatawonderfultimethey’dhad,Demifeltalotlighteraboutlifein general.Onceshe’dexplainedaboutHaroldandLefty’supcomingvisit,she’dbrightenedupconsiderably.

Makinguphermindtolookaheadandenjoywhatlifehadtooffer,shepromisedtocomeintotownfortheNew Year’sEvefestivitiesattheGlacierInn SheevenagreedtospendthenightwithNorriebeforeheadingtoTerracethenextday topickupHaroldandLefty.

DuringthenextdaywithGlensharinghistimebetweenthecabinandRudy’shouse,theyhadmorechancesthan evertogetcloser.Overamealofmeatloaf,gravy,mashedpotatoes,andthedeliciouscornonthecobshe’dfrozeninthefall, theysatandcaughtupwitheachother’slives

Demihadtoask,“WhathappenedwhenRudytoldhisbrothersaboutFred’spassing?”

“Youmeandidhetellthemhewasgay?”

“Thattoo”

“Ipromisedtostaywithhimwhileheadmittedhistruth.Iwantedtobethereasabackup.Butyouknowwhat,they werefine Tookthenewswell Frankadmittedhe’dguessed,andtheyoungerone,Brian,shookRudy’shandandsaidhewas gladtheoldmanhadn’tfoundout.That’swhenwetoldtheboyswhathappened.”

“Good.Ihopedyouwould.”

“Itwasn’teasy…butnecessary.BothofthoseguyshadtakentheirshareofbeatingsfromFred,dealingwithhis blackmoods.Neitherhadanylovefortheman.Accordingtothemboth,they’donlycomebackfortheirlittlebrother’ssake. Frank,whoownshisownplaceinKetchikan,wantednothingtodowithFred’sbusinesshere,butBrian’sbeenjoblessfor sometime.He’skindofalonerwithhisowndrinkingproblem.”

“Notsurprised”Demisighedwithsadness She’dseenthathappenalot She’dhearditreferredtoasthecircleof life–achildgrowingupwithanalcoholicparentthentakingupthesameviceasanadult.

“Yeah,meeither.AfterhearingFred’sstory,theybothhadmoresympathyforwhattheoldshithadgonethrough...

Brian’swords,notmine.WhenRudywillinglyofferedhimajobwiththepossibilityofworkinghiswaytohalf-owner,Brian begantocry.Likehecouldn’tbelieveanyonewouldbethatgoodtohim.HeactuallyaskedRudy,‘Inallseriousness,you’ddo thatforme?’

“IwassoproudofthewayRudyansweredhim.‘Ofcourse.Irememberthetimesyouhidmeandtookthebeatings alone You’reagoodman,Brian Aslongasyoucancontroltheboozing,wecanmakeitwork Let’ssayyougiveitatryand seehowthingspanout.’”

BythetimeGlenhadfinishedtellingDemihowitallwentdown,shehadtofightherownsorrow “Jesus,Glen I sawsomuchofthiskindofdysfunctionworkingatthecenter.Forsomecrazyreason,Ididn’tunderstandhowprevalentitis amongeverywalkoflife.Somanypeoplearehurtingandhavesocial,nevermindeconomicproblems.I’mgladyoutwoare healthynowandcanhelpBrian Let’shavethemovertomorrowforamealsoIcanmeetthem”

“They’dbethrilledtogetahomecookeddinner.I’llcalllaterandletthemknow.Now…whataboutyou?Howare youdoing?”

“Me?I’mfine.Why?”

“BecauseyoulookedshatteredwhenWhitleftwithoutyou”

“I’llmisshim.”ShesawthemockeryinGlen’sexpressionandadded,“Okay.So,Ihatedseeinghimleaveagain. ButyouknowIcouldn’tgo.NotwithHaroldandLeftycoming.”

“Whynot?They’rejustacoupleolddudesyoumetonceinVancouver”

“Ohno,Harold’smuchmorethanthattome.He’s…he’slikethedadIneverhad.”

Settlingin,pouringanothercupofcoffee,Glenreachedtofillherstoo Andthenspoke “Tellme” Andsoshedid.

ChapterEleven

Thenexttwodayswentbysoquickly,Demisworeshehadwhiplash.ItallstartedwhenatearfulNorriecalled her.“Canyoucomeintotown?Ineedyou.”

“Ofcourse,Ican What’sup?”Instantlyworried,Demididn’thesitate “RememberItoldyouaboutCharlie’smom,Beth?Howshedisappearsforafewnightssometimes?”

“Yep Notimpressed”

“Meneither.Butthistime,shegotback,wenttoworkattheInn,andtheyfigureshetooksomething…probably cocaine Hell,Idon’tknow Sherifffigureswhateveritwashadtobelacedwithfentanyl ThankGod,hewasinthebaratthe timeandgaveherashotofnaloxone.Theybroughthertotheclinic,butLexieisn’tsureshe’llmakeit.Saysthewoman’s abusedherbodyforyears.Charlie’swithdrawn,won’tsayanything.Justsitsbesideherandwaits.It’seerie.Idon’tknow whattodo”

Stomachsinkingwithsorrowfortheboy,shereplied,“Whyaskme?”

“RudytoldmeyouspoketoGlen aboutworkingwithkidsatacenterinPhoenix Saysyoumightknowhowto handleasituationlikethis.”

Demithoughtbacktothenightbeforewhenshe’dbrokenherruleandletGleninonherpast.“I’vehadsome experience.Justnotsureit’llhelpinthissituation.Thekiddoesn’tknowme.”

“True.ButheknowsWhit…hasaskedabouthimeveryday.Ihopethatsinceheknowsyoutwoareinvolved,he mightturntoyou”

Demididn’thaveitinhertorefuse.“Couldhappen.I’monmyway.”

Shequicklyputawaytheingredientsshe’dtakenouttobakebreadandheadedintotown Soon,shearrivedatthe storewhereNorriehadbeenwatchingforher.Enfoldedinahugehug,Norrie’stearfulgreetingmadeherstiffen.“What happened?”

“Lexiejustcalled.Bethdied.”

“Oh,no.I’msosorry.Where’sCharlie?”

“She’sbringinghimhereinafewminutes Didn’tknowwhatelsetodowiththekid”

“Right.Okay.Iguessyouwantmetotalktohim.”

“Wouldyou?It’slikehejustsuffersme AsmuchasI’vetriedtogetclose,it’sano-go God,IwishWhitwere herenow.”

“Me,too.He’sstillwaitingonhistestresults.Thenhe’llknowifthey’llaccepthimintothetrials.”Beforeshe finished,theybothsawLexiepullupinfrontofthestoreandwatchedCharliegetoutofthepassengerseat Headdownand handsinhisdirty,raggedcoatpockets,hestompedthroughthefallingsnowandfollowedLexieinside.

Signalingwithashakeofherheadthathestillwasn’ttalking,LexiesteppedtowardDemiandreachedforher hand.“Happytoseeyouhere.IwanttointroduceCharlie.”

Whenhehungback,shetookhisarmtopullhimforward,andadded,“Charlie,thisisDemiFedora She’sWhit’s lady,thewomanItoldyouabout.”

Suddeninterestsparkedinafacethathadwornonlyfear.Inthepast,she’dseenthatlookmanytimes.Terrorofthe unknownwasstillpreferredtothehorrormanyescapedfrom PoorCharliehadlosthismother Nothingcouldbeworsethan that.Well,otherthananempty,frighteningfuture.

Understandingthere’dbelimitations thatonecouldn’tdealwithCharlielikeanormalkid,shestayedoutofhis spaceandjustsaidthewordsthatmostothershadshiedawayfrom.

“I’msorryaboutyourmom,Charlie Norrietoldmeshepassedaway It’stough,Iknow Doyouhaveanyother familywecancall?”

“JustWhit.”Headdown,theboytalkedtothefloor.

Stunned,Demispokelouderthansheintended “Excuseme?Whitisyourfamily?”

“No.”Hegrumbledthenextwordssolowshehadtostraintohearthem.“There’snooneelseIknow.”Heshrank backbutthenthoughtbestofrunning Instead,hefacedDemi

“Mom…”hereheswallowedhardbeforecontinuing.“ImeanBethranawayfromherfolks.Idon’tknowanything aboutthem.Shenevertoldmeherrealname…justWelch.Saidshechoseitfromacanofgrapedrink.”

“Okay.Sowhereelsedidyoulive?”

“Wemovedaroundalot.ButonlyinAlaska.”

“Didshetellyouanythingelseaboutherself?”

“Nope.Istoppedasking.She’dgetmad.”

Lexiesteppedin “Charlie,wewanttohelpyou Canyouthinkofanyonewemightbeabletocallsotheycanlook afteryou?”

Stubbornnessappeared,andCharliecaughtDemi’seye,hisgreenshockersdrowning,yetglazedwithastrange

kindofpride.Inavoicegrowinglouder,hereiterated.“Itoldyou.Whit.He’smyfriend.”

Beforetheycouldcontinue,SheriffDawsondroveuptothestoreandjoinedtheminside.“Hey,Charlie.Ijust camefromyourroomoverthebar Where’stherestofyourbelongings?”

Charlielookedblank.“They’reallintheroom.Webroughteverythingwithus.”

“Jesus”Withhisheadturnedaside,Dawsonmutteredhisdisgust

NorriegesturedtoCharlie,“Whydon’tyougoandgrabapackageofwhateveryouliketoeatandadrink…letus talk?”

“Okay.ThenIcanshovelthesnowfromthismorning.”Hestrodeofftodoasrequested,andNorriewavedthe otherstofollowher.Onceawayfromtheboy’shearing,sheopenedherhandsinagestureoffrustration.“Nowwhatdowe do?”

AsDemifollowedbehindthem,herphonerang.GladtohearfromWhitandbeabletosharetheirdilemma,she answered Inaveryfewwords,sheexplainedaboutBethandCharlie

“Whit,whenweaskedhimifhehadanyfamily,hecouldonlynameyou…saidyouwerehisfriend.”

“He’sright Iamhisfriend Putmeonspeaker”

Doingasrequested,Demiheldthephoneoutsotheycouldallhear.“Dawson,whatdidyoufindsofar?”

“That’sjustit.There’snothing.ThegearIfoundintheroomtheysharedispitiful.Afewchangesofdirtyclothes, mostlyhers,andtoiletries Shedidn’thaveanyidentificationotherthanafakedriver’slicense AndCharlie’snohelp Sayshis momtoldhimshechangedhername,andhedoesn’tevenknowwhattherealoneis.FarasIcantell,theboy’sanorphan.”

Whitgroaned “Sonofabitch That’sashame He’sagoodkid”Therewasapause,andtheyallwatchedhimlook tothedistancebeforeturninghiseyesbacktothemandanswering.“Iwanttohelphim.CanyoukeephimthereuntilIgetback. Thenwecandecidewhattodo?”

“Sure.We’llfigureitout.Wanttotalktohim?Sofarhe’sshutdowntoeveryonebutDemi.”

Whitgrinned.“Whydoesn’tthatsurpriseme?”

Demiadded,“Ithinkit’sbecauseNorrietoldhimI’mwithyou,andthatseemedtomakeadifference Look,you wantmetotakehimtothecabinwithmeuntilyougetback?Glen’sbeenspendingmostofhistimewithRudyandtheboys,so there’sroom”

“Goodidea,thanks.Letmetalktohim.”

DemitookthephoneovertowhereCharliesatnibblingonsomecrackersandcheesewhileimmersedina paperbackthatlookedwell-read.Shehandedhimthephone.“It’sWhit.Hewantstotalktoyou.”

Facelightingup,CharlietookthecellinhisshakinghandandlethiseyeslifttoseeWhit.“Hi.”Hisvoice wobbledwithemotiontheyoungstercouldn’thide

“Hey,brat.Demitoldmeaboutyourmom.I’msodamnsorry,Charlie.Butdon’tworry.Ifit’sokaywithyou,Demi wantsyoutogoandstaywithheratthecabin TheoneItoldyouabout She’llkeepyouwithheruntilIgetback Thenwe’ll talk.”

“Youmeantheonewherethewolflives?”

“Yep Nito’saroundalot Nodoubtyou’llgettomeethim YougonnadoasIask?”

“Sure.Okay,Whit.Iwon’tdonuthin’bad.Ipromise.”

“Neverhadadoubt YoureadingthosechapterslikeIaskedyoutodo?”

“Everyoneofthem.”Charlieclearedhisthroatandadded,“Truthis,Ifinishedthebookandstartedreadingitfor thesecondtime”

“Hey.Goodjob.There’sabunchofreadingatthecabinforyoutochooseanotherstory.And,ifyoulikereadingso much,talktoDemi.Remember?Itoldyoushewritesbooks.”

Withinashorttime,Demifoundherselfwithagarbagebagfilledwithdirtyclothesandaforlorn, uncommunicativekidsittingbesideherinthetruck’sseat.

Shakingherhead,herthoughtsinatangle,shegroanedinwardly Anotherlostkid Wouldsheevergetawayfrom orphansandneedysouls?

UnderstandingthatCharliedidn’ttalkalot,shelethimbeuntiltheypulledupoutsideherhome.Oncethere,she parkedBlueandthenledCharlietothefrontdoor,tellinghimabouttheropeandwhytheyhadittiedbetweentheparkingarea andtheporch

“Youeverhavetouseit?”

“Yep Savedmylifenottoolongago Well,Nitodidwhenhegotmethisfar ThenIusedittoguidemetothefront door.Neverreallyunderstoodhowcoldfortybelowcouldbe.Frozemyfeetandhandsandpartsofmyface.Tookalongtime toheal.Freezing’snopicnicsoyouhavetobecareful,right?”

“Okay.”

Suddenly,Demiheardthewolfbeforeshesawhim.“Nito,stopgrowling.You’llscareCharlie.He’shavinga

toughdaysobegood.”

Theboypushedintoherspace,andshesuddenlyhadtheunexpectedurgetohughimevencloser. Hmm… strange.

“It’sfine,Charlie Nito’sjustbeingabrat You’reastrangerandhedoesn’tlikemebeingnearpeoplehedoesn’t know.Juststandstill,andhe’llcometoyou.”

Sureenough,thewolfprowledclosertoinvestigateandstoodinfrontofherandCharlie Shesawhisnose workingashesmelledtheair,almostlikehewassniffingtheboy’scharacter.Stepbyslowstepheapproached,majesticas hell,hishugeheadataproudangle

Demi,tryingtohelpCharlierelax,pulledhimtositbesideherontheporchsteps,knowingthatNitowouldfollow. Hedid,layinginfrontofthemasifonguard.

Thenshetoldthetaleofhowthecaninehadbeenshotnotthatlongago,andtheproofshowedinthescarstill noticeableonhisshoulder.

“Rightoverthere Thiswildanimaltackledacrazymanwithagunandsavedmylife”

“Whoa,true?He’sahero.”

“Yep He’smyhero Wannaknowasecret?”

“Sure.”

Demicouldseethatastheytalked,boththeboyandthewolfhadbeguntorelax.“I’vealwaysbeenterrifiedof dogs,hatedthemactually OnebitmewhenIwasakid,andInevergrewoutofthefearthatI’dbeattackedagain”

“Wereyou?”

“Sure ThislittlenutcasedidagoodjobofitwhenItriedtosavehislife”BythetimeDemihadtoldthestoryof heradventureswithNitointhefire,shecouldseeCharliehadbeguntoaccepther.

AsifthatmatteredtoNito,thewolfcamecloseenoughforCharlietotouchhim,pathim,andthenwenttothedoor, expectingtobeallowedinside.Jumpingup,Demiopenedthedoorandsureenough,Pearlsatontheotherside,mewingher dislikeofbeingkeptfromherbestfriend.

Astheanimalswenttowardsthebankedfire,DemishowedCharlietoGlen’sroom “Makeyourselfathome Don’tknowhowlongit’llbebeforeWhitreturns.Untilthen,you’llbeherewithNitoandme.Okay?”

Theboynodded Standingalone,hiseyeshuge,helookedterrified likehehadn’tafriendintheworld

OneofthehardestthingsforDemitodowastopushasideherowninsecurities.Hadn’tshebeenforcedtodothis atthecentermoretimesthanshewantedtoremember?Yet,whenitcametoneedykids,somethinginsideherreleasedthose impenetrablewalls.They’dopen,allowingthemtoseethesincerityofcaringshefeltforthem.

Approachingslowly,shekneltinfrontofCharlie.“Iknowyou’rescared,Charlie.Truthis,Igrewupasanorphan, spentmyearlyyearsasafosterkidinthesystem Justsoyouknow,youdon’thavetobeafraidwhenyou’rewithme Nobody’sgoingtohurtyou.Ipromise.”

Bravely,thekidnodded,refusingtospeak Yetthetightexpressiononhispalefacehadlightened Hebackedaway fromherfamiliarityandthrewhisplasticbagonthebed.“DoyouwantIshouldshoveltheporch?Iknowhowtoworkhard.”

Understandingtheirmomenthadpassed,sheansweredlightly.“Notrightnow.Ihavetwovisitorsarriving tomorrow,andI’verunoutofmyhomemadebread Icouldsureusesomehelpmakingabatch”

“YouwantIshouldhelp?”

“Yes,please”

“Icantry.”

“I’llshowyouhow”Sheledthewayintothekitchenarea “GoodthingIstillhavefourslicesleftforthehotbeef sandwicheswe’llbemakingforsupper.Oncethebread’sintheovenrising,I’llgetoursupperready,andyoumyfriendcan shoveltheporch.Deal?”

“Deal”HissatisfiedreactionmadeDemiunderstandshe’dhittherightnotewithCharlie Heneededtofeel needed.

Good Becausesheneededtohelp.