Christmas Weddings

*** Hi sChr i s t masEvePr opos al Ca r ol eMor t i me r CHAPTERONE ` J UST l e a vet hec of f e eont hes i de ,Dona l d,t ha nks . 'Ha wkc a l l e doutf r om hi s ba t hr oomt ohi sEngl i s hf a c t ot um,a f t e rhe ' dhe a r dt heot he rma nknoc konhi sbe dr oom doorbe f or ee nt e r i ng.' I ' l lbeouti nac oupl eofmi nut e s , 'hea dde d,a shec ont i nue dt o t owe l dr yhi sha i ra f t e rt a ki nghi smor ni ngs howe r ,note xpe c t i nga na ns we r ;Dona l d Ha r r i s onwa se f f i c i e nc ype r s oni f i e d,a ndHa wkc ongr a t ul a t e dhi ms e l fonc ea ga i nf o r ha vi ngf oundt hema nt e nye a r sa go. Hec ont i nue dhummi ngt ohi ms e l fa s ,dr a pi ngt het owe la bouthi ss houl de r s ,het ooka c oupl eofs e c ondst oc ont e mpl a t et hevi e wf r om hi sba t hr oom wi ndow,r e l i s hi ngt he bl a nke tofs now t ha ts we pta c r os st hewhol eoft hef oot hi l l st owa r dst heCa na di a n Roc ki e s ,whi c hhec oul ds e et owe r i ngma j e s t i c a l l yi nt hedi s t a nc e . Home .I twa sas t a r kc ont r a s tt ot hewa r mt hheha dl e f tbe hi ndi nLosAnge l e s

ye s t e r da y;he ' dbe e na bl et of e e lt hebi t i ngc ol da ss oona shes t e ppe douta tCa l ga r y a i r por tl a s tni ght .ButHa wkha ddr e s s e dwi t ht heCa na di a nwe a t he ri nmi nd,hi s s he e ps ki nj a c ke t ,f a de dde ni msa ndt heboot st ha tha ds e e me ds ooutofpl a c ei nLos Ange l e si de a lf ort her e f r e s hi ngc ol dne s st ha the ' dknownhewoul df i ndhe r e . Hei ns t a nt l yf e l tpa r toft hei mpe ndi ngf e s t i ves e a s onnowt ha theha dt hewe a t he rt o gowi t hi t .I twa sunt hi nka bl ef orhi mt oe ve nc ont e mpl a t es pe ndi ngChr i s t ma sa nywhe r e e l s ebuthe r e .Noma t t e rwhe r eh ewa si nt hewor l d,hea l wa ysf l e wba c kt owha tha d onc ebe e nt hef a mi l yhomef ort hehol i da ys . Hi spa r e nt snowl i ve di nFl or i da ,a st hewa r mt ht he r ewa smuc hki nde rt ot hea r t hr i t i s hi sf a t he rs uf f e r e da f t e rye a r sofwor ki ngont hel a nd.The ywoul da r r i vei nt hr e eda ys ' t i mea tt hef i vea c r e sa ndhous et ha twe r ea l lt ha tr e ma i ne doft hef a mi l yf a r m.Ha wk' s younge rs i s t e ra ndhe rhus ba nd—t hec i t ys l i c ke r woul df l yi nf r om Va nc ouve ra tt he we e ke nd,wi t ht he i rt woyoungc hi l dr e n. Nodoubtt hes c or e soff e ma l ef a nswhoa vi dl yf ol l owe dt hemovi ec a r e e rofJ os hua Ha wkl e ywoul df i ndhi sf a mi l yChr i s t ma sapr e t t yt a mea f f a i r ,pr oba bl yi ma gi ni nghi m i ns t e a dt obeons omeCa r i bbe a ni s l a nd,s oa ki ngupt hes unonagol de nbe a c ha n d dr i nki ngpi nac ol a da swi t haha l f na ke df e ma l ea thi ss i de ! Theha l f na ke df e ma l edi dn' tr oundha l fba d,butt her e s tofi tc oul dt a keahi ke . Het ur ne dt os t udyhi sr e f l e c t i oni nt hes l i ght l ys t e a me dupmi r r orove rt hes i nk, r ubbi ngt heda r ks t ubbl eonhi sc hi na shede ba t e dwhe t he rornott os ha ve .Hede c i de d not ;heha dt hr e emor eda ysbe f or et hepa r e nt sa r r i ve dt oj us twi nddowna ndr e l a xa f t e r a l lt her a z z ma t a z zt ha tha dgon ea l ongwi t ha t t e ndi nghi sl a t e s tmovi epr e mi e r el a s t we e ke nd,a ndnots ha vi ngwa spa r toft ha tpr oc e s s . Nodoubthi smot he rwoul dha ves omec omme ntt oma kea bouthi sl onge rha i r , t hough,hea c knowl e dge dr ue f ul l ya shel ooke da tt hedi s he ve l l e dda mpl ookst ha tr e s t e d ont hebr oa dwi dt hofhi ss houl de r s .Hewa sduet os t a r tf i l mi ngt hel onga wa i t e ds e que l t oThePi r at eKi ngne xtmont h,a ndha dgr ownhi sda r kha i ri npr e pa r a t i onf ort hepa r t . I ft he yc oul df i ndar e pl a c e me ntl e a di ngl a dy,t ha twa s .A f i vemont hspr e gn a nt f e ma l epi r a t ec a pt a i nwoul dn' te xa c t l yl ookr i ght ,a ndHa wk' ss c he dul ewa ss uc ht ha t f i l mi ngc oul dn' tbede l a ye dunt i la f t e rt heba by' sbi r t h. Oh,we l l —t ha twa st hedi r e c t orNi kPr i nc e ' spr obl e m,nothi s .Ha wks hr ugge d di s mi s s i ve l yt ohi ms e l fa shes t r ol l e dt hr ought ohi sbe dr oom. ` Dona l d,It hi nkImi ght —whot hehe l la r eyou? ' Ha wkr a s pe d.Hec a met oa na br upt ha l ti nt heba t hr oom door wa yt os t a r ea c r os st her oom a tt heyoungwoma ns t a ndi ngi n f r ontoft hewi ndowa nddr a wi ngba c khi sbe dr oomc ur t a i ns . The r ewa snomi s t a ki ngt ha ts hewa sawoma n.He rl ongr e dwa i s t l e ngt hha i rga ve t ha ta wa y,f l owi ngdownt hes l e nde r ne s sofhe rs pi nt hec ol ourofr i ppl i ngf i nea ga i ns ta bodyhuggi ngbl a c ks we a t e r . Bute ve nwi t houtt heha i ri twa si mpos s i bl enott or e c ogni s et ha tt het a i l ,l e ggyf i gur e be l onge dt oaf e ma l e .He rs ki pt i ghtbl a c kde ni mswe r edoi nge ve r yt hi ngt he yc oul dt o pr ovet hepoi nt ,Ha wks a wwi t haf r own. Att hes a met i mehekne wt he r es houl dn' tbeaf e ma l e —t a l la ndl e ggyorot he r wi s e — wi t hi ns e ve r a lmi l e sofhe r e ! Ros i eha dt ur ne da tt hef i r s tr oundoft heunmi s t a ka bl e ,s e xi l yhus kyvoi c eoft he a c t orJ os huaHa wkl e y,t a ki ngi nas ha r pbr e a t ha ss hef oundhe r s e l fga z i nguponhi s na ke dne s s .

J os huaHa wkl e y,t hi r t yf i veye a r sol d,t hemos ts ought a f t e rf i l ms t a ri nt hewor l df or ove rade c a de ,wa ss t a ndi ngi nf r ontofhe r —gor ge ous l y,gl or i ous l ya ndma gni f i c e nt l y na ke d! He rt hr oa tf r i tdr y,he rl i psa ndt onguenumb,a ss hec ont i nue dt os t a r ea thi m wi t h wi degr e e ne ye s . Sheha dne ve rbe e nt hes or toft e e na ge r —ha dne ve rbe e nal l owe dt obet hes or tof t e e na ge r ! —who' dhungpos t e r sofpopa ndf i l ms t a r sonhe rbe dr oomwa l l .Buti fs heha d, t hi sma nwoul dde f i ni t e l yha veha dpr i deofpos i t i on! J os huaHa wkl e y—ors i mpl yHa wkt ohi sf r i e nds —a tahe i ghtwe l love rs i xf e e t ,ha da bodyAdoni swoul dha vebe e ne nvi ousof :hi ss houl de r swe r ewi dea ndmus c ul a r ,a nd da r kha i rgr e wont hebr oa dne s sofhi sc he s ta nddownove rt hef l a t ne s sofhi ss t oma c ht o Wow. Ga s p. Whoa ! As udde nr us hofs a l i vamoi s t e ne dhe rt hr oa ta ndmout ha ss hef oundi ti mpos s i bl et o r e movehe rga z ef r omhi spe r f e c tma nhood. Asi fbe c omi nga wa r eoft hea vi dne s sofhe rga z e ,Ha wkmove doneha ndt oc a s ua l l y pul lt het owe lf r omhi ss houl de r sbe f or edr a pi nga ndf a s t e ni ngi ta bouthi swa i s t . Ros i ebl i nke d,a si fwa ki ngf r omas pe l l ,be f or edr a ggi nghe re ye sba c kupt ohi sf a c e . Col ourwa r me dhe rc he e ksa tt heknowi ngs mi l ec ur vi ngt hos es c ul pt ur e dl i psi naf a c e t ha tc oul dha ve —s houl dha vebe e nc a r ve dbyMi c he l a nge l o.Af a c edomi na t e dbyc oba l t bl uee ye sa boveal onga qui l i nen os e ,t ha tl a z i l ys mi l i ngmout ha ndt hes t r ongl ys qua r e d j a w.Longda r kha i r ,da mpa nddi s he ve l l e da f t e rhi ss howe r ,di da bs ol ut e l ynot hi ngt o di s pe lhi sa i rofma s c ul i nepe r f e c t i on,onl ya ddi ngt ohi sr ugge dne s s . ` Iha vea bs ol ut e l ynoi de ahowyougoti nhe r e , ' Ha wkbi touti mpa t i e nt l ya st hegi r l c ont i nue dt os t a r ea thi m unbl i nki ngl y.` ButIs e r i ous l ya dvi s eyout oge tyour s e l fout a ga i n! ' hea dde d,wi t hnoneoft het ol e r a nc eheus ua l l yf e l tt owa r dshi smor ee nt hus i a s t i c f e ma l ef a ns . Thi swa shi sbol t hol e ,da mni t ,a ndi ts houl dn' te ve nbepubl i cknowl e dge ,l e ta l one a c c e s s i bl et os omede s pe r a t ewoma nwhoha dgoti nhe r ebe c a us es hee i t he rwa nt e dt o s ha r ehi sbe dorus ear e l a t i ons hi pwi t hhi mt oa c qui r eamovi er ol e ! Howone a r t hha ds hegotpa s tDona l d? Thegi r l —f ors hewa snomo r et ha nt ha t ,Ha wkwa ss ur e ,de s pi t ehe rhe i ghta ndt he f ul l ne s sofhe rbr e a s t sa ndt hos ec ur va c e oushi ps —moi s t e ne dt hes e ns ua ls of t ne s sofhe r pout i ngl i ps . He re ye s ,be t we e nl us hda r kl a s he s ,we r eade e p,me s me r i s i nggr e e n,he rnos ewa s s ma l la ndpe r t ,a ndc ove r e dwi t has ma t t e r i ngoff r e c kl e sa ndhe rc hi nwa ss t ubbor nl y poi nt e di nahe a r t s ha pe df a c e .Anda l lofhe re l f i nbe a ut ywa ss ur r ounde dbyt ha tl ong f l a meofpr e Ra pha e l i t e s t yl eha i r . Ata nyot he rt i me ,Ha wkkne w,hewoul dha vef oundhe runt a me dbe a ut yf a s c i na t i ng. Butnotwhe ns heha di nva de dt hepr i va c yofhi shome .Notj us thi shome ,buth i s be dr oom,f orhe a ve n' ss a ke ! ` I fyoua r e n' toutofhe r ei nt womi nut e sI ' l lha venoc hoi c ebutt of or c i bl yr e move you, 'hewa r ne dhe rha r s hl y,a ndher a na ni mpa t i e ntha ndt hr oughhi st ous l e dha i r ,hi s pr e vi ousgoodhumourha vi ngc o mpl e t e l ye va por a t e d,t ober e pl a c e dbyi mpa t i e nta nge r a tt hi sgi r l ' si nt r us i on.

Shemoi s t e ne dhe rl i psas e c ondt i mebe f or es pe a ki ng,t hos egr e e ne ye shugea nd ha unt i ng.` I fyouwoul dj us tl e tmee xpl a i n,MrHa wkl e y—' He rvoi c ewa st hr oa t i l ys of t , he ra c c e ntdi s t i nc t l yEngl i s h. ` Ke e pyoure xpl a na t i ona ndj us tge toutofhe r e ! 'hec uti ni r r i t a bl y,hi sga z e na r r owi ngs udde nl ya shes a wt het r a ybe a r i ngac a f e t i è r ea ndc of f e ec upsont hebe ds i de t a bl e .Shemus tha vebr oughti ti nwi t hhe r .` Whe r e ' sDona l d? ' her a s pe ds us pi c i ous l y. ` Tha t ' swha tIwa st r yi ngt oe xpl a i n, ' Ros i ea ns we r e d,wi t hs omer e l i e f . ` Youwe r e ? ' Hi ss t a nc ewa sc ha l l e ngi ngnow,mus c l e sr i ppl i nga shef ol de dhi sa r ms a c r os shi sc he s t . Her e a l l ywa sa sgor ge ousa shel ooke dons c r e e n,Ros i ea c knowl e dge ds l i gh t l y br e a t hl e s s l y,a ndhi ss e mi na ke dn e s sma dehi mmor ei mme di a t e l ys oi nt hei nt i ma c ya nd pr i va c yofhi sbe dr oom. Buti twa sa l s opr e t t yobvi o usf r om J os huaHa wkl e y' sc omme nt st ha thewa si n c ompl e t ei gnor a nc eofwhos hewa sorwha ts hewa sdoi nghe r e .Tha tDona l dha dn' tt ol d hi se mp l oye rt ha ts hewa se ve ns t a yi nghe r e . J os huaHa wkl e y' sa ggr e s s i onwa sunde r s t a nda bl enow t ha ts her e a l i s e dheha d t houghts hewa sa ni nt r ude r —a no ve r e nt hus i a s t i cf e ma l ef a n? —i nhi shome . Shes hr ugge d.` My—e r —Idon' tknowi fyounot i c e d,butDona l dwa s n' ta ta l lwe l l ye s t e r da ywhe nhepi c ke dyouupf r om t hea i r por t . . . 'Shegr i ma c e da sHa wkga vea puz z l e ds ha keofhi she a d.` No?We l l ,t hi smor ni nghewokeups hi ve r i nga ndwi t hahi gh t e mpe r a t ur e .It hi nkhepr oba bl yha st hef l u, ' s hef i ni s he d. Thr e et hi ngsbe c a meobvi oust oHa wkf r omt ha ts t a t e me nt . Fi r s t ,t hi sgi r lkne we xa c t l ywhoDona l dwa s ,a nds owa s n' ta ni nt r ude ra ta l l . — Se c ond,s heha dc omea na br uptha l ta f t e rbe gi nni nghe rs t a t e me ntwi t h` My ' Andt hi r d,pe r ha pss hedi dn' tne e dt oc ompl e t ei t .Sheha dobvi ous l ybe e na r oundt o s e ewha tDona l dha dl ooke dl i kewhe nhewokeupt ha tmor ni ng. . .! CHAPTERTWO I N THEl i ghtoft hos er e a l i s a t i ons ,Ha wkr e e va l ua t e dt heyoungwoma ns t a ndi ng be s i dehi ss l e e pt ous l e dbe d. Shel ooke dva gue l yf a mi l i a rt ohi m—a si fhes houl dknowhe r . . .Whe r eha dhes e e n he rbe f or e ?Hekne wheha dne ve rme the r . Andobvi ous l ys hewa she r et os e eDona l d. . . Sheha dt obei nhe re a r l yt we nt i e s —butt he nDona l dwa sonl yi nhi se a r l yf or t i e s .A t we nt yye a rol da gedi f f e r e nc ewa s n' ta ni ns ur mount a bl eba r r i e r . Ha wkha dne ve rf oundt hene e dt odi s c us sDona l d' spr i va t el i f ewi t hhi m,buthe s uppos e dt ha thi sa s s i s t a ntmus tha veone .Hekne wt ha tt heol de rma nl i ke dt ol i s t e nt o c l a s s i c a lmus i c ,a ndt ha twhe nt he i rs c he dul ea l l owe dDona l dt ookof ft ogot ol i ve c onc e r t si nonepa r toft hewor l dora not he r . But ,de s pi t ehi sc ul t ur e dt a s t e s ,t he r ewa ss t i l lnodoubt i ngt ha tDona l d—e ve nwi t h hi spr e ma t ur e l ywhi t eha i r —wa ss t i l la na t t r a c t i veguy,a ndi npos s e s s i onofa l lno r ma l ma l ene e ds . Eve ns o,Dona l dc oul dha vewa r ne dHa wkt ha theha di nvi t e daf e ma l egue s tt os t a y whe nHa wkha dr e t ur ne dhomel a s tni ght .Dona l dha da r r i ve dt woda yse a r l i e r ,s ot ha the

c oul dpr e pa r ea ndwa r mt hef a r mhous ef orhi se mpl oye r ' sa r r i va l . Ha wk s c owl e d,f e e l i ng a ts ome t hi ng ofa di s a dva nt a ge now,a f t e rhi sf i r s t a s s ompt i onsa boutt hi sl a dy.` Doe sDona l dne e dt os e eadoc t or ? ' ' Id on' tt hi nks o. ' Ros i es hookhe rhe a d,s ome wha tr e l i e ve dt ha tHa wkwa s n' tpr obi ng f ori nt i ma t ede t a i l sofhe rr e l a t i on s hi pwi t hhi sl ongt e r me mpl oye e .` I ' vegi ve nhi ms ome me di c a t i ont obr i nghi st e mpe r a t ur edown,s ohepr oba bl yj us tne e dst ogoba c kt os l e e p f orawhi l e .Some t hi nghe ' sl oa t ht odowi t houts pe a ki ngt oyouf i r s t , 's hea dde d.The r e a s onf orDona l d' sur ge ntne e dwa sbe c omi ngobvi ousnowt ha ts hekne woft hi sma n' s i gnor a nc er e ga r di nghe ri de nt i t y. J os huaHa wkl e yga veat e r s enod.` I ' l lge tdr e s s e da ndc omes t r a i ghtt hr ough. ' ` I —ye s .I ' l lma kef r e s hc of f e e ,s ha l lI ? ' s hea s ke dwi t hagr i ma c e ,a ss hepi c ke dupt he unt ouc he dt r a ys heha dbr oughti ne a r l i e r . Ha wkf e l tabr a ndymi ghtbemor ebe ne f i c i a la f t e rt hej ol tofune xpe c t e dl yf i ndi ng t hi swo ma ni nhi sbe dr oom,buta si twa sonl yt e no' c l oc ki nt hemor n i ngc of f e ewoul d ha vet odo.` Tha twoul dbegr e a t , 'hea c c e pt e dbr i s kl y,t ur ni nga wa y,e a ge rt oputs ome c l ot he sons ot ha thec oul dgoa nds pe a kt oDona l d. Heponde r e dt het a c tt ha ti fDona l dha dr e l a t i ons hi ps ,t he nheha dne ve rbr oughta ny ofhi swome nhomewi t hhi mbe f or e .Buta tt hes a met i meHa wk ne c ogni s e di twa st hehol i da ys e a s on—at i mewhe ne ve r yonewa nt e dt obec l os et o s ome body. Whi c hme a nthewoul dpr oba bl yha vet oa c c e ptDona l d' sr e dha i r e da ndwi l dl y be a ut i f ulf r i e nds t a yi ngf orawhi l e . At houghthef ounds t r a nge l ydi s t ur bi ng. . . Thef r e s hc of f e eha dba r e l yf i ni s he dpe r c ol a t i ngwhe nJ os huaHa wkl e ye nt e r e dt he c os ywa r mt hoft heope npl a nki t c he n,wi t hi t sgr e e na ndwhi t et i l e sa ndoa kc a bi ne t s . ` Theme di c a t i ons e e mst oha ves e r ve di t spur pos e , 'hedr a wl e d,a sRos i et ur ne dt o gi vehi magua r de dl ook.` Dona l di sa l r e a dya s l e e p, ' hee l a bor a t e d.Whi c hme a nst ha ta ny e xpl a na t i onswi l lha vet oc omef r omyou, ' hef i ni s he ddr yl y,a ndhemove dt os i tonone oft hes t ool sa tt hebr e a kf a s tba r ,l ooki nga c r os sa the re nqui r i ngl y. Hewa sal i t t l el e s sove r whe l mi ngnowt ha thewa s we a r i ngana vybl ues we a t e r ,f a de dde ni msa nds c uf f e dc owboyboot s ,Ros i e a c knowl e dge d.Butonl yal i t t l e ;t heda r kgoodl ookst ha ts oc a pt i va t e dc i ne maa udi e nc e s , t ha the l dmi l l i onsofwome ni nh i st hr a l l ,we r enol e s sdi s t ur bi ngi nr e a l i t y,a ndt hel ong l e ngt hofhi sha i rwa sgi vi nghi mapi r a t i c a la ppe a r a nc e . Whi c hwa spr oba bl yt hei de a ,Ros i ea l l owe d,knowi nghewa sduet os t a r tf i l mi ngt he s e que lt ohi spr e vi ousmi l l i ondol l a rboxof f i c ehi tThePi r at eKi ngs omet i mei nt heNe w Ye a r . Shede l i be r a t e l yt ur ne da wa yf r om hi spi e r c i ngbl uega z et opourhi sc of f e ei nt oa wa i t i ngmug,pl a yi ngf ort i me ,notr e a l l ys ur ehowmuc hDona l dwoul dwa nthe rt ot e l l hi se mpl oye r .Thef a c tt ha tDona l dha dn' tt ol dHa wka nyt hi nga bouthe ra ta l lonl y i nc r e a s e dhe rr e l uc t a nc e ! ` Pouryour s e l fac upa ndj oi nme , 'Ha wki nvi t e dhus ki l y,onc es heha dpl a c e dt he s t e a mi ngmugofbl a c kc of f e eont hebr e a kf a s tba ri nf r ontofhi m,a l ongwi t hmi l ka nd s uga r . Af t e ra l l ,j us tbe c a us es hewa sDona l d' sf r i e ndi tdi dn' tme a ns heha dt owa i tonhi m.

Ha wkwa t c he dhe rt hr oughna r r owe dl i dsa ss her e l uc t a nt l yc ompl i e dwi t hhi s s ugge s t i on,t hemove me n t sofhe rgr a c e f ulha ndse c onomi c ,he rs l e nde rbodywi l l owy— a pa r tf r omt hepe r tf ul l ne s sofhe rbr e a s t sa st he yt hr us ta ga i ns the rs we a t e r . Fora l lt ha theha dbe e ns ur pr i s e dt of i ndhe rhe r e ,Ha wkc e r t a i nl yc oul dn' tf a ul t Dona l d' st a s t ei nwome n! Hewa i t e dunt i ls heha ds e a t e dhe r s e l font hes t ooloppos i t e ,he rga z enotqu i t e me e t i nghi s ,be f or es pe a ki nga ga i n.` Pe r ha pswes houl ds t a r twi t hyourna me ? ' hei nvi t e d mi l dl y. I ts houl dn' tha vebe e n adi f f i c ul tque s t i on,butne ve r t he l e s sHa wks e ns e dhe r he s i t a t i on,t hes l i ght l ys e a r c hi ngl ooks hega vehi mbe f or ea ns we r i ng. ` Ros i e , ' s hef i na l l yt ol dhi m,t hos egr a c e f ulha ndswr a ppe da r oundhe rc of f e emuga s i fdr a wi ngs t r e ngt hf r omi t swa r mt h. Ha wkke pthi se xpr e s s i onde l i be r a t e l ymi l d.` Ros i ewha t ? ' ` Look,MrHa wkl e y. ' Shel ooke dupa thi m,obvi ous l ys e r i ous l yunc omf or t a bl ewi t h hi sque s t i oni ng.` Ir e a l l yt hi nkyous houl dt a l kt omy—Dona l da boutt hi s . ' Aga i nHa wkhe a r dt ha the s i t a t i ona f t e r` my' . . . ` My' wha t ?Fr i e nd?Love r ?Wha t ? Ha wkf oundhi ms e l fwi t ha nove r whe l mi ngc ur i os i t yt oknow t hea ns we rt ot ha t que s t i on. Sohewa i t e d,knowi ngf r ome xpe r i e nc et ha ta ne xpe c t a nts i l e nc eonhi spa r twoul d e ve nt u a l l ybr i ngar e s pons e .Hedi dn' tha vet owa i tl ong. ` I fmybe i nghe r ei sa ni nc onve ni e nc e ,t he nyouonl yha vet os a ys oa ndI ' l ll e a ve , ' s hebe ga nf l us t e r e dl y. Butt heme r es ugge s t i onofhe rdoi nga nys uc ht hi ngs e e me dt oma kehe rc he e kspa l e a ndt hos ede e pgr e e ne ye sl ookha unt e d. . . Why?Ha wkwonde r e d.Wha twa st hi swoma nhi di ng,orr unni nga wa yf r om?Mor e t ot hep oi nt ,whyha ds hec hos e nDona l dt or unt o? Her e ga r de dhe rwi t hhoode de ye s .` I ' m nots a yi ngs o, 'hedr a wl e d.' I ' m me r e l y wonde r i ng.Ha veyoua ndDona l dknowne a c hot he rl ong? ' Ha ds hea ndDona l dknowne a c hot he rl ong?Ros i eponde r e d.Sur e l yt ha tde pe nde d onwha twa sme a ntbyk nowi nge a c hot he r ? ` A whi l e ,ye s , 's hef i na l l ya ns we r e dhus ki l y.Ha wknodde d.` Andyou' r ehe r et o s pe ndt hehol i da yswi t hhi m? ' ` Pos s i bl y. ' Aga i nhe ra ns we rwa snonc ommi t t a l . Onl yha vi nga r r i ve di nCa n a dahe r s e l fye s t e r da y,Ha wk' si mmi ne nta r r i va la nd Dona l d' se a r l yf l us ympt omsha dpr ove dadi s t r a c t i ont oa nyde e pc onve r s a t i ons he mi ghtha veha dwi t hDona l d,s oRos i eha dnoi de awha the rs hor tore ve nl ongt e r m pl a nswe r e .Noi de awhe t he rDona l dwoul de ve nwa nthe rt os t a ya nds pe ndt hehol i da ys wi t hhi m. Theonl yt hi ngt ha tha dc on s ume dhe rye s t e r da y,a ss he ' dt hr ownt hi ngsi nt oa s ui t c a s ei nr e a di ne s sf orhe rf l i gh t ,wa st het houghtoft hewhi t es a t i na ndl a c ewe ddi ng dr e s st ha thungonhe rwa r dr obedoor —ac ons t a ntr e mi nde rofj us twhys heha dt oge t a wa y.She ' dne e de dt ogos ome whe r ewhe r enoonewoul dt hi nkofl ooki ngf orhe r , hope f ul l ywhe r enoonewoul dr e c ogni s ehe re i t he r .J os huaHa wkl e yobvi ous l yha dn' t . . . Ros i eha dbe e npuz z l e d,af e wda ysbe f or e ,whe n,t a ki nghe rpa s s por tf r om t hebox whe r ehe rmot he rke pta l lt hef a mi l y' spa pe r s ,s he ' ds e e napi e c eofpa pe rt he r et oo,on

whi c hDona l d' st e l e phonenumbe rwa ss c r a wl e d.He rpuz z l e me ntha dt ur ne dt os hoc k whe nc ur i os i t yha dma dehe rc a l lt henumbe ra ndDona l dha da ns we r e d.Sheha d di s c ove r e di twa shi sc ur r e ntmobi l enumbe r ! Shedi dn' tknowwhi c hoft he mha dbe e nt hemor es ur pr i s e dt ohe a rt heot he r ' svoi c e , a l t houg hDona l dha dr e a di l ya gr e e dwhe ns he ' da s ke dhi mi fs hemi ghtf l youtt oCa na da t os e ehi m. Ha wkwa ss t i l lwa t c hi nghe rf r om be t we e nna r r owe dl i ds .` Youa r e n' tbe i ngve r y — f or t hc omi nga boutyourr e l a t i ons hi pwi t hDona l d, ' hef i na l l ymur mur e di mpa t i e nt l y. He rr e l a t i ons hi pwi t hDona l d?Di ds heha veone ?Shewa s n' ts ur ea nymor e .But pe r ha pst ha twa spa r tofwhys heha dc omehe r e —t of i ndout . . . ? Shes t r a i ght e ne d.` Ir e a l l yt hi nkyous houl dt a l kt ohi ma boutt hi s . ' Ha wks hr ugge dbr oa ds houl de r s .` Hei s n' tupt ot a l ki nga bouta nyt hi nga tt he mome nt . ' AndDona l dha dn' tbe e nye s t e r da y,a c t ua l l y,Ros i ea c c e pt e d.Dona l d' sf l us ympt oms we r eobvi ous l ywor s et oda y,whi c hwa sma ki ngt hi ss i t ua t i onmor edi f f i c ul tf orhe rt h a n i tne e de dt obe . I tha da l ls e e me ds os i mpl ewhe ns he ' da r r i ve dye s t e r da ya nddi s c ove r e dt ha tDona l d ha dhi sowns ui t eofr oomsove rt hega r a gea dj oi ni ngt hef a r mhous e .I twa sa n a r r a nge me ntt ha tme a ntJ os huaHa wkl e ydi dn' te ve nha vet obema dea wa r eofhe r pr e s e nc ei fDona l dde c i de dot he r wi s e . Butwa ki ngupt hi smor ni ngt of i ndDona l di nc a pa c i t a t e di nhi sbe dha dc ha nge da l l t ha t —e ve nmor es owhe nheha da s ke dhe rt ot a keJ os huaHa wkl e y' smor ni ngt r a yof c of f e eupt ohi se mpl oye r .Ar e qu e s tRos i eha dve r yr e l uc t a nt l ya gr e e dt owhe ni ts e e me d i twa st heonl ywa yt os t opDona l d' sgr owi nga gi t a t i on. Sher ous e dhe r s e l ft or e pl yt oHa wk' sc omme nt .` The nIs ugge s tyouwa i tunt i lhe ' s f e e l i ngbe t t e r . ' Ha wkf oundhi ms e l fbr i s t l i nga the rdi s mi s s i vet one .Hewa sbe i ngr e a s ona bl ea bout t hi s ,wa s n' the ?Cons i de r i ngheha df oundas t r a ngewoma nwa nd e r i nga r oundh i s be dr oomonl yas hor tt i mea go,her e a l l yt houghts o! Wha t —? ` Ha wk! 'A di s t r a ught ,t ous l e ha i r e da ndr obe c ove r e dDona l ds t a gge r e di nt ot he ki t c he n,t her a va ge soft hef l ue vi de nti nt hepa l e ne s sofhi sl i ne df a c e .` Ime a ntt ot e l l you—' Hel ooke da tt het wooft he ms e a t e da tt hebr e a kf a s t ba r .` Ij us tf e l ts oi l ll a s tni g ht t ha ta l lIwa nt e dt odowa sf a l li n t obe d—' Hega veaf r us t r a t e ds ha keofhi she a da she s wa ye ds l i ght l y.` IhopeRos i eha se xpl a i ne d? ' hea dde dwe a kl ya ss hes t oodup. Ha wk' smout ht wi s t e dr ue f ul l ya shea l s os t oodup.` Nots of a r ,no, 'hedr a wl e d r ue f ul l y.` ButI ' ml i vi ngi nhope , ' hea dde d,wi t hamoc ki nggl a nc ea the rf l us he df a c e . Dona l dl ooke da c r os sa the rd a z e dl y.` Youha ve n' tt ol dhi m. . . ? ' Tol dhi me xa c t l ywha t ?Andhowmuc h?Ros i ef r owne d. Thes i t ua t i onha df e l ts odi f f i c ul tl a s tni ght —t hegul fbe t we e nDona l da ndhe r s e l fs o wi det ha tt het wooft he mha dn' tha dapr ope rc ha nc et ot a l kye t ,l e ta l onei nvol veat hi r d pa r t y.Andt ha tt hi r dpa r t ywa sJ os huaHa wkl e y!A ma nwhol i ve di nt hel i me l i ght hi ms e l f ,whoonc ehekne whe rf ul lna memi ghta ddt woa ndt wot oge t he ra ndc omeup wi t ht hec or r e c ta ns we roff our !Thef e we rpe opl ewhokne w whos hewa s ,t hel e s s l i ke l i hoodt he r ewa sof — ' Ros i ei smyda ught e r ,Ha wk , 'Dona l dt ur ne dt ot e l lt heot he rma nbe f or es heha da

c ha nc et os t ophi m. Ha wk' sc oba l t bl uee ye swi de ne donhe ri nc r e dul ous l y,t e l l i ngRos i et ha tt hi swa st he l a s te xp l a na t i onhe ’ dha dbe e ne xpe c t i ng! CHAPTERTHREE DONALD' Sda ught e r . . . Whoe ve rHa wkha dt houghtt hi syoungwoma nmi ghtbe ,i tc e r t a i nl ywa s n' tt heot he r ma n' sd a ught e r ! Heha dn' te ve nknownDona l dha dbe e nma r r i e d,l e ta l onet ha theha dada ught e rof — wha t ? —t we nt yt wo,t we nt yt hr e e ? Butma ybeDona l dha dn' tbe e nma r r i e d.Ma ybet hi sgi r lwa st her e s ul tofabr i e f r e l a t i ons hi pa l lt hos eye a r sa go.Wha t e ve r —i tdi dn' tma kehe ra nyl e s st ha nDonal d' s daught e r . Ha wkha dne ve ronc ehe a r dDona l dme nt i onhe ri nt het e nye a r she ' dwor ke df orhi m, l e ta l ones e e nhe r ! Butha dDonal ds e e nhe rdur i ngt ha tt i me ?Ha wks uppos e dt ha themus tha vedone . Af t e ra l l ,hi se mpl oye eha dhol i da ys ,f r e et i me ,a ndhec e r t a i nl ydi dn' toweHa wka ny e xpl a na t i onsa bouthi spe r s ona ll i f e . Whe r eha dRos i es udde nl ya ppe a r e df r om?Be c a us ehewa spr e t t ys ur et ha tDon a l d ha dn' tknowns hewa sgoi ngt oj oi nt he mhe r ewhe nhe ' dc omea he a df r omLosAnge l e sa c oupl eofda ysa go.Mor et ot hepoi nt ,whyha ds hec ome . . . ?Ha wkf e l tal i t t l eda z e d. ` Pe r ha pswes houl dge tyouba c kt obe d, 'hemur mur e d,a sDona l dc oughe dpa i nf ul l y. ` Ros i ec a nt e l lmea nyt hi nge l s eIne e dt oknow, 'hec onc l ude d,wi t hana r r owe ye d gl a nc ei nhe rdi r e c t i on. ButRos i eha dnoi nt e nt i onoft e l l i nghi ma nyt hi ngmor et ha ns hea bs ol ut e l yha dt o! Ha wk' ss ur pr i s ea tdi s c ove r i ngs hewa sa c t ua l l yDona l d' sda ught e r ,r a t he rt ha nt he l ove rheha dc l e a r l ya s s ume dhe rt obe ,ha dbe e npr e t t yobvi ous .But ,i fa nyt hi ng,he l ooke dmor edi s a ppr ovi ngoft het r uee xpl a na t i onoft he i rr e l a t i ons hi pt ha nheha dofhi s pr e vi ousa s s umpt i on! Shes hr ugge dof ft hemovi es t a r ' sdi s a ppr ova li mpa t i e nt l y.He rf a t he rmi ghtwor kf or Ha wk,a nda ss uc howehi ms omes or tofe xpl a na t i ona st owhys hewa she r e ,butt ha t di dn' tme a nRos i ewa sa ns we r a bl et ohi mt oo. Note ve ni fs hewa st obeat e mpor a r ygue s ti nhi shome ? No,note ve nt he n,s hede c i de ds t ubbor nl y. ' Le t ' sgoa ndf i ni s hourc of f e e , 'Ha wks ugge s t e d,s of t l ybutf i r ml y,a st he ys e t t l e d Dona l dba c ki nhi sbe d.Thee f f or tofc omi ngdowns t a i r ss e e me dt oha vet i r e doutt he f a c t ot um,a ndhel a yba c ke xha us t e da ga i ns tt hepi l l ows . Woul dyoul i kemet os t a ya ndma keyous omet e a ? ' Ros i eof f e r e dge nt l y,a tt hes a me t i mepoi nt e dl yi gnor i ngHa wk.` Orbr i ngyouagl a s sofc oolj ui c e ? ' Dona l dga veawe a ks mi l e .` No,I —I ' l lbef i ne .Yougoa ndt a l kt oHa wk, 'he e nc our a ge dhus ki l y. Notwha ts hewa nt e dt odoa ta l l ,Ros i er e f l e c t e d,a ss het ur ne da ndpr e c e de dHa wk f r om t hef l a ta ndba c kdownt hes t a i r st ot heki t c he ni nt hema i nhous e ,a l lt het i me t hi nki n gofwha ts hea c t ua l l yne e de d,hadt ot e l l ,t hi sdi s t ur bi ngl ya t t r a c t i vema n.

Nott ha tmuc h,r e a l l y,s hed e c i de d.Theba r ebone soft het r ut hs houl ddoi t .She ha dn' tha dac ha nc et ot e l lhe rf a t he re ve r yt hi ngye s t e r da y,a bouthe rr e a s onsf orbe i ng he r e ,a ndt he r ewa snone e dt ot e l lHa wke i t he r . ` Ha veyouf i ni s he dde c i di nghowmuc hIne e dt oknow? 'Ha wkpr obe dwr yl yonc e t he ywe r es e a t e dba c ka tt hebr e a kf a s tba r ,knowi ngbyt hewa yhe rc he e ksbe c a me f l us he dt ha theha ds c or e dadi r e c thi twi t hhi sque s t i on. Sher a i s e dhe rpoi nt e dc hi nde f e ns i ve l y.` Myf a t he rha sa l r e a dyt ol dyoua l lt he r ei st o know,MrHa wkl e y—' ` Ha wk, ' heputi nf i r ml y,e l bowsr e s t i ngont hebr e a kf a s tba ra shes t udi e dhe ra c r os s i t swi dt h.` Some how Idon' tt hi nkt ha t ' st r ue ,Ros i e , 'hepe r s i s t e d.` Fori ns t a nc e ,t he gl a r i ng l yobvi oust hi ngDona l dha s n' tt ol dmei swhyIdi dn' tknow ofyoure xi s t e nc e unt i lt oda y! ' Aubur nbr owsr os eove rhe rc oolgr e e ne ye s .` Pe r ha pshedi dn' tc ons i de ri ta nyof yourbus i ne s s , ' s hedi s mi s s e d. Ha wkwa ss t a r t i ngt of e e ls e r i ous l yi r r i t a t e dbyt hi swoma n' sde l i be r a t er ude ne s s .She c e r t a i nl yha dn' tl ooke ds oc oole a r l i e r ,whe nheha ds t r ol l e doutoft heba t hr oom s t a r k na ke d! I fhewe r ehone s t ,heha dn' tf e l tt ha tc oolhi ms e l fwhe nhe ' df i r s tbe c a mea wa r eofhe r i nhi sbe dr oom—t het e l l t a l es t i r r i ngofhi sbodyha dbe e npr oofoft ha t !Hes t udi e dhe r c l os e l ynow,not i ngt hegol de nr i ngc i r c l i ngt hegr e e nofhe re ye s ,ma ki ngt he ma ppe a r a l mos tl umi nous ,a ndt hef r e c kl e st ha tc ove r e dhe rpos e ,ma ki nghi mwonde ri fs heha d f r e c kl e sa nywhe r ee l s e .Andwha ti twoul df e e ll i ket oki s se ve r yoneoft he m. . . Hes t r a i ght e ne d,i mpa t i e ntwi t hhi sownwa nde r i ngt hought s .Hewa s n' ti nvol ve di na r e l a t i ons hi pwi t ha nyonea tt hemome nt ,butheha donl yl e f tLosAnge l e sye s t e r da y—t he l a ndofpl e nt ywhe ni tc a met obe a ut i f ula va i l a bl ewome n.Fi ndi nghi ms e l fa t t r a c t e dt o Ros i eHa r r i s on,whot ookt hephr a s e` woma nofmys t e r y't oawhol ene wl e ve l ,wa sa c ompl i c a t i onhec e r t a i nl ydi dn' tne e d.Nowora ta nyot he rt i me . ` Ar eyouhe r et os pe ndChr i s t ma swi t hDona l d? 'hee nqui r e dt e r s e l y,t het houghtof Ros i es ha r i ngt hef l a tove rt hega r a gewi t hDona l ddur i ngt hehol i da ysr obbi nghi m of s omeofhi sc ont e nt me nta tt hec ont e mpl a t i onofaqui e tf a mi l yChr i s t ma s . ` Tha tha s n' tbe e nde c i de dye t , ' s hea ns we r e dnonc ommi t t a l l y. Shebr oughtawhol ene wdi me ns i ont ot ha ts a yi nga boutge t t i ngbl oodoutofas t one t oo,Ha wka c knowl e dge di mpa t i e nt l y,de c i di ngheha dha de noughoft hi sve r ba lf e nc i n g f oronemor ni ng. ` Al t hought hef a c tt ha the ' sobvi ous l yi l ldoe sr a t he rc ha n get hi ngs ,doe s n' ti t ? ' Ros i e s udde nl yopi ne d.Ha wke ye dhe rwa r i l y.` I tdoe s ? ' We l l ,ofc our s ei tdoe s , 's hec a meba c kwa s pi s hl y.` Apa r tf r om t hef a c tt ha the ' si l l a ndwi l lne e dl ooki nga f t e r ,he ' sobvi ous l ya l s ouna bl et owor k.AsIunde r s t a ndi t ,you ' r e e xpe c t i ngt her e s tofyourf a mi l yt ode s c e ndonyoui nt hene xtf e wda ys . . . ? ' ` Ye s . . . ' Ha wkc onf i r me d,wa r i ne s si nhi sownt onenow. ` AndDon—myf a t he r , ' s hec or r e c t e da wkwa r dl y,` wa ss uppos e dt os hopf orf ood,put upt hede c or a t i onsa ndt hi ngs ? ' ` Ye s . 'Ha wknodde d,ve r ya wa r eoft hef a c tt ha ts hes e e me dt obeha vi ngdi f f i c ul t y a c t ua l l yc a l l i ngDona l dhe rf a t he r . Da mni t ,whydi dDona l dha v et oge tt hef l unow?Be c a us eHa wkwa spr e t t ys ur ehe wa sgoi ngt oha vet owa i tunt i lhi sa s s i s t a ntwa sbe t t e rbe f or ehegota nyhe l pf ula ns we r s

t ohi sque s t i ons ! Noma t t e rhowmuc hs hewa sde t e r mi ne dnott oa ns we rHa wk' sque s t i ons ,Ros i ewa s a l s oa wa r et ha ti fhec hos et ot e l lDona l ds hec oul dn' ts t a yonhe r ehe rf a t he rwoul dha ve noc hoi c ebutt oa s khe rt ol e a v e .Andt het r ut hwa s ,a tt hi smome nti nt i me ,s hedi dn' t ha vea nywhe r ee l s et ogot o. . . I nt hec i r c ums t a nc e s ,i twa s n' ti nhe rbe s ti nt e r e s t subec ompl e t e l yunc oope r a t i ve . . . ' We l l ,Ic oul ddot hos et hi ngsf oryoui ns t e a d—i fyouwoul dl i kemet o, ' s heof f e r e d l i ght l y.` I fyou' l lj us tpoi ntmei nt hedi r e c t i onoft hene a r e s ts upe r ma r ke ta ndt e l lme whe r eyouke e pt heChr i s t ma sde c or a t i ons . . . ? ' s hepr ompt e d,a tHa wk' sl a c kofar e s pons e t ohe rof f e r . Her a i s e dda r kbr owsove rmoc ki ngbl uee ye s ,as l i ght l yde r i s i ves mi l ec ur vi ngt he s c ul pt ur e dmout ht ha twa ss e ts oa r r oga nt l yi nhi sr ugge dl yha nds omef a c e .Ros i e ' sp ul s e f l ut t e r e ds l i ght l ya ss hewa sonc ea ga i nf or c i bl yr e mi nde dofe xa c t l ywhot hi sma nwa s . Onl yawoma nwhowa sde a f ,bl i ndort ot a l l yi ns e ns i t i vet obl a t a nts e xi ne s sc oul d f a i lnott ot r e mbl es l i ght l ywi t ha wa r e ne s si nhi spr e s e nc e . Buts hewa sawoma nr unni n ga wa yf r omhe rwe ddi ngda y,f r omama ns hene i t he r l ove dnorwa nt e dt oma r r y,whi c hs houl dha vema dehe rt ot a l l yi mmunet ot hea t t r a c t i ons ofa nyot he rme mbe roft heoppos i t es e x. Buti tdi dn' t . . . Shet r i e dt obr e a khe rga z ea wa yf r om t hec ompe l l i ngbl ueofHa wk' se ye s .And f a i l e d.I ns t e a ds hef e l ta si fs hewe r edr owni ngi nt he i rda r kde pt hs ,a si fs hewe r et r yi ng t os wi ma ga i ns tt het i de ,a ndt h ee f f or tt or e s i s tr e nde r e dhe rs l i ght l ybr e a t hl e s sa nd t r e mbl i ng. Thi swoul dn' tdo,s het ol dhe r s e l ff i r ml y.J os huaHa wkl e ymi ghtbeoneoft hemos t da nge r ous l ya t t r a c t i veme ns heha de ve rme t ,buthewa sa l s ohe rf a t he r ' se mpl oye r —he r f a t he r ' sove r c ur i ouse mpl oye r !Shewoul dbewi s et oke e pt ha ti nmi nd. I tt ooks omee f f or t ,buts hef i na l l yma na ge dt odr a ghe rga z ea wa yf r omhi s ,s t a r i nga t apoi n ts ome whe r eove rHa wk' sl e f ts houl de r .` Unl e s syouwoul dpr e f e rt odot hos e t hi ngsyour s e l f —? ' ' He l l ,no!Youf e e lf r e et oc a r r yon,i ft ha t ' swha tyouwa ntt odo, 'hebi touta she s t oodup. Ros i es i ghe d.` Ime r e l yof f e r e dbe c a us eI 'm s ur emyf a t he rwoul de xpe c ti t , 's he e xpl a i ne d. ` I ' vea l r e a dys a i di t ' sf i ne ,Ros i e , 'Ha wkdr a wl e d.` Is t i l lha vet os hopf orgi f t s , a nywa y.Onemor et oa ddt ot hel i s tnow, ' hea dde dpoi nt e dl y. Ros i ega vehi mas t a r t l e dgl a nc e .Sur e l yhedi dn' tme a nhe r . . . ? ` Pl e a s edon' tbot he ronmya c c ount , ' s het ol dhi mha s t i l y. She ' dbr oughts omec a s hwi t hhe r ,whi c hs heha dc ha nge di nt oCa na di a ndol l a r sa t t hea i r por t ,butt hos ef undswe r el i mi t e d,a ndc e r t a i nl ywoul dn' tl a s tve r yl ongi fs heha d t ogoouta ndbuyChr i s t ma spr e s e nt sf orJ os huaHa wkl e ya ndhi sf a mi l y.She ' dha dno c hoi c ebutt ous ehe rc r e di tc a r dwhe ns hebooke dhe ra i rt i c ke t ,butwa sl oa t ht ous ei t now.Ca na dawa sabi gc ount r y,butpa yi ngwi t hhe rc r e di tc a r dwoul dc e r t a i nl ygi ve a wa yhe rl oc a t i ont oa nyoneunpr i nc i pl e de nough—de t e r mi ne de nought ous et ha tme t h o d t ot r a c khe rdown. He rc a ut i onwoul dpr oba bl ys e e mal i t t l edr a ma t i ct oa nyonee l s e ,buts heha dc ome t oknowonl yt oowe l lt her ut hl e s s ne s sofhe rpur s ue r . . .

I nt hel a s tf e w mi nut e sHa wkha dwa t c he da l lt hedi f f e r e nte mot i onsa st he y' d f l i c ke r e da c r os st hebe a ut yofRos i e ' sf a c e .Emot i onst oof l e e t i ngf orhi mt obea bl et o f ul l yc ompr e he nd.Butheha dr e gi s t e r e dhe rs l i ghtpa ni ca thi sme nt i onofbuyi ng Chr i s t ma spr e s e nt s .Wha twa st hi swoma nhi di ng?Ha wkwonde r e df r owni ngl y,a she c ont i nue dt owa t c hhe ra nxi ousf e a t ur e s . Be c a us ehewa spr e t t ys ur ef r omt hewa ys hea voi de da ns we r i nghi sdi r e c tque s t i ons t ha ts hewa shi di ngs ome t hi ng. . . CHAPTERFOUR ' I ’ l ldr i veyout ot hema i l ,i fyoul i ke , ' Ha wkt ol dhe rbr i s kl y.` Youc a ns hopf orf ood whi l eIgoof fi ns e a r c hofgi f t sf ormyf a mi l y. ' Eve na shema det hes ugge s t i onhec oul d s e et ha ti tdi dn' ts i tt oowe l lwi t hRos i eHa r r i s on.He rs l e nde rha ndst r e mbl e ds l i ght l ya s s hec ol l e c t e dupt he i re mpt yc of f e emugsa ndputt he mi nt hedi s hwa s he r . Atl e a s thet houghti twa shi ss ugge s t i ont ha twa sma ki nghe rt r e mbl e . . . I twa sdi f f i c ul tt ot e l lwha ts hewa st hi nki ngorf e e l i ngwhe ns hec ont i nue dt oa v oi d hi sga z e ! Shes hookhe rhe a d.` Idon' tt hi nkmyf a t he rwoul da ppr oveofmyput t i ngyout oa ny t r oubl eonmybe ha l f —' ' I ti s n' tonyourbe ha l fi fyou' r egoi ngt obes hoppi ngf orf oodf ormyf a mi l y, ' Ha wk r e a s one d.` Be s i de s ,I ' m goi ngi n t oCa l ga r ya nywa y, 'hea dde df i r ml y,f e e l i ngas udde n de t e r mi na t i on,nowt ha thec oul ds e ehe rr e l uc t a nc e ,t oLa kehe rwi t hhi m. Howc ont r a r ywa st ha t ? Ve r y,Ha wka c knowl e dge dr u e f ul l y.Buta f t e rye a r sofbe i ngapubl i cf i gur e ,ofbe i ng pur s ue dbys omeoft hemos tbe a ut i f ulwome ni nt hewor l d,i twa ss ome t hi ngofanove l t y t of i ndawoma nwhowa ss oobvi ous l yr e l uc t a ntt os pe nda nymor et i mei nhi sc ompa ny t ha ns heha dt o. Tha twa s n' tc onc e i tonhi spa r te i t he r ,onl yf a c t ;hi spl a c eont heHol l ywoodAl i s t ma dehi ma ne a s y—a ndpos s i bl yus e f ul —t a r ge tf ora nywoma nwhowa st r yi ngt oma ke i ti nt hemovi ebus i ne s s . Be s i de s ,hemi ghtbea bl et oge tRos i eHa r r i s ont oope nupal i t t l emor ea bouthe r s e l f i fhes pe nts omemor et i mewi t hhe r . . . Shega vea not he rs ma l ls ha keofhe rhe a d,he rgl or i ousr e dha i rs hi mme r i ngl i kea l i vi ngf l a mea ss hedi ds o.` Idon' tt hi nki t ' sagoodi de at oj us tl e a vemyf a t he ronhi sown whe nhei s n' twe l l . ' Cons i de r i ngDona l dha dn' tbe e nwe l ls e ve r a lt i me sdur i ngt hel a s tt e nye a r s —whe t he r wi t hot he rbout soff l uors t oma c hups e t s —a ndha dma na ge dpr e t t ywe l lwi t houtt he a t t e nda nc eofhi sda ught e r , -Ha wkdi dn' tt hi nkhe rbe i nghe r et hi st i mewa sgoi ngt obeof a nyr e l e va nc et ot heot he rma n' swe l l be i ngorr e c ove r y! ' Li k ea l lme n,Iknowf oraf a c tt ha tDona l dpr e f e r st obeonhi sownwhe nhei s n' t f e e l i ngwe l l , ' Ha wka s s ur e dhe r .` ButI ' l lgoupa ndc he c konhi mwhi l eyouge tr e a dy — e xpl a i nwha t ' sha ppe ni ngi fhe ' sa wa ke ,i ft ha tma ke syouf e e lha ppi e ra boutgoi ng, 'he a s s ur e dhe r . Ros i ewa s n' tf ool e dbyHa wk ' sl a z i l yr e l a xe dt onef oramome nt .Shekne wbyt he l ookofde t e r mi na t i ononhi sf a c et ha thewa s n' ta boutt oa c c e pta nyofhe ra r gume nt s

a ga i ns tgoi ngt oCa l ga r ywi t hhi m.Muc hbe t t e rt oj us tgi vei ngr a c e f ul l y. ` I ' l lonl ybef i vemi nut e s , ' s het ol dhi mr e l uc t a nt l y.` Wha t ? ' s hepr ompt e d,whe ns he s a whi ss c e pt i c a le xpr e s s i on. ` I fyoudoonl yt a kef i vemi nu t e st oge tr e a dyt ogoout ,t he nyou' l lbet hef i r s twoma n ofmya c qua i nt a nc et odos o! ' hee xpl a i ne dwr yl y. Ros i ega vehi mana r r owe ye dgl a r e .` Ic a nonl ya s s umet ha tmus tbeduet ot het y pe ofwoma nyou' r ea c qua i nt e dwi t h ! ' ` You' r epr oba bl yr i ght ! ' Appr e c i a t i vel a ught e rgl i nt e di nhi sde e pbl uee ye sa shega ve agr i n,hi st e e t hwhi t ea nde ve na ga i ns thi st a nne ds ki n.` I ' 11goupa nds e eDona l di na c oupl eofmi nut e s , ' hec onf i r me d,hi sga z es l i ght l ymoc ki ng. Sheha dn' tt a ke nt hec ompl i c a t i onoft hi sda nge r ous l ya t t r a c t i vema n' spr e s e nc ehe r e i nt oa c c ountwhe ns he ' da r r a nge dt oc omet oCa na das os udde nl y,Ros i ea c knowl e dge dt o he r s e l fa ss hehur r i e df r omt heki t c he nupt ohe rf a t he r ' sf l a t .I fs heha dt houghta bouti ta t a l l ,s he ' dha vebe l i e ve dt hea c t orwoul dbet oobus ywi t hhi sownf a mi l yt oe ve nnot i c e he r .Andi fhe rf a t he rha dn' tbe c omes udde nl yi l l ,t he nhepr oba bl ywoul dn' tha vedone . Al lofwhi c hma dea bs ol ut e l ynodi f f e r e nc et ot hef a c tt ha thehadnot i c e dhe r ,a nd t ha ts hewa sa boutt oa c c ompa nyhi mi nt oCa l ga r yi nor de rt odohi sgr oc e r ys hoppi ngf or hi m! Wha twoul ds heha vebe e ndoi ngi fs hewe r ei nEngl a ndnow? Cons i de r i ng t het i medi f f e r e nc e ,s hewoul d mos tpr oba bl y ha vebe e ni n be d. Al t houghs hedoubt e dve r ymuc ht ha ts hewoul dha vebe e na s l e e p.Sl e e ps e e me dt obe s ome t h i ngt ha tha de l ude dhe rmor ea ndmor ea she rwe ddi ngda yha da ppr oa c he da nd s he ' dr e a l i s e dwha tami s t a kes hewa sma ki ng. Buti twa sami s t a kes heha dnowdones ome t hi nga bout ,s her e mi nde dhe r s e l ff i r ml y. Be f or ei tha dbe e nt ool a t e . I nf a c t ,now t ha ts het houghta bouti t ,s hedi dn' te ve nwa ntt oc ont e mpl a t ewha t woul dbeha ppe ni ngnowi fs hewe r es t i l li nt heUK! Shewa sgoi ngt ot a keoneda ya tat i me ,de a lwi t honepr obl e ma tat i me —a ndwha t s heha dt oc onc e nt r a t eonr i ghtnowwa sge t t i ngr e a dyi nt hef i vemi nut e ss heha da s s ur e d Ha wkt ha ts hewoul dt a ke ! ` I ' mi mpr e s s e d, ' Ha wka nnounc e d,a sRos i ehur r i e ddownt hes t a i r st oj oi nhi ma tt he f r ontdoors t i l lwi t ht e ns e c ondso ft hea l l ot t e df i vemi nut e st os pa r e ! Hewa sal i t t l edi s a ppoi nt e dt ha tt hewi l df l a meofhe rha i rwa shi dde nunde rt he bl a c kwool l e nha ts heha dpul l e donove rhe re a r s .Shewa swe a r i ngabl a c kBoa tt oo, whi c hr e a c he df r omhe rne c kt oh e rboot e d f e e t .Onl yt hel i ve l ybe a ut yofhe rf a c e ,domi na t e dbyt hos ec ha l l e ngi nggr e e ne ye s , ga vec ol ourt ohe ra ppe a r a nc e . He l ooke d down a the ra s s e s s i ngl y.` You s houl dn' twe a r bl a c k, 'he s a i d di s a ppr ovi ngl y.' i tdr a i nsa l lt hec ol ourf r omyourf a c e . ' Col our —a ngr yc ol our —he i ght e ne dt hepa l e ne s sofhe rc he e ks .Whe nIwa ntyour opi ni on,I ' l la s kf ori t ! ' s hes na ppe d,be f or epr e c e di nghi moutoft hedoorhewa shol di ng ope nf o rhe r ,mor ea nnoye dwi t ht hef a c tt ha ts hekne whewa sr i ghtt ha nwi t hhi sa c t ua l c omme nt . Buta l mos te ve r yi t e m ofc l ot hi ngs heowne dwa sbl a c k,s ohewa sgoi ngt obe di s a ppoi nt e di fhee xpe c t e dhi sc r i t i c i s mt oe l i c i ta nyc ha ngei nhe rwa r dr obe ! Shedr e wi nas ha r pbr e a t ha tt hee xt r e mec ol ds hee nc ount e r e da ss hes t e ppe d

out s i de .Snow ha ds t a r t e dt of a l ls omet i mei nt hel a s tt e nmi nut e sors o,l a ndi ng s t i ngi ngl yonhe rf a c ea ss het ur ne dt ol ookupa tHa wk.` Pe r ha pswes houl dwa i tun t i l t hi ss t or mbl owsove r . . . ? ' s hevoi c e dunc e r t a i nl y. Hegr i nne ddowna the r ,s e e mi ngc ompl e t e l yunc onc e r ne dbyt hef l a ke sl a ndi ngi nt he da r kt hi c kne s sofhi sha l t` I fyous t a ye dhomee ve r yt i mei ts nowe di nCa na dayouwoul d ne ve rgoa nywhe r e , ' hea s s ur e dhe ra sheus e dar e mot et oope nt hega r a gedoor s . Ros i ekne wt ha tabl i z z a r dl i ket hi si nEngl a ndwoul dbr i nge ve r yt hi ng—publ i c t r a ns por ta ndpr i va t ec a r sa l i ke —t oagr i ndi ngha l t .Buti fHa wks a i di twa s oka y,t he ns hewoul dha vet ot a kehi swor df ori t .Shec e r t a i nl ywa s n' ta boutt ol e t hi mt hi nks hewa swor r i e dbyal i t t l et hi ngl i keas nows t or m! Sheha dt oa dmi tt ha te ve r ywhe r el ooke dve r ybe a ut i f ula st he yt r a ve l l e di nt o Ca l ga r y.Andt he r ewe r el ot sofot he rdr i ve r sont her oa dwhoobvi ous l yf e l tt hes a me r e l uc t a nc ea sHa wkt oha vet he i rmove me nt sdi c t a t e dbyt hewe a t he r . Ast he ye nt e r e dt hes hoppi ngma i lt oge t he r ,Ros i ehe a r dt heChr i s t ma sc a r ol st ha t we r epl a yi ngove rt hepubl i ct oa n noy,s a wt her e a lpi nef r e et ha twa sa tl e a s tt we nt yf e e t hi gh,d e c or a t e df r omhe a dt oba s ei ngl i t t e r i ngr e da ndgr e e na ndl i tbygol dl i ght s ,a nd wa ss udde nl ys t r uc kbyt her e a l i s a t i ont ha ti twa sgoi ngt obeChr i s t ma si naf e wda ys ' t i me . .. Howr i di c ul oust ha ts heha dn' tr e a l l yt houghtofi tbe f or e ! Buts hekne wi twa st het houghtofhe rwe ddi ngonChr i s t ma sEvet ha tha ddr i ve n a wa r e ne s sofa nyt hi nge l s ef r omhe rpa ni c ke dmi nd. Howl ongha di tbe e ns i nc es heha dbe e nf r e et oa c t ua l l ye nj oyChr i s t ma s ?Tol i s t e n t oChr i s t ma sc a r ol s ?Togot oama i ll i ket hi sa nds e ea l lt hee xc i t e de xpe c t a t i onont he ot he rs hoppe r s ' f a c e s ? Tool ong,s hea c knowl e dge dh e a vi l y. Buts hewa sf r e et oe nj oy i tnow,s hea s s ur e d he r s e l fde t e r mi ne dl y,a tonc e br i ght e ni nga tt het hought .I tmi ghte ve nbef unt os pe ndChr i s t ma she r ei nCa na dawi t h he rf a t he r — ' Fe e ll i kes ha r i ngt hes e c r e t ? ' Ha wka s ke dhus ki l ya the rs i de . Shet ur ne dt ogi vehi mas t a r t l e dl ook.Wha ts e c r e t ? ' s hes na ppe dwa r i l y. Hes hr ugge dhi sbr oa ds houl de r s .` Youwe r el ooki ngs e r i ous ,a ndt he nyous udde nl y be ga nt os mi l e ;Ime r e l ywonde r e dwha tha dbr oughta boutt het r a ns f or ma t i on. ' We l l ,hec oul dgoonwonde r i ng! Tooma nyofhe rf r e e domsha dbe e nc ur be dt he s el a s tt e nye a r s ,buthe rt hought swe r e mor tde f i ni t e l yhe rown! ` He y,Ha wk, ' ama nc a l l e dou ti ngr e e t i nga shewa l ke dpa s tt he m.` Looki ngf or wa r d t os e e i ngyourne xtmovi e ! ' ` Tha nks , ' Ha wkr e t ur ne dwi t has mi l e . I twa st hef i r s tofma nys uc hg r e e t i ngsa st he yc ont i nue dt os t r ol lc l ownt hema i l . I twa si nt e r e s t i ngt oRos i et ha ta l t houghpe opl eobvi ous l yr e c ogni s e dHa wka st he a c t orJ os huaHa wkl e y,a nds mi l e dors poket ohi ma st he ypa s s e d,heme tt he i ra t t e nt i o n wi t hal a ngui dc ha r mt ha t ,whi l ei twa snotunf r i e ndl y,di d n' ti nvi t ef ur t he rc onve r s a t i on e i t he r .Ama nne rt he ya l la c c e pt e dwi t hgoodhumour . Shet ur ne dt ogi vehi m ac ur i ousgl a nc e ,f e e l i ngHa wk' sha ndbe ne a t hhe re l bowa s t he ys t r ol l e dt owa r dst hegr oc e r ys t or e .` Doe s n' ti tbot he ryou? 's heque s t i one d,` t hi s a t t e nt i on, 's hee xpl a i ne da sher a i s e dda r kbr owse nqui r i ngl y.` Pe opl et a l ki ngt oyou?

Wa t c hi ngyou?Ta l ki nga boutyou? ' Hega vet heque s t i ons omet hought .` I fi twa sgoi ngt obot he rme ,t he nIs houl d n' t ha vebe c omea na c t ora ndputmys e l fi nt hel i me l i ght , ' hef i na l l yr e pl i e d. Ros i ec oul dn' the l pa dmi r i nghi spr a gma t i ca t t i t ude .Eve ni fs hedi dn' ts ha r ei t . . . Butt he n,be c omi ngapubl i cf i gur ei nt heUKha dne ve rbe e nhe rc hoi c e ,ha di t ? ' Ar eyougoi ngt obeoka ydoi ngt hegr oc e r ys hoppi ngonyourown? ' Ha wke nqui r e d a st he yr e a c he dt hes t or ee nt r a nc e .` I fnot ,Ic oul da l wa ys —' ` No,I ' ms ur eI ' l lbef i ne , 's hea s s ur e dhi m qui c kl y.` Ij us t —doyouha vea nyc a s h? ' s hea s ke da wkwa r dl y.` Myc r e di tc a r di sma xe doutf r ombooki ngmyf l i ght ,I ' ma f r a i d. ' Ha vi ngmul l e dhe rdi f f i c ul t yove rdur i ngt hedr i vei nt ot hec i t y,s heha dde c i de dt hi swa s t hebe s te xc us es hec oul dc omeupwi t h. Ha wkl ooke da the rf ors e ve r a ll ongs e c ondsbe f or ea ns we r i nghe r .` J us twa nde r a boutf orha l fa nhourors o,pi c ki ngupwha tyout hi nkwe ' r egoi ngt one e d,a ndt he nI ' l l me e tyoua tt hec he c kouta ndpa yf ori ta l l , ' hef i na l l yde c i de d. Ros i et ur ne da wa yont hepr e t e xtofc ol l e c t i ngat r ol l e ys ot ha thewoul dn' ts e et he e mba r r a s s e dc ol ourt ha tha ds t a i ne dhe rc he e ksunde rhi spr obi ngga z e .Notf e e l i ngi t wa ss a f et ous ehe rownc r e di tc a r dwa sgoi ngt obemor edi f f i c ul tt ha ns heha di ma gi ne d i fHa wkwa sgoi ngt ol ooka the ri nt ha tt ot a l l ys c e pt i c a lwa yt ooof t e n. . . ' Howma nype opl ea mIs hoppi ngf or ? ' s hea s ke dbr i s kl ya ss her e j oi ne dhi m. ` Se ve na dul t sa ndt woki ds .Dona l dnor ma l l yj oi nsusf orChr i s t ma sdi nne r , 'he e xpl a i ne d. Ma ybet ha twa swha tDona l dnor ma l l ydi ddur i ngt hehol i da ys ,butheha dhi sown da ught e rhe r ewi t hhi mt hi sye a r —a ndRos i ec e r t a i nl ydi dn' twa ntt obei nc l ude di nt he Ha wkl e yf a mi l yChr i s t ma s . Buts t a ndi ngout s i deas upe r ma r ke t ,wi t hHa wks t i l la t t r a c t i ngc ur i ousgl a nc e s ,wa s n' t t hei de a lt i met oa r guet ha tpa r t i c ul a rpoi nt ! ` Tr a di t i ona lf a r e ? ' s hee nqui r e de f f i c i e nt l yi ns t e a d. ` Ve r yt r a di t i ona l , 'Ha wka ns we r e ddr yl y.` Mymot he ri sBr i t i s h.Anyt hi ngl e s st h a n t ur ke ya nda l lt het r i mmi ngsi ss a c r i l e gei nhe rt r a di t i ona l i s t ' se ye s ! ' Ros i ef e l tal i t t l euns e t t l e da tt heknowl e dget ha tHa wk' smot he rs ha r e dhe rown na t i ona l i t y.I tma dehi m al i t t l el e s soft heunknownqua nt i t yt ha ts hewoul dha ve pr e f e r r e dhi mt obe . Ha wkf e l thi ms e l fs mi l i ngwi t hha r ds a t i s f a c t i ona shes a wt ha tknowi nghi smot he r wa sBr i t i s hha dunne r ve dRos i es l i ght l y.Shewa sf a rt ooc oola nds e l f c ont a i ne df orhi s l i ki ng, a nda nyt hi ngt ha tga vehi ma ne dgeha dt obeapos i t i vet hi ng. ` Shewi l lha vema deaChr i s t ma spuddi nga ndwi l lbr i ngi twi t hhe r ,s odon' twor r y a boutt ha t , ' hei ns t r uc t e d. ` Iwa s n' twor r yi ng, ' s hea s s ur e dhi mt a r t l y. ` Doyouc ook,Ros i e ? ' Hequi r ke dhi sda r kbr ows .` Why? ' s hec ount e r e ds us pi c i ous l y. Ha wks hr ugge d.' I t ' sa l wa ysu s e f ult oknow. ' He rmout ht i ght e ne d.` No,MrHa wkl e y, Idon' tc ook. ' ` Pi t y. ' Hegr i ma c e d.` I nt ha tc a s e ,i tl ooksa si fwe ' l lha vet oputupwi t hmyc ooki ng f ort hene xtf e wda ys ! ' Ros i es t a r e dupa thi m wor dl e s s l yf ors e ve r a ll ongs e c onds ,l ooki nga si fs hewoul d l i ket oa r guehi sus eoft hewor d` we ' ,a ndt he nt houghtbe t t e rofi ta ss hes na ppe d,` I f you' l le xc us eme ?I ’ l lgoa nddoyourf oods hoppi ngf oryounow. . . ' Shemove dof fwi t h

he rs hoppi ngt r ol l e y. Ha wks t ooda ndwa t c he dhe rgo,knowi ngaqui e ts a t i s f a c t i ont ha theha dma na ge dt o r a t t l ehe rc oolc ont r ols l i ght l y. Ros i eha dbe e ni nt heba t hr oomge t t i ngr e a dywhe nHa wkha dpa i dhi svi s i tt oc he c k onDona l d.Theol de rma nha dbe e ndoz i ng—notpe a c e f ul l ys o,ki tc a ughts ome whe r e be t we e ns l e e pa nds l i ghtde l i r i uma shemut t e r e dt os ome onewhoc l e a r l ywa s n' tt he r e . . . ` Don' twor r y,Gl or i a . . .Goi ngt oAme r i c a ... won' tbec omi ngba c k, 'Dona l dha d mumbl e d.` Won' tf or ge tt hemone y,Gl or i a . ' The n ,wi t hs t a r t l i ngc l a r i t y,t hef e ve r i s hma n ha dbi t t e nout ,` Don' tbr i ngourda u ght e rupt obeamone ygr a s pi ngbi t c hl i key ou! ' be f or el a ps i ngba c ki nt ohi st r oubl e ds l umbe r . ` Ourda ught e r . . . ' Ros i e . . . ? Theyoungwoma nwhoha df e l tnoqua l msj us tnowa ta s ki ngHa wkf orc a s ht ob uy t hegr oc e r i e se ve nt houghs hemus tha veknownhewa sgoodf ori t —t ha thewoul dha ve r e i mbur s e da nymone ys heha dpa i doutonhi sbe ha l f ? Ha dt hea bs e ntGl or i abr ough the rda ught e rupt obeamone ygr a bbe r ,a f t e ra l l ? Hedi dn' tknow—c oul dn' tf a t hom wha ts or tofwoma nRos i ewa sf r om t hel i t t l es he wa spr e pa r e dt ot e l lhi ma bouthe r s e l f .I twa sas i t ua t i ont ha twoul dne e dwa t c hi ng. Andf ora l lt ha thedi dn' tqu i t et r us the r ,orhe rmot i ve s ,Ha wkkne w hewoul dbe mor et ha nha ppyt owa t c hRos i e . . . CHAPTERFI VE ` THERE—l e tmedot ha t . ' Ros i eba r e l yha dt i met or e gi s t e rt ha tHa wkha dr e j oi ne dhe ri nt hes upe r ma r ke t be f or es hef e l thi mMovet ot a keo ve rpus hi ngt het r ol l e y. Exc e pts heha dn' tl e tgoofi tye t . . . Ha wk' sha ndsc ove r e dhe r s .Bi gha nds .Wa r m,pr ot e c t i vea nds t r ongha nds . Sove r ys t r ong,Ros i et hought ,a nds hef e l tt hee qui va l e ntofa ne l e c t r i cs hoc kr un a l ongt hel e ngt hoffhe rf i nge r sa nduphe ra r m. Shes na t c he dhe rownha ndsqui c kl ya wa y.Wha tt ha t ?Wha tha dj us tha ppe ne d? ` Di dIhur tyou? ' Ha wkha dt ur ne dt ohe rwi t hc onc e r n,r e a c hi ngouta si ft ot a kehe r ha ndsi nhi ss ot ha thec oul di ns pe c tt he m. Ros i et hr us the rt r e mbl i ngha ndsbe hi ndhe rba c khes t a r e dupa thi m.Hur the r ?No, hec e r t a i nl yha dn' thur the r .Shewa s n' ts ur ewha tha dha ppe ne d…Forye a r ss heh a d i ma gi ne dt ha ts omes t r ong,da unt l e s sma nwoul dc omea l onga nds we e phe rof fhe rf e e t . Ama nwhowoul dr e s c uehe ra ndt a kehe ra wa yf r omal i f et ha tha dbe c omemor eofa n or de a lt ha nt hee nj oyme nti tha donc ebe e n. ButJ os huaHa wkl e y,a l t houghc e r t a i nl ys t r onga ndda unt l e s s ,c e r t a i nl ydi dn' twa ntt o r e s c uehe r !Mor et heoppos i t e —s heha dt hede f i ni t ef e e l i ngt ha ts i nc eheha dr e a l i s e ds he wa sDona l d' sl onga bs e ntda ught e rhet houghthe rf a t he rwa st heonewhone e de d r e s c ui ngf r omhe r ! Shemoi s t e ne dhe rl i psbe f or es pe a ki ng.` J us ta ne l e c t r i cs hoc kf r om t het r ol l e y ha ndl e , ' s hedi s mi s s e d,a ppa r e nt l yunc onc e r ne d. Thos ebl uee ye sda r ke ne ds pe c ul a t i ve l y.` Ar eyous ur e —? '

` You' r eba c ke a r l y, 'Ros i ei nt e r r upt e dbr i ght l y.` Coul dn' tyouf i nda nyt hi ng? 'She l ooke da thi se mpt yha nds . Thes a meha ndst ha tha dj us te voke ds uc has t r a nget r e mbl i ngi ns i dehe r . . . ! Hegr i ma c e d.` Ima det hemi s t a keofgoi ngi nt oat oys t or ef i r s t ,a ndr e a l i s e dt ha tI ha vea bs ol ut e l ynoi de awha tt obuyf oras i xye a r ol dboy—l e ta l oneas e ve nye a r ol d gi r l !Idon' ts uppos eyouha vea nyi de awha tIc oul dge tt he m? ' ` Me ? 'Ros i ee c hoe di nc r e dul ous l y,t ha tmome ntofc ompl e t ea wa r e ne s ss t a r t i ngt o f a de .Fr omhe rt r e mbl i ngbodyi fnothe rme mor y! ` Ig ue s snot , ' Ha wkl a i d,t hi nk i ngt ha ti tha dpr oba bl ybe e nas i l l yque s t i on;a sa nonl y c hi l dRos i epr oba bl yha dnomor ei de aofwha tc hi l dr e nwe r ei nt ot he s eda yst ha nhedi d. Atl e a s t ,heas s ume ds hewa sa no nl yc hi l d. . . ` Yougue s sr i ght , ' Ros i ec onf i r me ddr yl y. ` I ' l lgi veJ e n—mys i s t e r —ac a l ll a t e r ,a ndc he c ki toutwi t hhe r , 'her e t ur ne da she ga veRos i eac ons i de r i ngl ook.` Ar e n' tyouhoti na l lt ha tge a r . . .? ' Shewa ss t i l lwe a r i ng t het hi c kwool l e nha t ,a swe l la st hehe a vyc oa tt ha tc ove r e dhe ra l lt hewa yf r om he r t hr oa tt oa nkl e s ,a ndhe rf a c ewa snol onge rpa l ebutf l us he df r omhe rs t r ol la r oundt he he a t e dgr oc e r ys t or e . ' I t ' se a s i e rt ha nc a r r yi ngt he m, 's her e pl i e dt a ut l y,be f or et ur ni nghe ra t t e nt i ont ot he r owso fpa s t aonof f e r . De l i be r a t e l y?Ye s ,hebe l i e ve ds o,Ha wkde c i de df r us t r a t e dl y.Wha twa si twi t ht hi s woma n?Whywa si ts uc hha r dwor ke ve nj us tt r yi ngt ot a l kt ohe r ? Andwha tha dha ppe ne dj us tn owwhe nhet ouc he dhe r ? Be c a us es ome t hi ngha d. . . ` Doyoune e da nyhe l pput t i ngt ha ta wa y,orc a nIgoupa ndc he c konmyf a t he r ? ' Ros i ea s ke dpol i t e l y,onc es heha dhe l pe dHa wkc a r r yt heba gsofgr oc e r i e sf r om t he ga r a gei nt ot hehous e .Enoughgr oc e r i e st of e e da na r myr a t he rt ha naf a mi l yove r Chr i s t ma s —Ha wkha vi nga dde dl ot smor et hi ngst ot hes hoppi ngt r ol l e ya f t e rj oi ni nghe r . Tha twa soka ywi t hhe r ;i twa shi smone y,a f t e ra l l .Be s i de s ,onc es heha da c t ua l l ygot i ns i det hes upe r ma r ke ts heha dr e a l i s e dt ha t ,a pa r tf r om buyi ngt het ur ke ya nds ome a c c ompa nyi ngve ge t a bl e s ,s hekn e wa bs ol ut e l ynot hi nga boutf e e di ngvi nepe opl eove r t heChr i s t ma spe r i od. Whe ns hes t oppe dt ot hi c ka bouti t ,s hec oul dn' tr e me mbe rt hel a s tt i mes heha d a c t ua l l ybe e na thomef orChr i s t ma s .Shes e e me dt oha ves pe ntt hel a s tf i veors i xoft he m i ns omehot e ls ui t es ome whe r ei nt hewor l d.Ande ve nwhe ns hea ndhe rmot he rha dbe e n a thome ,t he yc e r t a i nl yha dn' tc e l e br a t e dChr i s t ma si nt hel a vi s hwa yt ha tJ os hua Ha wkl e ya ndhi sf a mi l ywe r eobvi ous l ygoi ngt o. Wha tmus ti tbel i ket obepa r tofabi gf a mi l yl i ket ha t ?Ros i ec oul dn' te ve nbe gi nt o i ma gi ne St oppr e va r i c a t i ng,Ros i e ,s het ol dhe r s e l ff i r ml y.St oppr e t e ndi ngt ha tnot hi ngha d ha ppe ne d!Be c a us ei tha d.I tmos tc e r t a i nl yha d! Thi swa s n' ta boutChr i s t ma s .Thi swa sa boutwha tha dha ppe ne dwhe nHa wkha d t ouc he dhe ri nt hes upe r ma r ke t .Andnoa mountofpr e va r i c a t i ononhe rpa r twa sgoi ngt o ma ket ha tgoa wa y! Tha tl owe r i ngofhe rgua r d—ort heope ni ngofhe re ye st ot hej oyoft hepe o pl e a r oundhe rs e e me dt oha veope ne dhe rupt oa l ls or t sofot he re mot i onst oo. Si nc et he n—s i nc eHa wkha dt ouc he dhe r —noma t t e rhows het r i e dt ode nyi ts heh a d

be e nt o t a l l ya wa r eofhi m,ha dt r e mbl e dwi t ha wa r e ne s se ve r yt i mes hel ooke da thi m. Shewa nt e dt oc a l laha l lt ot hewi l dt hought sr us hi ngt hr oughhe rbr a i n,t oma ket h e s e ne ws e ns a t i onsgoa wa y.But ,a sha r da ss het r i e d,s heha dn' tbe e na bl et odoi t . Ma ybebe c a us e ,a f t e rt hi smor ni ng,s hekne we xa c t l ywha tHa wkl ooke dl i kebe ne a t h t het hi c ks we a t e ra ndde ni mshewa swe a r i ng.Howhi smus c l e sr i ppl e da c r os st hewi dt h oft hi sc he s ta nda r mswhe nhemove d.Hows i l kyt heda r kha i rwa sonhi st a nne dc he s t . . . Howmuc hs hel onge dt or unhe rha ndsove rt hewi dt hofhi ss houl de r sa ndc l ownt he l e ngt hoft ha tmus c ul a rc he s t ! Tha twa sa l ls he ' dt houghta bouts i nc et hemome ntHa wk' sha ndsha dt ouc he dhe r si n t hes upe r ma r ke t !I nas upe r ma r ke t ,ofa l lpl a c e s ! Shekne wwha ti twa s ,ofc our s e .Shewa s n' tt ha tna ï ve . Se xua la t t r a c t i on. Some t hi ngs heha dne ve rknownbe f or e .Ne ve rf e l tbe f or e .Buts hekne ws hewa s f e e l i ngi tnow.He rwhol ebodywa st r e mbl i ngwi t hhe ra wa r e ne s sofhi m,he rs e ns e s s i ngi ngwi t ht ha ts a mee mot i on,he rbr e a s t st i ghtbe ne a t hhe rj umpe r ,t he i rni ppl e ss e ns i t i s e d,a c hi ng. Whi c hwa swhys heha dt oge ta wa yf r omHa wkf orawhi l e .Ha dt ogos ome whe r e s hedi dn' tha vet ol ooka thi ma nymor e .Ha dt ot r yt oma kes omes e ns e ,ga i ns o me c ont r ol ,ove rt he s et ot a l l yune xpe c t e dye a r ni ngs . ` Sur e —yougoa ndc he c konDona l d, ' Ha wka gr e e ddi s t r a c t e dl y,a shebe ga nt oope n ki t c he nc a bi ne t sa ndputt hef ooda wa y,hi smus c l e sr i ppl i nga sRos i eha dknownt he y woul d.' I tmus tbes omet i mes i nc et het woofyoul a s tme tup? ' Hevoi c e dt heque s t i onc a s ua l l y,a ndye tRos i ekne wi twa s n' tc a s ua la ta l l . . . ` Awhi l e , ' s hea ns we r e de va s i ve l y. Ha wkt ur ne dt ol ooka the r ,t hei nt e ns i t yofhi sga z ee a s i l yhol di nghe r s .' Howl ongi s awhi l e ? ' hepe r s i s t e d. Ros i e ’ smout ht i ght e ne d.` Se ve r a lye a r s . ' ' Ye a r s ! 'Ha wke c hoe di nc r e dul ous l y,t r yi ngt oputt ha tknowl e dget oge t he rwi t h Dona l d' sf e ve r e dmumbl i ngse a r l i e r .Al t hough,whe nhet houghta bouti t ,hekne w Dona l da ndRos i eha dn' ts pe ntChr i s t ma st oge t he ri nt hel a s tt e nye a r s ,be c a us eDon a l d ha ds pe ntt hos eChr i s t ma s e swi t hHa wka ndhi sf a mi l y!Buts t i l l . . .` Youha ve n' ts e e nyour ownf a t he rf ory e ar s ?' He rga z ewa sc ha l l e ngi nga ss heme thi s .` No. ' ' Howma nyye a r s ? ' het r i e da g a i n. ` Af e w, ' s hebi toutunhe l pf ul l y.` Now,i fyouwoul dn' tmi nd,Ir e a l l ywoul dl i ket ogo a nds e ehowhei s . . . ' Ha wkdi dmi nd.Ve r ymuc h.Hewa sgr owi ngt i r e doft hi swoma n' sgua r de dne s s ,wa s be c omi ngmor ea ndmor ec onvi nc e dt ha the rr e a s onsf orbe i nghe r ewe r e n' ti nnoc e nt .` I ' l l ge tt het woofuss omel unc hwhe nyouc omeba c k—' ' I ’ mr e a l l ynothungr y, ' Ros i ec uti n,notl i ki ngt het ur nt hi sc onve r s a t i onha dt a ke n— de l i be r a t e l ys oonHa wk' spa r t ,s h ewa ss ur e . Shewa sde s pe r a t e l yhopi ngi twa sonl yt i r e dne s sa f t e rt he i rmor ni ngoutt ha twa s f i l l i nghe rwi t ht hef a nc i f ull ongi ngt os e eHa wkna ke donc ea ga i n. . . ` I —t hi nkj e t l a gi sc a t c hi ngupwi t hme ,ors ome t hi ng. ' Shel ooke ddowna tt hef l oor t ohi dehe rdi s c omf or t . Ha wk' sga z ena r r owe da shec ont i nue dt ol ooka c r os st heki t c he na the r .Sheha d

f i na l l yt a ke nof ft hebl a c kwool l e nha ta ndhe rl ongc oa t ,butwa ss t i l ll ooki ngal i t t l e pa l e ,a ndhe re ye ss e e me dt ogl i t t e ra l mos tf e ve r i s hl ya ss hes c a nne dt het i l e df l oor .` You a r e n' tc omi ngdownwi t ht hef l ut oo,a r eyou? ' hea s ke dge nt l y,a ndhemove da c r os st he ki t c he nt owa r dshe r . ` No! 's hepr ot e s t e d,l ooki ngups udde nl ya nds t e ppi ngba c k.` No,I ' ms ur eI ' m not , ' s her e pe a t e dbr i t t l y,t hes mi l es hea t t e mpt e dnotqui t eha ppe ni ng.` Ac oupl eofhou r s ' s l e e pa ndI ' ms ur eI ' l lbef i ne , ' s hea dde d,wi t hf or c e d,br i ghtdi s mi s s a l ,he rga z enotqui t e me e t i nghi snow. Ha wk s t ood onl yi nc he sa wa yf r om he ra nd c ont i nue dt ol ook down a the r s e a r c hi ngl y.The r ewa sas l i ghtf l us ht ohe rc he e ksnow,a ndhe re ye swe r ede f i ni t e l y f e ve r i s h,buts ome howhedi dn' tt hi nkt ha twa sc a us e dbyt heons e toff l u. . . He rbr e a t hi ngwa ss ha l l ow,he rbr e a s t sba r e l yr i s i ngupa nddownwi t ht hemove me nt , a ndye thec oul ds e et hec l e a rout l i neofhe rni ppl e sa ga i ns tt hewoolofhe rs we a t e r . Ar ous e dni ppl e s .Engor ge da ndt hr us t i ng. . . ! Hi se ye sr e t ur ne dt ohe rpi n ke ne df a c e —af a c es her a i s e dt ohi snow i nde f i a nt c ha l l e nge ,he rj a ws e t ,mout hf i r m,he rgr e e ne ye sde f yi nghi mt ovoi c ewha tt he ywe r e bot ha wa r eof . Ros i eHa r r i s onwa sc ompl e t e l yphys i c a l l ya wa r eofhi m! Ada nge r ousr e a l i s a t i onwhe nhewa sc ompl e t e l yphys i c a l l ya wa r eofhe rt oo!I nf a c t , hec oul dn' tr e me mbe rt hel a s tt i meheha dbe e ns oa t t r a c t e dt oa nywoma n,a ndt ha t f e e l i ngha ds t a ye dwi t hhi ms i nc et he i rha ndsha dt ouc he di nt hes upe r ma r ke t I twa sma dne s son.hi spa r tt owa ntRos i e !Notonl ywa ss het heda ught e rofhi s e mpl oye e ,butHa wka l s odi dn' tye tt r us the r ,orhe rmot i ve sf ort hi ss udde nr e a ppe a r a nc e i nDona l d' sl i f e .Andhewoul dne e dt oknowahe l lofal otmor ea bouthe rbe f or ehedi d! Da mni t ,f ora l lhekne whe rr e a s onf ors udde nl ypoppi ngupi nDona l d' sl i f ec oul dbe a ss i mpl ea st hef a c ts hewa sj us ta not he rwoma nont hema ke ,us i nghe rf a t he ri nor de rt o ge tc l os et ohi m.Ot he rwome nha dt r i e dmuc hmor eda r i nge xpl oi t st oga i nhi sa t t e nt i on—i nc l udi ngt heonewhoha dc l i mbe df r om he rt e nt hf l oorba l c onyove rt ohi s a dj oi ni nghot e ls ui t ei na ne f f or tj us tt os a ys heha dme thi m. Unf or t una t e l y,i twe nta l ongwi t ht het e r r i t or yofbe i ngs uc hapubl i cf i gur e . I twa sa l s ot her e a s ont ha theha dne ve re ve nc ons i de r e dma r r i a ge . Hewa nt e dt hes or tofma r r i a gehi spa r e nt sha d.Oneofc ompl e t egi vi nga ndt a ki ngby bot hpa r t i e s .Wa nt e dt oknowt ha tt hewoma nhel ove dwa nt e dhi mf orhi ms e l f ,a ndnot be c a us ehewa sJ os huaHa wkl e y,movi es t a r . At a l lor de r ,hekne w,whe nt ha twa se xa c t l ywhohewa s .Buthewa s n' twi l l i ngt o s e t t l ef ora nyt hi ngl e s s . AndRos i eHa r r i s on,wi t hhe rmys t e r i ouspa s ta swe l la she rpr e s e nt ,c e r t a i nl ywa s n' t t ha twoma n. Thes oone rDona l dr a l l i e da ndwa sa bl et oa ns we rs omeofHa wk' sque s t i onsa bout hi sda ught e r ,t hebe t t e rHa wkwoul dl i kei t ! ` I ' ms ur eyouwi l lbet oo, ' her a s pe d,be f or es t e ppi ngba c k.` I fDona l dne e dsa nyt hi ng, l e tmeknow,hmm? ' hea dde da br upt l y. ` I ' l ldot ha t , 's her e pl i e ds ha r pl y,t ur ni nga ndwa l ki ngde t e r mi ne dl ya wa yf r om t hi s ma nwhot or me nt e da swe l la sa t t r a c t e dhe r . Wha twa swr ongwi t hhe r ?Ros i ebe r a t e dhe r s e l fa ss hec l i mbe dt hes t a i r st ohe r f a t he r ' sf l a ta ndc l os e dt hedoorf i r ml ybe hi ndhe r .A l i t t l eChr i s t ma sc he e r ,a ndt he

pr e vi ous l yunknownl uxur yt ha tf ort hef i r s tt i mei nhe ra dul tl i f es hewa sf r e et odo wha t e ve rs he wi s he d,pl ust hef i r s ts i ngl e ,s e xyma ns heha dbe e ni nc ont a c twi t hf orl onge rt ha n s hec oul dr e me mbe ri fe ve r ! —a nds her e s ponde dl i kes omega uc hes c hool gi r l . Wor s e ,Ha wkha dk nowns her e s ponde d ! Sheha ds e e nt ha tknowl e dgei nhi se ye sj us tnow,a she ' dl ooke ddowna the rs o s e a r c hi ngl y. Shega veas e l f di s gus t e ds ha keofhe rhe a dbe f or egoi ngt hr ought ot hebe dr oomt o c he c ko nhe rf a t he r .Hewa sa s l e e p,hi st e mpe r a t ur edownwhe ns het ouc he dhi sf or e he a d, s os hequi e t l yl e f thi mt or e s t . Wi t houtt hi nki nga bouti t ,i ts e e me d,s het ookhe rvi ol i nf r omi t sc a s e ,c r a dl i ngi tt o he rl i keapr e c i ousc hi l d.Whi c ht ohe ri twa s .I twe ntwi t hhe rwhe r e ve rs het r a ve l l e d. Shewonde r e dhowl ongi tha dbe e ns i nc es heha dl a s tpl a ye dt hepr e c i ousi ns t r ume nt a ndkn ownt ha ts a mes i ngi ngpl e a s ur ea she rbodyha dknownwhe nHa wk' sha ndha ds o br i e f l yt ouc he dhe r s ?Si nc es he ' dha dt hef r e e dom t oe xpr e s si nhe rpl a yi ngt hes a me e xc i t e me ntj us tl ooki nga tHa wk,i ma gi ni ngt ouc hi nghi m,ha vi nghi mt ouc hhe r ,ha d gi ve nhe r . . . Tool ong,s hes us pe c t e d. Howl ongbe f or es hewoul dp l a yl i ket ha ta ga i n?I fs hee ve rdi d. . . CHAPTERSI X ' COMEon,s l e e pyhe a d,l e t ' sge tyoumove dt os ome whe r eal i t t l emor ec omf or t a bl e ! ' Ros i ef e l the r s e l fbe i ngl i f t e dupi ns t r onga r ms .Apa r tofhe rwa nt e dt opr ot e s t ,but he re ye l i dswe r et oohe a vy,a nds hec oul dn' ts e e mt of i ndt hewor dse i t he r ,s oi ns t e a dhe r a r msmove dupove rs t r ongs houl de r sa nds hes nuggl e dmor ec omf or t a bl ya ga i ns tt he ha r dne s sofama l ec he s tbe ne a t hhe rc he e k. He rf a t he rha da l wa ysc a r r i e dhe rupt obe dl i ket hi swhe ns hewa sac hi l da ndha d f a l l e na s l e e pi nf r ontoft het e l e vi s i on—c a r r yi nghe rupt hes t a i r sbe f or et uc ki nghe r wa r ml ybe ne a t hhe rduve t He rl i dsf l e wope n,wi l dwi t hpa ni ca ss her e me mbe r e ds hewa s n' tac hi l da nyl onge r . Tha ts hewa s n' ta thome ,buti nCa na da !Tha ts heha dbe e nt oot i r e de a r l i e rt odoa ny mor et ha nc ha ngei nt oas of tc ot t onni ght s hi r ta ndpl a i the rha i rbe f or epul l i ngt hedu ve t ove rhe ra ndf a l l i nga s l e e pont hes of a .Andhe rf a t he rwa si nbe dhi ms e l f ,i nt he a dj oi ni ngbe dr oom,s uf f e r i ngwi t ht hef l u,s ohec oul dn' tpos s i bl ybec a r r yi nghe r a nywhe r e . ButHa wkwa s ! Hega veawol f i s hgr i na shel ooke ddowni nt ohe rwi de ,s t a r t l e de ye s .' Don' tl ooks o wor r i e d,Ros i e .I ' monl yt a ki ngyout ooneoft hebe dr oomsi nt hema i nhous e . ' Whi c hbe dr oom?Hi sown?Ha dhe ra r ous a le a r l i e rbe e ns oobvi oust ohi mt ha t ` I ts udde nl yoc c ur r e dt omet ha tt he r e ' sonl yonebe dr oom i nDona l d' sa pa r t me nt , ' Ha wkr a s pe da shee a s i l yr e a d—a nddi dn' ta ppr e c i a t e —t hepa ni c ke dt hought sgoi ng t hr oughRos i e ' st ous l e dhe a d. He l l ,wha ts or tofma ndi ds hei ma gi nehewa s ,t oe ve nt hi nkt ha themi ghtbea boutt o t a kea dva nt a geofhe rha l f na ke ds l e e pbe f uddl e dbody?

Hi smout ht i ght e ne d.` The r e ' snowa yyouc a ns l e e pont hes of af ort hewhol eofyour s t a y,Ros i e , ' hes a i df i r ml y. ' I ' ms ur et ha tmy—Dona l da ndIwi l lbea bl et os or ts ome t hi ngoutonc ehe ' sf e e l i nga l i t t l ebe t t e r . . . 'Shet r a i l e dof f ,af r ownc r e a s i nghe rc r e a mybr ow a ss hel ooke dupa t Ha wk.` Youc a nputmedownn o w! 's hee xc l a i me d.` The r e ' sa bs ol ut e l ynot hi ngwr ong wi t hmyl e gs ! ' The r ewa snot hi ngwr ongwi t ha nypa r tofhe rt ha t Ha wkc oul ds e e .Andhec oul ds e equi t eal ot .Theni ght s hi r ts hewor ewa sonl ykne e l e ngt h,a nds howe dal onge xpa ns eofs ha pe l yba r el e gs .Long,s i l kyl e gst ha twoul dwr a p a r oundama na she Hegr i t t e dhi st e e t h,hi sa r mst i ght e ni nga bouthe ra shef e l tt hes t i r r i ngofhi sbody. Gr e a t .Heha dj us tt a ke numbr a gebe c a us es heobvi ous l yt houghtheha dl e s st ha n i nnoc e nti nt e nt i onst owa r dshe r —a ndnowhi sbodyha dha r de ne dwi t hde s i r ef orhe r ! ` We ' r ehe r enow, ' hes a i dt e r s e l y,a ndheki c ke dOpe nadoora ndc a r r i e dhe ri ns i de . Whe r ewa she r e ?Ros i ewonde r e da nxi ous l y,a ss hel ooke da r oundt her oom. I twa sabe dr oom,c e r t a i nl y,a ndt hel a c kofa nype r s ona li t e msondi s pl a yme a nti t wa spr oba bl yoneoft hegue s tr oomsi nt hema i nhous e . ` Ic a n' ts t a yhe r e , 's hepr ot e s t e d,e ve na sHa wkl a i dhe rdownont heduve t c ove r e d be d. ` Whyc a n' tyou? 'her a s pe d,a shes t r a i ght e ne dt ol ookdowna the r .` Thef a r mhous e ha sf ourgue s tbe dr ooms ,s ot he r e ' spl e nt yf ore ve r yone . ' She l ooke de xt r e me l y de f e nc e l e s s ,l yi ng a mongs tt he gol dc ol our e dc us hi o ns s c a t t e r e dont opoft heduve t ,he rwhi t eni ght s hi r tpa t t e r ne dwi t hpi nkr os e s ,he rha i rn o l onge rf l owi ngl oos e l ya bouthe rs h oul de r sbuts e c ur e dba c ki nas i ngl epl a i tt ha tr a nt he l e ngt hofhe rs pi ne . Shega veas ha keofhe rhe a d.` Yourf a mi l y—' ` Woul dbedi s a ppoi nt e di nmei fIl e tyouc ont i nuet os l e e ponDona l d' ss of a , ' Ha wk a s s ur e dhe rhus ki l y,a ndhes a tdownont hes i deoft hebe d. Heha dn' tme a ntt o.He ' dt ol dhi ms e l ft oge toutoft he r e .Now.Buthi sbodyha d i gnor e dt hei ns t r uc t i on! She r e a l l y wa st he mor tde l i c a t e l y be a ut i f ulwoma n he ha de ve rs e e n,he a c knowl e dge d,e ve na shi sga z er oa me da ppr e c i a t i ve l yove rhe rf a c ea ndbody.He r f e a t ur e swe r es ope r f e c t ,t hegr e e nofhe re ye ss ome s me r i s i ng,t hege nt l ec ur ve sofh e r bodys of t l ya l l ur i ng,he rbr e a s t spe r t ,he rwa i s tt i nya ndhe rt hi ghss ha pe l ya bovet hos e l ong,l ongl e gs . Ha wk' sga z er e t ur ne dt ohe rf a c e ,a ndhef r owne ds l i ght l ya sa g a i nhepr oc e s s e dt he f e e l i ngt ha thehads e e nhe rs ome whe r ebe f or e . ` Ha wk. . . ? ' Hi sda r kga z emove dt ome e the r s ,s e e i ngt heque s t i oni nhe re ye sa ss hel ooke dup a thi munc e r t a i nl y.Hepl a c e dhi sha ndse i t he rs i deofhe rhe a da ndhebe ga nt ol owe rhi s he a dt o wa r dshe r s . Da mni t ,wha tha dha ppe ne dt ohi snott a ki nga dva nt a geofhe rha l f na ke d,s l e e pbe f uddl e dbody?Ha wkr e mons t r a t e dwi t hhi ms e l f ,a ndhepa us e dwi t hhi smout honl y c e nt i me t r e sa wa yf r omhe r s . Tohe l lwi t ht ha t !Hewant e dt oki s she r ,t ot ouc hhe r .AndRos i edi dn' ts e e mt obe f i ght i nghi m of fe i t he r ,i ft hewa yhe ra r msha dmove dupa bouthi ss houl de r swa s

a nyt hi ngt ogoby! J us toneki s s ,hepr omi s e dhi ms e l f .J us tt oknowt hef e e lofhe rl i psa ga i ns thi s .To knowt het a s t eofhe r . . . Ros i e ' swhol ebodyt ur ne dt omol t e nf i r ea sHa wk' smout hf i na l l yc l a i me dhe r s ,he r l i pspa r t i ngi ns t i nc t i ve l ya st he ye xpl or e dhi mt hewa yhewa se xpl or i nghe r . Thea wa r e ne s ss heha df e l te a r l i e rt oda ywa snot hi ngt ot hehe a t e dpl e a s ur es hef ound nowi nhi sa r msa st he i rki s sde e pe ne da ndHa wk' sa r msmove da bouthe rt opul lhe rup ha r da ga i ns thi m. Ros i eme l t e di nt ohi m,s e e mi ngt obe c omeapa r tofhi ma she rl e gse nt a ngl e dwi t h hi s . Shegr oa ne dl owi nhe rt hr oa ta soneofhi sha ndsmove dt hel e ngt hofhe r ,s ki mmi ng t hec ur veofhe rhi pa ndwa i s tbe f or emovi ngt oc upt het hr us tofhe rbr e a s t ,t hepa dofhi s t humbmovi nga c r os si t sha r de ne dt i p. He rbodya r c he di ns t i nc t i ve l ya ga i ns thi sc a r e s s i ngha nd,he rl i psope ni ngwi de rt o t hea s s a ul tofhi st onguea si tt hr us ti nmoi s tr hyt hm t ot hewi l dbe a tofhe rhe a r t .The ha r dne s sofHa wk' sbodyl a yha l fa c r os she r s ,t e l l i nghe rofhi sowna r ous a l . Sot hi swa swha ti twa sl i ke —wha ti tf e l tl i ket oma kel ove ,Ros i er e a l i s e d wonde r i ngl y,i nt hes ma l l ,j oyf ulpa r tofhe rbr a i nt ha tc oul ds t i l lf unc t i on. I twa smor ebe a ut i f ul ,mor ewonde r f ul ,t ha na nyt hi ngs hec oul de ve rha vei ma gi ne d, a nds hekne wnos e ns eofde ni a la sHa wk' sha ndsbe ga nt or e s t l e s s l yr oa mt hel e ngt hof he rs pi n,be f or ec uppi nghe rbot t oma shepul l e dhe rmor et i ght l ya ga i ns thi m. Ros i epus he dhe rownha ndsbe ne a t hhi ss we a t e r ,t ouc hi nghi ma ss heha ds ol onge d t odo,he rha ndsmovi ngc a r e s s i ngl ya c r os st hebr oa dwi dt hofhi sba c k.Hef e l tgood.So ve r ygood. Buts hewa nt e dmor e .Ne e de dmor e .Wa nt e dt of e e l — Shef e l lba c ka ga i ns tt hepi l l owsa sHa wkwr e nc he dhi smout hf r omhe r sa ndhe l dhe r a wa yf r omhi m,t ol ookdowna the rwi t he ye st ur ne dna vybl uea ndaf a c epa l ebe ne a t h hi st a n. Ha wkbr e a t he ds ha l l owl y,movi ngde t e r mi ne dl ya wa yf r omRos i ee ve na shes a wt he hur tc onf us i oni nt hos eda r kgr e e ne ye sa thi ss udde nr e j e c t i on. Hes t oodupt omovea c r os st her ooma nds t a r eoutoft hewi ndow.Thes a mes no wy s c e net ha theha df ounds os oot hi nge a r l i e rt hi smor ni ngdi da bs ol ut e l ynot hi ngt oc a i r n hi sc ha ot i ct hought snow. Whatwashedoi ng? Hedi dn' te ve nknowhe r .Nott ha tt ha twa sapr e r e qui s i t et oma ki ngl ovet oawoma n. Nor ma l l y.ButRos i ewa s n' tj us tanywoma n.Shewa sDona l d' sda ught e r .Theda ught e rof t hema nwhoha dbe e nhi sf r i e nda swe l la shi se mpl oye ef ort hel a s tt e nye a r s . Dona l d' sda ught e r —whomHa wkdi s t r us t e da sde e pl ya shede s i r e dhe r ! Hel e a nthi sf or e he a da ga i ns tt hec ol dne s soft hewi ndowpa nea shef oughtf ort he c ont r olt ha tha ds or e a di l yde s e r t e dhi mmi nut e sa go. We l l ,hekne wwha tRos i et a s t e dl i kenow:ofhe a ta nds e ns ua l i t y.Ofas we e t ne s st ha t ha dma dehi m wa ntt oki s she ra ndc a r r yonki s s i nghe runt i lhi sbodywa sj oi ne dwi t h he r sa ndhef oundr e l e a s ei ns i dehe r .I twa sane e dhewa sde t e r mi ne dnott os a t i s f y! Hedr a gge dde e p,c ont r ol l i ngbr e a t hsi nt ohi sl ungs ,t e ns i nghi ss houl de r sbe f or e t ur ni ngba c kt of a c ehe r . Shenol onge rl a yba c ka mongs tt hos epi l l owsbuts a tont hes i deoft hebe d,he rf a c e

ve r ypa l ea ga i ns tt hevi vi dl i r eofhe rha i r ,whi c hwa snol onge rc onf i ne di nt ha tpl a i tbut ha dc omel oos et os wi ngpr ot e c t i v e l yf or wa r da ndc ove rt hes we l lofhe rbr e a t hs . Br e a s t st ha ts e c ondsa goha df i t t e ds ope r f e c t l yi nt ohi sha ndsa ndha dr e s ponde dt o hi sl i ght e s tt ouc h. . . Hi smout ht i ght e ne da shef i r ml yc l os e dadooront hos eme mor i e s .` Whoa r eyou, Ros i e ? ' hes na ppe dha r s hl y. Shebl i nke dhe rc onf us i on.` YouknowwhoIa m—' ` Dona l d' sda ught e r . ' Henodde di mpa t i e nt l y.` Butt ha t ' snotwhoyour e a l l ya r e ,i si t ? ' hea c c us e d. Ros i ef r owne da c r os sa thi m wa r i l y,e ve na ss hef oughta ni nne rba t t l et oputhe r de f e nc e sba c ki npl a c e .De f e nc e sHa wkha ds oe a s i l yknoc ke ddownonl ymi nut e sa goa s heki s s e da ndc a r e s s e dhe r . . . Buts hemus t n' tt hi nka boutt ha tnow—ha dt oc onc e nt r a t eonwha thewa sr e a l l y a s ki nghe r . Ha wkha dn' ts e e me dt oknowa nyt hi nga bouthe ra ta l lt hi smor ni ng—note ve nt ha t s hewa sDona l d' sda ught e r .Butha dt ha tc ha nge di nt hel a s tf e w mi nut e s ?De s pi t ehi s e a r l i e ri gnor a nc ea bouthe ri de nt i t y,ha dHa wknowr e c ogni s e dhe ra st hewor l df a mous vi r t uos ovi ol i ni s tRos e ma r yHa r r i s ?As` LaBe l l aRos a ' ,a st hee nt hus i a s t i cI t a l i a nsha d l onga godubbe dhe r ? CHAPTERSEVEN HAWK' sga z ena r r owe ds pe c ul a t i ve l ya shee a s i l ys a wt hepa l l orde e pe ni nRos i e ' s f a c e ,t hos ede e pgr e e ne ye sonc ea ga i nt a ki ngonaha unt e dl ook. Sohewa sr i ghta f t e ra l l ,hea c knowl e dge dhe a vi l y.Ros i ewa shi di ngs ome t hi ng.And wi t hDona l dt ooi l la sye tt oe nl i ght e nhi m—i fi nde e dhee ve nkne w wha ts e c r e thi s da ught e rwa shi di ng—i twoul dha vet obeRos i ehe r s e l fwhos a t i s f i e dhi sc ur i os i t y. Fr omt hegua r de dl ookonhe rf a c ei twa ss ome t hi nghedi dn' tt hi nks hewa sgoi ngt o bet oowi l l i ngt odo! Het hr us thi sha ndsi nt ohi sde ni mspoc ke t s .` You' r e —wha t ?Twe nt yt wo?Twe nt yt hr e e ? ' hepr ompt e dha r s hl y. ` Twe nt yt wo, ' s hec onf i r me ds ha ki l y. Henodde d.` The nwhoha veyoube e nf ort hel a s tt we nt yt woye a r s ,Ros i e —be c a us e yous ur ea she l lha ve n' tbe e nDona l d' sda ught e r ! ' ' Don' tber i di c ul ous ! ' s hec a meba c kwi t hade r i s i vel a ugh.` I fI ' mDona l d' sda ught e r now,t he nImus tha vebe e nhi sda ught e rf ort hel a s tt we nt yt woye a r st oo! ' Thel a ughha dbe e nami s t a ke ,Ros i er e a l i s e da ss hes a w Ha wk' sga z eda r k e n da nge r ous l y.Butwha te l s ec oul ds hedo?Shedi dn' twa ntHa wkt oknowwhos hewa s — t ha ti nt hewor l dofc l a s s i c a lmus i c —awor l dheobvi ous l ywa s n' ti nt ouc hwi t h—s hewa s a swe l l knowna nds uc c e s s f ula shewa s .Shedi dn' twa nta nyonei nCa na dat or e a l i s es he wa sRos e ma r yHa r r i s .Shewa nt e d—ne e de d—t oma i nt a i nhe ra nonymi t yf oral i t t l e l onge r . Pe r ha psi twoul dbebe t t e ri fs hel e f the r enow? Sheha dn' ts e e nhe rf a t he rs i nc ehe ' dwa l ke doutonhe ra ndhe rmot he rwhe nRos i e wa st we l veye a r sol dha donl yc omet ohi mnowbe c a us es heha dknowni twa st heve r y

l a s tpl a c ehe rmot he ra ndEdmund—t hema nRos i edi dn' twa ntt oma r r yonChr i s t ma s Eveora ta nyot he rt i me ! —woul dt hi nkt ol ookf orhe r . ButHa wkwa spr ovi ngt obeac ompl i c a t i ons heha dn' tba r ga i ne df or .Andnotj us t be c a us eofhi spe r s i s t e nc ei nt r yi ngt of i ndoutmor ea bouthe r . . . Hedi s t ur be dhe r .Exc i t e dhe r .Ar ous e dhe r .Ga vehe ra ni ns i ghti nt oe mot i onss he ha dn' te ve ngue s s e da t . Whi c hmi ghtbeapos i t i vet hi ngwi t hr e ga r dt ohe ri nt e r pr e t a t i onoft hemus i cs he pl a ye d ,butwa sofa bs ol ut e l ynohe l pa ta l lt ot hepe a c eofmi nds hewa ss ode s pe r a t e l y s e e ki ng. Thepe a c eofmi nds hene e de di fs hewa st odi s c ove ri fs hee ve rwa nt e dt opl a y a ga i n. . . Whi c hme a nts heha dt oc o nc e nt r a t eonf i ndi ngt ha tpe a c ef orhe r s e l f .Ands he c oul dn' tf i ndi ta r oundHa wk! Shes hookhe rhe a d.` I t ' sobvi ousyouwoul dr a t he rIdi dn' ts t a yonhe r e ,Ha wk,s o—' ' I t ' s" obvi ous " ,i si t ? ' her e pe a t e ds c a t hi ngl y.` Af t e rt hewa ywej us twe r et oge t he r ? ' We l l . . . no.Buthec e r t a i nl ywa s n' tt oopl e a s e da bouthi sownr e s pons et ohe raf e w mi nut e sa go,wa she ? Shes hr ugge dna r r ow s houl de r s .` It hi nkt ha t ' ss ome t hi ngb e t t e rnotr e pe a t e d,do n' t you? ' s hes a i dc a r e f ul l y. Ha wkga veahumour l e s sl a ugh.Thi swoma nr e a l l ywa ss ome t hi nge l s e .Butwh a t ? Tha twa st her e a lque s t i on. . . ` AmIt ot a kei tf r omt ha tc omme ntt ha tyou' r enots ur e ,i fyoudos t a yonhe r e ,t ha t you' l lbea bl et oke e pyourha ndsof fmybody? ' hede r i de dmoc ki ngl y. He rc he e ksc ol our e da tt het a unt ,he re ye ss pa r kl i nga ngr i l ya ss her a i s e dhe rc hi n c ha l l e ngi ngl y.` Your e a l l ya r e n' tt ha ti r r e s i s t i bl e ,MrHa wke y, ' s hebi toutc ol dl y. Thi st i mehi sl a ughwa sge nui ne .` Touc hé ,Ros i e , ' hemur mur e da ppr e c i a t i ve l y.` But a sf oryourl e a vi ng. . . 'Hes obe r e d,s ha ki nghi she a d.` Is ome how don' tt hi nkDona l d woul da ppr e c i a t emydr i vi nghi sda ught e ra wa ybe f or et het woofyouha vee ve nha da c ha nc et os pe nda nyt i met oge t he r . ' ` Thi si syourhome ,notmyf a t he r ' s , ' s her e pl i e de ve nl y. Ye s ,i twa s —a ndhi ss t a yhe r ewa s n' tt ur ni ngoutt obet her e l a xi ngt i meheha d e xpe c t e di tt obe .Buta l lt hes a mehekne wt ha tRos i e ' sl e a vi ngwoul dn' ts t ophi s c ur i os i t yt oknowmor ea bouthe r .Ort hewa yhes t i l lwa nt e dhe r ! ` The nI ' l la s kyout os t a yon,Ros i e , ' hes a i dt e r s e l y.` Ia l s os ugge s tt ha twec a l lat r a c e unt i lDona l di sf e e l i ngbe t t e r . ' Sher a i s e da ubur nbr ows .` Idi dn' tr e a l i s ewewe r ea twa r . . . ' Nota twa r ,Ha wkc onc e de d,butt he ywe r ec e r t a i nl yac ha l l e nget oe a c hot he r . ` Oka y,Ha wk.I ' 11s t a yona tl e a s tunt i lI ' veha dac ha nc et ot a l kt omyf a t he r , ' Ros i e de c i de d.` Ta l ki ngofwhi c h. . . ' Shes t oodup,nol onge rl ooki nga tHa wka ss hef e l ts l i ght l y s e l f c ons c i ousdr e s s e donl yi nhe rni ght s hi r t .` Ir e a l l ys houl dgoa ndc he c konhi m. ' ` Dot ha t , ' Ha wka gr e e d.` The npe r ha psyouwoul dl i ket oc omedowna ndj oi nmef or al a t el unc h? ' Ros i ega vea nunc e r t a i nf r own.` Ic a ne a s i l yge tmys e l fs ome t hi ngi nmyf a t he r ' s ki t c he n. . . ' ` Whybot he rwhe nI ' mc ooki n g?Be s i de s ,Ioweyous ome t hi ngf orwa ki ngyouups o s udde nl y. '

Ros i es e a r c he dhi sr ugge dl yha nds omef a c ef ors i gnsofmoc ke r yoft hewa yi nwhi c h heha dwoke nhe r .Buts hec oul dr e a dnot hi ngf r om hi sbl a nde xpr e s s i on.Cons i de r i ng wha tat a l e nt e da c t orhewa s ,ma ybet ha twa s n' ts os ur pr i s i ng! Wa sha vi ngl unc hwi t ht hi sma nagoodi de a ?Wa snotha vi ngl unc hwi t hhi magood i de a ?Ha wks e e me dt oha vede ve l ope dar e l e nt l e s sc ur i os i t ya bouthe rs ud de na ppe a r a nc e i nhe rf a t he r ' sl i f e ,a ndheobvi ous l yf e l tpr ot e c t i vet owa r dst heol de rma n.Asi fhe s us pe c t e dt ha tf ors omer e a s ons h eha dc omehe r et ohur tDona l d. Ye a r sa gos hemi ghtha vet houghts hewoul dl i ket ohur the rf a t he r ,i nt hewa yheha d hur the rwhe nheha dde s e r t e dhe ra ndhe rmot he rs oc ompl e t e l yt e nye a r sa go.But ma t ur i t yha dbr oughtwi t hi tt heknowl e dgeofj us thowi mpos s i bl ehe rmot he rwa show r ut hl e s ss hec oul dbewhe ns hes e the rmi ndonac our s eofa c t i on.Whoc oul dbl a mehe r f a t he rf orwa nt i ngt oe s c a pef r omt hat ? Ha dn' ts hej us tdonee xa c t l yt h es a met hi ng. . . ? No,s heha dn' tc omehe r et oh ur tDona l d.I fa nyt hi ngs hej us twa nt e dt ot a l kt ohi m— t of i ndoutwhy,whe nhe ' dl e f the rmot he r ,he ' dha dt oa ba ndonhe rs oc ompl e t e l yt oo. Butt ha twa sa l ls hewa nt e d.I twa st ool a t e —f a rt ool a t e —f ora nyt hi nge l s ebe t we e n t he m. ` Comeon,Ros i e . 'Ha wkc utc a j ol i ngl yi nt ohe rt hought s .` Sur e l yi tdoe s n' tt a ket hi s l ongt ode c i dewhe t he rornotyouwa ntt oha vel unc hwi t hme ? ' Orma ybei tdi da f t e rwha tha dj us tha ppe ne dbe t we e nt he m. . . Nott hemos ts e ns i bl et hi ngheha de ve rdone ,het houghts e l f de r i s i ve l y.Butbe i ng s e ns i bl eha dbe e nt hel a s tt hi ngonhi smi ndonc eheha dhe l dRos i ei nhi sa r msa nd t ouc he dhe r ! ` Oka y. ' Ros i ea c c e pt e dt hei nvi t a t i ons l owl y,s udde nl ya wa r et ha ts hewa shungr y. Some t hi ngs heha dn' tf e l tf ors omet i me —we e ks ,pos s i bl ymont hs —a st hewe ddi ng ha dl oome de ve rc l os e r .Al wa yss l e nde r ,s hekne ws heha dl os ts e ve r a lpoundsi nwe i ght i nt hel a s tmont hors o.Eve nt hei de aofe a t i ngha dma dehe rf e e lna us e ous . Buts hef e l tr e a l l yhungr ynow.He rmout hwa swa t e r i ng,a ndhe rs t oma c hwa s c r a mpi ngs l i ght l ya ss her e me mbe r e ds heha dn' te a t e na nyt hi nga ta l ls i nc ec ons umi nga s a ndwi c hl a s tni ghta f t e rs he ' da r r i ve d. Pe r ha pst hea r ous i ngofhe rs e ns ua la ppe t i t eha da wa ke ne dhe ra ppe t i t ef orf oodt oo. . . Wha tadi s t ur bi ngt hought ! ` I fyouc oul dwa i tf i f t e e nmi nut e sors o? ' s hes a i dbr i s kl y.` Af t e rI ' vec he c ke donmy f a t he r , Iwoul dl i ket ot a keas howe r , ' s hee xpl a i ne d,a tHa wk' sque s t i oni ngl ook. ` Fi ne . ' Henodde d.` Pe r ha psyouwoul dl i ket omoveyourt hi ngsi nhe r ewhi l eyou' r e a ti t ? ' Ros i el ooke da r oundt her oom,a ppr e c i a t i ngt ha ti twoul dbemuc hmor ec omf or t a bl e t ha ns l e e pi ng_ont hes of ai nhe rf a t he r ' sf l a t .Buts hewa sa l s oa wa r et ha ti fs hemove di n he r ei twoul dbr i nghe routofh e rf a t he r ' sdoma i na ndi nt oHa wk' s —a l mos ta si fs he r e a l l ywe r ea ni nvi t e dgue s t .Notagoodi de a ,i nt hec i r c ums t a nc e s . Onc ehe rf a t he rwa sf e e l i ngbe t t e r ,a ndt het wooft he m ha dt a l ke d,s heha de ve r y i nt e nt i onofl e a vi ng. Togowhe r e ,s hes t i l lha dnoi de a .ButHa wkwa sf a rt ooc ur i ousa bouthe rf orhe rt o s t a y. ` It hi nkI ' l lc ont i nuet os t a yi nmyf a t he r ' sf l a t ,t ha nkyou, 's het ol dhi mf i r ml y.` I woul dl i ket or e ma i nc l os ewhi l ehe ' sf e e l i ngi l l , 's hea dde dc ha l l e ngi ngl y,s ur ef r om

Ha wk' se xpr e s s i ont ha thewa s n' tc onvi nc e dbyhe rc onc e r nf orDona l d. Andhewa swr ongt of e e lt ha twa y;s hemi ghtnotha ves e e nhe rf a t he rf ort e nye a r s , buta ss oona ss heha dme thi ma ga i na tt hea i r por tye s t e r da ys heha dknowna nups ur ge oft hea dor a t i ons heha df e l tf o rhi ma sac hi l d.I twa sa ne mot i ons heha dqui c kl y c ont r ol l e d,butnone t he l e s ss heha df e l ti t .Shec e r t a i nl ydi dn' ti nt e ndhur t i nghe rf a t he ri n a nywa y.Sheha daf e e l i ng,f r omwha ts heha dc omet oknowofhe rmot he r ,t ha theha d be e nhur te noughi nt hepa s t . Ha wk' smout ht wi s t e dde r i s i ve l y.` Yourc onc e r ni st ouc hi ng, 'hedr a wl e d.` I fal i t t l e l a t ei nc omi ng! ' Ros i e ' sc he e ksf l a me dwi t ht h ea nge rs heobvi ous l yf e l ta thi sr e buke .` Cons i de r i ng youknowa bs ol ut e l ynot hi ngofmyr e l a t i ons hi pwi t hmyf a t he r ,pe r ha psyoua r e n' ti na pos i t i ont oj udge ! ' s hes na ppe dc ol dl y. Fr om wha theha da l r e a dyl e a r nt ,Ha wkve r ymuc hdoubt e dt he r eha dbe e na ny r e l a t i ons hi pbe t we e nDona l da ndhi sda ught e rf orye a r s ! Buts hewa sr i ght .Hewa s n' ti napos i t i ont oj udge .Ye t .Hega vea na br upti nc l i na t i on ofhi she a d.` Ia pol ogi s e . ' Hi sa pol ogyobvi ous l ys ur pr i s e dhe r .He re ye swi de ne ds l i ght l ya ss hee ye dhi m s us pi c i ous l y. ButHa wkwa sa wa r et ha themi ghtj us tbewr ongi nhi ss us pi c i onsa boutt hi swoma n. Mi ghtbe .Ma ybe . . . ` Wec a nde c or a t et het wot r e e sDona l dha spl a c e di nt hes i t t i ngr oom a ndf a mi l y r ooml a t e rt hi sa f t e r noon,i fyouwoul dl i ke ? ' heof f e r e dl i ght l y. Ros i es t i l le ye dhi mwa r i l y.` Fi ne , ' s hea gr e e d,he rga z egua r de da ss hewa l ke dt ot he door . Wha twa si ta boutt hi swoma nt ha tma dehi spul s er a c ea ndhi sbodyt i ght e nwi t h de s i r e ?Ha wkwonde r e d,e ve na shef e l tt her e ne we ds t i r r i ngofhi sbody.Att hi sr a t ehe woul dne e dt ot a keas howe rbe f or el unc hhi ms e l f .Ac ol done ! Ros i ewa sabe a ut i f ulwoma n,ye s .Butnomor es ot ha nma nyoft hewome nheha d knowni nt i ma t e l yove rt heye a r s .He rbodywa swi l l owy.Buta ga i n,no ts t a r t l i ngl ys o.I n f a c t ,s hec oul ddowi t hput t i ngonaf e wpounds . Sowhy,i ns pi t eofhi sunc e r t a i nt ya bouthe rmot i ve sf orbe i nghe r ea ta l l ,di dhef e e l s oa t t r a c t e dt ohe r ? ` Oh,a nd,Ha wk. . . 'Shepa us e da tt hedoort ot ur na ndl ooka thi mf r om be ne a t h l owe r e dl a s he s . Hi sga z ena r r owe dwa r i l y.` Ye s ? ' As l i ghts mi l ec ur ve dt hos es e ns uous l yf ul ll i ps .Tm a f r a i dIl i e dt oyoue a r l i e r , 's he mur mur e dt hr oa t i l y. Ha wk' swa r i ne s si nc r e a s e d,hi ss houl de r st e ns i ng.` Oh,ye s ? ' hepr ompt e dha r dl y. ` Ye s . 'Shenodde d,t ha ts mi l ewi de ni nga she re ye sope nl ymoc ke dhi mnow.` Ic an c ook! 's het a unt e d,be f or et ur ni ngl i ght l yonhe rhe e la ndl e a vi nghi ma l onei nt he be dr oom. Thel i t t l e —! Thatwa swhyhewa sa t t r a c t e dt ohe r ,Ha wkr e a l i s e df r us t r a t e dl y.Unl i kemos tot he r wome nhekne w,Ros i e ,whi l eobvi ous l ya wa r eofhi ss us pi c i ons ,ha da bs ol ut e l yno i nt e r e s ti nwha thedi dordi dn' tt hi nka bouthe r .I nf a c t ,s hebe ha ve da si fhi sopi ni onof he rwa sofnoi mpor t a nc et ohe rwha t s oe ve r .

Whi c h,a l t houghs hemi ghtnotbea wa r eofi t ,onl ys uc c e e de di nde e pe ni nghi s i nt e r e s t . Pe r ha ps ,wi t hDona l da si l la shewa s ,i twa supt oHa wkt of i ndoutmor ea boutt hi s pr e vi ous l yunknownda ught e rofhi s ? Dona l d' smut t e r i ngsa boutRos i e ' smot he re a r l i e rc e r t a i nl y di dn' ti ns pi r ea ny c onf i de nc ei nRos i e ' si nnoc e nc e . Ye s ,pe r ha pshes houl de mpl o ys omeot he rwa yofs e e i ngi fhec oul dn' tf i ndoutmor e a bouthe r . . . CHAPTEREI GHT Ros i ec ont i nue dt os mi l ea ss hewa l ke ddownt heha l l wa yt ot hedoort ha tl e dt ohe r f a t he r ' sf l a t .I tha dbe e nf unt e a s i ngHa wkj us tnow,t a ki nghi ss us pi c i onsa bouthe r mot i ve sf orbe i nghe r ea ndt ur ni ngt he mba c konhi m. Pe r ha pss hewa sf i na l l yge t t i nghe rs e ns eofhumourba c k? Aboutt i met oo! Re t ur ni ngHa wk' ski s s e s ,hi sc a r e s s e s ,ha dn' tbe e ns uc hagoodi de a ,t hough. . . He rs mi l ef a de da ss het houg htofhe rr e s pons et ohi m,ofj us thow muc hs heha d e nj oye dbe i ngki s s e da ndt ouc he dbyhi m.Some t hi ngt ha tha dne ve rha ppe ne dt ohe r be f or e . Hewa sJ os huaHa wkl e y,t opHol l ywoodmovi es t a r .Ofc our s es heha dme l t e dwhe n heki s s e dhe r .Wha twoma nwoul dn' t ? Ke e pt e l l i ngyour s e l ft ha t ,Ros i e ,s het ol dhe r s e l f ,a ss hewe nti nt ohe rf a t he r ' sf l a t . Ma ybewi t ht i mes hemi ghte ve nc omet obe l i e vet ha twa st heonl yr e a s ons heha d r e s ponde dt ohi ms oa bs ol ut e l y.Ma ybe . . . ` Oh,good,you' r ea wa ke . 'Shes mi l e da the rf a t he ra ss hee nt e r e dt hebe dr oom.He wa ss i t t i ngups l i ght l y,s ot ha thec oul ddr i nks omeoft hej ui c ea ndt a ket heme di c a t i on s heha dl e f tf orhi me a r l i e ront hebe ds i det a bl e .` Ar eyouf e e l i nga nybe t t e r ? ' ` Al i t t l e :Dona l dga veawa ns mi l ea shedr oppe dba c kont ot hepi l l ows ,t hee f f or tof s i t t i ngupa ta l lobvi ous l yha vi ngwe a ke ne dhi m.` Is t i l lc a n' tbe l i e veyou' r ea c t ua l l yhe r e , Ros i e , ' hec r oa ke d. Her e a c he doutt ogr a s phol do fhe rha nda ss hes t oodbe s i det hebe d,l e t t i nghe rkn ow t ha thi ss ki pwa shota ndc l a mmy.I fRos i eha dne e de da nyt hi nge l s et ot e l lhe rhowi l lhe s t i l lwa s ,s hec oul ds e ehow hi sha i rwa ss t i c ki ngda mpl yt ohi sbr ow,hi sf a c ewa s f l us he da ndhi sha z e l c ol our e de ye sf e ve r i s h. ` Pr omi s emeyouwon' tj us tdi s a ppe a ra ga i nunt i la f t e rI ' m be t t e ra ndwe ' veha da c ha nc et ot a l k! ' hepr e s s e dhoa r s e l y. He rownc he e ksf l us he dgui l t i l ya ss hea c knowl e dge dt ha t ,mi nut e sa go,di s a ppe a r i ng wa se xa c t l ywha ts heha dbe e nt hi nki ngofdoi ng.I fs hec oul dha vet houghtof s ome whe r ee l s es hemi ghtgo,t ha twa s ! ` Iwon' tj us tdi s a ppe a r , 's hea s s ur e dhi m hus ki l y,s que e z i nghi sha nds l i ght l ybe f or e a wkwa r dl yl e t t i nggo.Eve nt hi sbr i e fphys i c a lc ont a c twi t ht hef a t he rs heha dn' ts e e nf o r ye a r swa sope ni ngupol dwounds ,f i l l i nghe rwi t hque s t i onss hekne wDona l dwa s n' twe l l e nought oa ns we rye t .` Ha wka ndIa r egoi ngt ode c or a t et heChr i s t ma st r e e s , 's het ol d hi ml i ght l y.

Hes mi l e da tt hi sme nt i onofhi se mpl oye r .` Wha tdoyout hi nkofhi m? ' Shewa st r yi ngnott ot hi nkofHa wk! Shea voi de dhe rf a t he r ' sga z e . ` Hes e e mspl e a s a nte nough, ' s her e pl i e da wkwa r dl y. ` Pl e a s a nt ? 'Dona l de c hoe di nc r e dul ous l y.` Tha t ' st hef i r s tt i meI ' vehe a r dawoma n c a l lhi mt hat ! ' Ros i ef e l tt hebl us hde e pe nonhe rc he e ks .` He ' sJ os huaHa wkl e y,Fa t he r ;wha te l s ei s t he r et os a y! ' Dona l df r owne d,apa i ne dl ookonhi sf a c e .' How l ongha veyout houghtofmea s " Fa t he r "i ns t e a dof" Da d" ? ' heque r i e dgr uf f l y. Tool ong.Buti tha dbe c omee a s i e r ,l e s spa i nf ul ,t ot hi nkofhi mi nt ha twa yt ha nt o r e me mbe rt hema nwhoha ds poi l ta ndl ove dhe rf ort hef i r s tt we l veye a r sofhe rl i f e .The ma ns hei nr e t ur nha da dor e d. Atl e a s theha ds t oppe dt a l ki n ga boutHa wk. . . ` We ' r es t r a nge r snow—' ` No! ' Dona l dpr ot e s t e d.` Ne ve rt ha t .Notyoua ndI ,Ros i e .Weha veal otofc a t c hi ng upt odo—t hi ngswene e dt ot a l ka bout —butI ' vene ve rs t oppe dl ovi ngyou.Ne ve r s t oppe dl ovi ngmyl i t t l egi r l .Youha vet obe l i e vet ha t ! ' Hel ooke dupa the rpl e a di ngl y. Sheha dne ve rs t oppe dl ovi nghi me i t he r .Buti tha dbe e nt e nye a r s ! ` Al loft hi sc a nwa i tunt i lyou' r ef e e l i ngbe t t e r , ' s hes oot he d,a ss hes a whowpa l ehe ha dbe c omef r omt hes t r a i noft a l k i nga ta l l . ` Ye s , 'hebr e a t he dr a gge dl y.` Weha vet i menow,don' twe . . . ? 'hemur mur e d,be f or e dr i f t i ngof fi nt os l e e ponc ea ga i na st heme di c a t i onobvi ous l yki c ke di n. Ros i es t a r e ddowna thi mf ors e ve r a lmor emi nut e s .Apa r tf r omhi spr e ma t ur e l ywhi t e ha i r ,hes t i l ll ooke dt hes a met ohe ra sheha dt e nye a r sa go.Wa shes t i l lt hema ni n whoms he ' dha dt ot a lf a i t ht he n?Whoms he ' dbe l i e ve dwoul dne ve rl e ta nyha r mc omet o he r ? Whyha dhea ba ndone dhe r ?Whyha dn' thet a ke nhe rwi t hhi m whe nhe ' dl e f the r mot he r ?Whyha dn' thet r i e dt oa tl e a s ts e ehe ri nt hei nt e r ve ni ngye a r s ? Noma t t e rhowmuc hs hemi g htknows heha dt oge ta wa yf r omHa wk,Ros i ekne w s hec oul dn' tl e a vehe r eunt i la f t e rs heha dt hea ns we r st ot hos eque s t i ons . . . ` Wea r e n' tgoi ngt oge tt het r e e sde c or a t e dbys t a ndi nga r oundl ooki nga tt he m, ' Ha wk c omme nt e ddr yl y,a sRos i es t oods t a r i ngupa tt hehugepi nef r e et ha tdomi na t e dt he s i t t i ngr oom. Heha dt a ke nt heoppor t uni t yofhe rde l a yt oc omedowna ndl i ghtt hef i r ei nt heope n he a r t ht ha ts e r ve dbot ht hes i t t i ngr ooma ndt hef a mi l yr oom,a ndi t swa r mt ha ndf l a me s a dde dt ot heChr i s t ma sa t mos phe r e . Eve nt hes nowwa sf a l l i nga ga i nout s i de ,t oa ddt ot hef e s t i ves pi r i t ! ButRos i es e e me dme s me r i s e dbyt het r e e . I twa sabe a ut y,Ha wkha dt oa dmi t —s me l l i ngs t r ongl yofpi ne ,a tl e a s tt we l vef e e t hi gh,i t sbr a nc he sl us ha ndgr e e n. ` Ros i e . . . ? ' hepr ompt e ds of t l y. Shebl i nke d,t ur ni ngt os t a r ea thi ma si fs heha df or got t e nhewa se ve nt he r e .Onc e a ga i nh enot i c e ds hewa swe a r i ngbl a c k—ye ta not he rbl a c ks we a t e r ,wi t hbl a c kde ni ms . Wha twa si twi t ht hi swoma na ndbl a c k? Admi t t e dl yi tbr oughtoutt hevi vi dr e dofhe rha i r ,whi c hwa sa tt hemome ntt i e d ba c ki naponyt a i l .Buti ta l s oma dehe rf a c ewa yt oopa l e .

` Sor r y. 'Shega vear ous i ngs ha keofhe rhe a d.` Whe r edowes t a r t ?Doweputt he l i ght sonf i r s t ,ort hede c or a t i ons ? ' ` Thel i ght s ,ofc our s e , ' Ha wka ns we r e d,s l i ght l ypuz z l e d.' Ha ve n' tyoue ve rdr e s s e da Chr i s t ma st r e ebe f or e ? ' Nott ha ts hec oul dr e me mbe r ,no. . . Pr oba bl ys heha dhe l pe dhe rpa r e nt st ode c or a t eat r e ewhe nt he ywe r ea l ls t i l l t oge t he r ,butRos i ec e r t a i nl yc oul dn' tr e me mbe rha vi ngdones os i nc et he n.He rmot he r c ons i de r e dr e a lChr i s t ma st r e e sme s s y,s me l l yt hi ngs ,a ndpr e f e r r e dt obuya na r t i f i c i a l one ,a l r e a dyde c or a t e d,t ha tc oul dbes t or e di nt hea t t i ca f t e rChr i s t ma sa ndbr oughtdo wn a ga i ne a c hye a r .Wi t ht hef i r ebur ni ngs ome r r i l y,a ndt hes nowf a l l i ngs of t l yout s i det he wi ndows ,t hi ss e t t i ngwa sj us tt ooe nc ha nt i ngf orRos i enott obea f f e c t e dbyi t . ` Notonel i ket hi s . ' Shea voi de dadi r e c ta ns we r . ` Li ght sf i r s t ,t he n, ' s hea dde dbr i s kl y,t oa voi da nyf ur t he rdi s c us s i onont hes ubj e c t . ` Li ght sf i r s t , 'Ha wkc onf i r me ds l owl y,hi sga z es t i l lna r r owe donhe rs pe c ul a t i ve l y. ` WhydoIge tt hei de at ha tyous ome howha ve n' tbe e nl i vi ngi nt her e a lwor l dt he s el a s t f e wye a r s ,Ros i e . . . ? ' Pr oba bl ybe c a us es heha dn' t ! He rl i f eha ds e e me ds obl e a ka nde mpt ya f t e rhe rf unl ovi ngf a t he rha dl e f t .Sheha d r e t r e a t e di nt ohe r s e l f ,wi t hdr a wi ngf r omhe rf r i e ndst obe c omes ome t hi ngofal one r . Buta l lt ha tha dc ha nge dt heda yhe rmus i ct e a c he r ,t r yi ngt oe nc our a gehe rt ot a kea n i nt e r e s ti nmus i c ,ha dpe r s ua de dRos i et opi c kupavi ol i n. Fr om t hemome ntRos i eha dt ouc he dt hei ns t r ume nti tha df e l tr i ght ,a si fi twe r ea pa r tofhe r ;j us tt ouc hi ngt hepol i s he dwood,hol di ngt hebow,f i l l e dt hee mpt yvoi di ns i de he r . Mor ea ma z i ngwa st hef a c tt ha ta l t houghs heha ds t a r t e df a i r l yl a c ei nl i f e ,a f t e ra c oupl eoff a l s es t a r t ss heha da c t ua l l yknownhowt opl a yi t ! I ns t i nc t i ve l y. I nt ui t i ve l y. Sheha dn' te ve nbe e na bl et or e a dmus i ca tt het i me ,a ndye ta ss he ' dhe l dt ha tvi o l i n i nhe rha ndss heha dk nownhowt opl a yi t . Sos heha dpl a ye di ta ndpl a ye di t .Andt ha tha dr e l e a s e dhe rf r om t hepr i s onof l one l i ne s si nwhi c hs heha dl oc ke dhe r s e l fa wa y. Andma ybei fhe rmus i ct e a c he r ,ove r whe l me dbyt hedi s c ove r yofhe ra ma z i n g a bi l i t y,ha dn' tc a l l e dhe rmot he ri na ndt ol dhe rofRos i e ' sna t ur a lt a l e nt —i fhe rmot he r ha dn' tr e a l i s e dj us thowl uc r a t i veha vi ngamus i c a lpr ot é gé ef orada ught e rc oul dbe — Ros i e ' sbe wi l de r me nta ndpa i na f t e rhe rf a t he rha dl e f tmi ghtha vebe e nhe a l e d, a l l owi n ghe rt obeat e e na ge r . I ns t e a dnor ma ll i f eha de nde df ore ve rt heda yhe rmot he rha ddi s c ove r e dhe rgi f t f orpl a yi ngt hevi ol i n. .. ' Don' tber i di c ul ous ,Ha wk, ' s hes na ppe dba c ka thi m.` Mymot he re mpl oyss t a f ft o de a lwi t ht hehous e hol dt a s ks ,t ha t ' sa l l , 's hee l a bor a t e d,i nwa r dl ywi nc i nga thow s nobbi s hs hekne ws hemus ts ound. Theknowl e dgewa sr e f l e c t e di nt hef l a s hofa nge ri nHa wk' se ye sbe f or ehema s ke d t hee mot i on. Heha dme tt hi swoma n—wha t . . .s e ve n,e i ghthour sa go? —a nddur i ngt ha tt i mes h e ha da r ous e ds ur pr i s e ,c ur i os i t y,a mus e me nt ,a nge ra ndde s i r ei nhi m.Mor ee mot i ons

t ha nheha df e l tf ora nywoma nheha dknownt e nt i me st ha tl ong! Ri ghtnow hef e l ta ngr y.Hewa nt e dt obr i nghe routf r om be hi nd.t ha ts hi e l dof c ol dne s ss hewa shi di nghe r s e l fwi t h. Tha ti twa sas hi e l d,Ha wkdi dn' tdoubt .Heha ds e e nt her e a lwa r mt hoft hi swoma n whe nhe ' dhe l dhe ri nhi sa r mss uc has hor tt i mea go. Sheha dwa nt e dhi mt he n.Asheha dwa nt e dhe r . Ashes t i l lwa nt e dhe r ,da mni t ! ' I st ha thowyout hi nkofyourf a t he r ? ' hepr ompt e ds of t l y.` Asame r eme mbe rofs t a f f whos ef unc t i oni st oc a r r youthous e hol dt a s ksf orme ? ' ` Ofc our s enot ! 'Ros i ega s pe d,he rc he e ksbl a z i ngwi t hhe a t e dc ol our .Whe nIma de t ha tr e f e r e nc et os t a f fIwa s n' tt a l ki nga boutmyf a t he r —' ` We r e n' tyou? ' Ha wks c or ne d. ` It hi nkt ha tyouwe r e —' ` Idon' tgi veada mnwha tyout hi nk,Ha wk—' ` No,Iknowyoudon' t ! ' her a s pe d. ` Andt ha tbot he r syou? 'Ros i el ooke da thi m,he rwhol ebodyt e ns ewi t hc ha l l e nge now.` Doe si ti r kyout ha tIdon' tbow a nds c r a pebe f or et hemi ght yf i l ms t a rJ os hua Ha wkl e y? ' Adda bs ol ut ef ur yt ot ha tl i s tofe mot i ons ,Ha wkt hought ,e ve na shec l e nc he dhi s ha ndsi nt of i s t st os t ophi ms e l ff r om e xpr e s s i nghi sa nge ra sheha ds ol onge dt odo mi nut e se a r l i e r . Ma i nl ybe c a us ehewa s n' ts ur e ,i fhet ouc he dhe r ,t ha thewoul dbea bl et os t opt he r e ; t hede s i r et he yha ds ha r e de a r l i e rwa sl u r ki ngonl yj us tbe l ow t hes ur f a c eoft h i s c onve r s a t i on. Asi tha dbe e ns i nc et he y' df i r s tme tt hi smor ni ng. . .!` Idon' te xpe c tany onet obow a nds c r a pebe f or eme , ' hegr a t e doutbe t we e nc l e nc he dt e e t h. ` No? ' He rc hi nwa sr a i s e da nds hel ooke da thi mwi t hc ha l l e ngi nggr e e ne ye s .` Bu ti t s e e mst omet ha t ' se xa c t l ywha te ve r yonedoe s ! ' Shewa sde l i be r a t e l yt r yi ngt oa nnoyhi m,Ha wks udde nl yr e a l i s e dwi t hc a l mi ng c l a r i t y. Why?Be c a us ehewa sge t t i ngt ooc l os e ?Be c a us ehewa sda r i ngt oa s khe rque s t i ons s hewoul dpr e f e rnott oa ns we r ? Heha dc a l l e daf r i e ndofhi si nEngl a nde a r l i e ra nda s ke dhi mt os e ewha thec oul d f i ndouta boutoneRos i eHa r r i s o n.Buthedi dn' te xpe c tt or e c e i veac a l lba c kf ors ome t i me ,s ope r ha psi twoul dbebe t t e ri fhej us tba c ke dof ff orawhi l e . Hef or c e dhi ms e l ft or e l a x,h i ss mi l ede r i s i ve .` You' r ee nt i t l e dt oyouropi ni on, 'he di s mi s s e dwi t has hr ug,be f or et ur ni ngt ot a ket hel i ght sf r omt hebox.` Doyouwa ntt o hol dt hebot t omoft hes t e pl a dde rwhi l eIt a ket he s et ot het opoft hef r e e ? ' Shewa nt e dt oknoc khi m of ft heda mne dt hi nga l t oge t he r ,Ros i er e a l i s e dba dt e mpe r e dl y,e ve na ss hemove dt os t e a dyt hel a dde rwhi l ehec l i mbe dupi t . Hewa sr ude . Hewa spe r s i s t e nt l yi nqui s i t i ve . Hewa sa l s owi l dl y,r ugge dl y,goodl ooki ng.Sopowe r f ul l ys e ns ua l ,s oe xqui s i t e l y ma l e ,t ha thema dehe rl e gsgowe a ka tt hekne e s ! Shedi dn' twa ntt of e e lt hi swa y.Di dn' twa ntt owa ntt hi sma n. Buts hedi d.Eve nnow s hewa nt e dt or e a c houta ndt ouc hhi m,t of e e lt hewa r m s t r e ngt hofhi mbe ne a t hhe rha nd,l onge dt of e e lhi sha ndsonhe ra ga i n.

Whyt hi sma n?Why—? ` Da mn! 'Ha wks wor ea shi smobi l ebe ga nt or i ng.Re s t i ngt hel i ght sononeoft he br a nc he s ,her e a c he dt ot a kei toutofhi sba c kpoc ke t .` Ye s ? ' heba r ke di r r i t a bl yi nt ot he mout hp i e c e . Ros i ewa t c he dhi sf a c ea shet ookt hec a l l ,hi si ni t i a li r r i t a t i onqui c kl yf ol l owe dby f r us t r a t i on.` No,Idon' tha vea nyc omme ntt oma ke , 'hes na ppe d.` J e f f ,j us tf i ndout whi c hne ws pa pe rha si ta nds e ei fyouc a ns t opi t .The nge tba c kt ome .Ye s ,now, ' hebi t outt e r s e l y,be f or ea br upt l ye ndi ngt hec a l l . Ros i ee ye dhi m wa r i l ya shel ooke ddowna the rwi t hpi e r c i nge ye s .` Wha t ? 's he voi c e dunc e r t a i nl y.` Wha t ' swr ong? ' Be c a us es hekne wf r omhi sf a c et ha ts ome t hi ngwa s . Ha wks a tdownont opoft hel a dde r ,r unni ngaha ndt hr ought hel ongda r kt hi c kne s s ofhi sha i rbe f or er e pl yi ng.' How doyouf e e la boutha vi ngyourphot ogr a phi nt he ne ws pa pe r ? ' Hes i ghe d. ` Wha t . . . ? 's hega s pe dwe a kl y,ha ndsgr i ppi ngt hes t e pl a dde rs ot i ght l ynowt ha the r knuc kl e ss howe dwhi t e . ` Tha twa smya ge ntont het e l e phone , ' Ha wkbi toutgr i ml y.` He ' sbe e nc ont a c t e dbya r e por t e rt os e ei fIha vea nyc omme ntt oma kea boutt hewoma nI ' ms pe ndi ngChr i s t ma s wi t h! ' Shega veada z e ds ha keofhe rhe a d.` Buthow—?Youl a i ds ome t hi nga bouta phot ogr a ph—? ' ` Appa r e nt l ys omer e s our c e f uls oult ookaphot ogr a phofuswi t ht he i rc e l l phone whe nwewe r eout s hoppi ngt hi smor ni ng, ' hee xpl a i ne dha r dl y.` Ar e por t e rnowha si t ,a ndi si nt e nd i ng t oha vei tpubl i s he di noneoft omor r ow' sne ws pa pe r s . ' No,Ros i ei nwa r dl ypr ot e s t e d. Thi sc oul dnotbehappe ni ng! CHAPTERNI NE ` HEY,i tma ynotbet ha tba d! 'Ha wke nc our a ge d,a sRos i es t a gge r e dba c kt odr op downi nt ooneoft hea r mc ha i r s ,he rf a c epa l e .` J e f fwi l lge tba c kt omea ndl e tmeknow howda ma gi ngt hephot ogr a phi s , ' hea dde d,a shec l i mbe dba c kdownt hel a dde r . Da ma gi ng! Tha tt he r ewa saphot ogr a phofhe ri nCa na daa ta l l ,wi t horwi t houtJ os huaHa wk l e y a the rs i de ,wa smor eda ma gi ngt oRos i et ha nhec oul de ve ri ma gi ne ! ` Ros i e . . . ? 'Ha wkc a medownonhi sha unc he sa the rs i de .` I ti s n' tt hee ndoft he wor l d—' ` Ma ybet oyoui ti s n' t ! ' s hec a meba c khe a t e dl y,he re ye ss t or myi nt hepa l l orofhe r f a c e . She s hook he rhe a d.Ha wk di dn' tunde r s t a nd,c oul dn' tunde r s t a nd—t ha ta ny phot ogr a phofhe rt ha ta ppe a r e di nt hene ws pa pe r snowwa ss ur et obr i ngr e pe r c us s i ons . Shewa ss uppos e dt obei nEngl a nd,t a ki ngt i meof ft opr e pa r ef orhe rwe ddi ng.Noti n Ca na da ,wi t ht hec ha r i s ma t i c a l l ys e xya c t orJ os huaHa wkl e y! Ha wkl ooke da the rs e a r c hi ngl y,obvi ous l yc onf us e d.` Ar e n' tyouove r r e a c t i nga l i t t l e ? 'hea t t e mpt e dt oc a j ol e .` Thes pe c ul a t i ona boutt het woofuswi l lbeani ne da y -

wonde r ,a ndt he n—' ` Ni neda ys ? ' s her e pe a t e d,s t r i c ke n. I nf ourda ys ' t i me ,a sf a ra st hege ne r a lpubl i cwa ss t i l lc onc e r ne d,Ros e ma r yHa r r i s wa sduet oma r r ywor l df a mousc onduc t orEdmundPr i c e ! Edmundkne ws hewa s n' tgoi ngt oma r r yhi m,ofc our s e .Sheha dt ol dhi ms ot hr e e da ysa go,whe ns he ' dgi ve nhi mba c khi sr i ng.Thepoi ntwa s ,he rmot he rwoul dknowi t t oonow.Butt he r eha dbe e nnoa nnounc e me ntoft hewe ddi ng' sc a nc e l l a t i onma dei nt he ne ws pa pe r sye t ,a nda nyphot og r a phofhe rwi t ha not he rma n—l e ta l onet hewi l dl y ha nds omeJ os huaHa wkl e y! —wa ss ur et obemor et ha nani ne da ywonde r ! Shes hookhe rhe a d.` Youdon' tunde r s t a nd. . . ! ' Shebur i e dhe rf a c ei nhe rha ndsl i kea c hi l d,a si fnotbe i nga bl et os e eHa wkwoul dma kea l loft hi sgoa wa y. Onc es he ' dr e a l i s e dhe rf a t he r ' se mpl oye rwa st hef a mousa c t orJ os huaHa wkl e ys he s houl dne ve rha ves t a ye dhe r e .Shes houl dha vej us tgonet os omedi s c r e e thot e lont he ot he rs i deoft hewor l da ndma dehe r s e l f` di s a ppe a r ' ,unt i lt hes uppos e dwe ddi ngda ywa s ove ra ndt hes pe c ul a t i ont ha twa ss ur et of ol l owha ddi e ddown. I ns t e a dofwhi c hs heha dnowbe e nphot ogr a phe ds hoppi ngf orf oodi naCa na di a nma i lwi t hJ os huaHa wkl e y! ` Look,Ros i e , ' Ha wkr e a s one ds of t l y.` Iwoul dbeve r ys ur pr i s e di fyourownmot he r woul dr e c ogni s eyou,c ove r e dupi nt hewa yyouwe r e ! ' Howuni nt e nt i ona l l yi r oni c —whe ni twa she rmot he rs hedi dn' twantt or e c ogni s ehe r ! Gl or i awoul dbeove rhe r eont hene xtpl a nei fs hekne wwhi c hpr ovi nc eRos i ewa s i n.Ofc our s ehe rmot he rc oul dn' twor koute xa c t l ywhe r es hewa ss t a yi ngi nCa l ga r y.But Ros i e ,ofa l lpe opl e ,kne whowt e na c i ou sGl or i ac oul dbewhe ns hegota ni de ai nhe r he a d. . . Fore xa mpl e ,t hei de aofRos i e ' sma r r i a get oma e s t r oc onduc t orEdmundPr i c e . . . Ros i es houl dne ve rha vea l l owe dt hi ngst oge ta soutofc ont r ola st he yha d,ofc our s e . Buthe rmot he rwa sl i kea ne xpr e s st r a i nwhe ns hede c i de donac our s eofa c t i on—s he ha da bs ol ut e l ynohe s i t a t i oni nknoc ki ngdowna nyt hi ngt ha tgoti nhe rwa y,i nc l udi ng Ros i e ' sownr e l uc t a nc ea boutt hema r r i a ge ! Asf a ra sHa wkwa sc onc e r n e d,hef e l tRos i ewa sove r r e a c t i ngt ot hi s .Oka y,s oi t wa s n' tve r y pl e a s a nt ,ha vi ng a ni nnoc e nte xc ur s i on l i ke t hi smor ni n g' ss hoppi ng e xpe di t i ont a ke noutofc ont e xta ndbl ownupi nt os ome t hi ngi twa s n' t .Buti tr e a l l ywa s n' t t hee ndoft hewor l d. Atl e a s t ,i ts houl dn' tha vebe e n. Exc e ptt os ome onehes us pe c t e dwa shi di ngs ome t hi ng. . . ` Ros i e ,whydon' tyout e l lmewha t ' swr ong? 'hee nc our a ge dhus ki l y.` A pr obl e m s ha r e di sapr obl e mha l ve d,a nda l lt ha t . . . ' Shega veahumour l e s sl a ugh.` Youha venoi de a ! ' ` The nt e l lme ,da mni t . ' Hi svo i c e ha r de ne di nhi sf r us t r a t i onwi t ht hes i t ua t i on. Shel ooke da thi mf ors e ve r a ls e a r c hi ngs e c ondsbe f or es ha ki nghe rhe a d.` The r e ' s not hi ngt ot e l l , ' s hebi toutt i ght l y. Ha wk' sf r us t r a t i onde e pe ne da sher e a l i s e dt ha tRos i eha dobvi ous l yl ooke da th i m a ndde c i de dhec oul dn' the l phe r .` Webot hknowt ha ti s n' tt r ue , 'her e t ur ne ds c a t hi ngl y. I t ’ sbe e nobvi ousf r om t hef i r s tt ha tyou' r er unni nga wa y,orhi di ngf r om s ome t hi ng.I f yout e l lmewha tt ha ts ome t hi ngi s ,ma ybeIc a nhe l p. . . ? ' Ros i es wa l l owe dha r da sonc ea ga i ns hel ooke da thi ms e a r c hi ngl y.

Coul ds het e l lHa wkt het r ut h?Coul ds het e l lhi me xpl a i nhow he rl i f eha dbe e n dur i ngt hel a s tt e nye a r s ?Howh e rmot he r ' ss i ngl e mi nde dpur s ui toff a mea ndf or t unef or he rda ught e r ,a ndul t i ma t e l yf orhe r s e l f ,ha dma deRos i e ' sl i f es or e s t r i c t e da ndl one l y? Coul ds het e l lhi moft hewe ddi ngs heha df l e df r oms our ge nt l ybe c a us es heha dknown s hes i mpl yc oul dnot ,woul dnot ,ma r r yama ns hene i t he rl ove dnorwa nt e dt obewi t h, butwhohe rmot he rs a wa sye ta n ot he rs t e pupont hel a dde rofRos i e ' sa l r e a dyme t e o r i c mus i c a lc a r e e r ? Coul ds het e l lHa wka nyoft h a ta ndha vehi munde r s t a nd. . . ? Howc oul dhe ,whe ns hekne wf r omhe rc onve r s a t i onwi t hhi me a r l i e ra tt hema i lt ha t hea c c e pt e dt hepubl i ca dul a t i o nhi sc a r e e ra t t r a c t e d,t hei nva s i onofpr i va c yt ha t a c c ompa ni e dbe i ngi nt hepubl i ce ye .Hewoul dne ve rbea bl et ounde r s t a ndwhys he di dn' t . Asf orhe rBr oke ne nga ge me ntt oEdmundPr i c e ,ama nye a r sol de rt ha nh e r , goodne s skne wwha tHa wkwoul dma keoft hata f t e rt hewa ys heha dr e s ponde dt ohi m e a r l i e r ! Shega vea not he rs ha keofhe rhe a d.` The r e ' snot hi ngt ot e l l , ' s her e pe a t e df i r ml y. ` Da mni t ,Ros i e —'Ha wkbr okeof fhi sa ngr yout bur s ta shi sc e l l phoner a ngf ora s e c ondt i me .Fr owni nghi si r r i t a t i on,hes t oodupt ot a ket hec a l l .` Ye s ? 'heba r k e d, t ur ni nga wa yf r omhe r . Ros i edi dn' tdoubtt ha tt hec a l lwa sf r om hi sa ge nt .Wi t hmor ene wsont he phot ogr a ph,nodoubt .Howha dt ha tha ppe ne d? Whyha di tha ppe ne d? Wa s n' ti te nought ha tHa wkwa sove r c ur i ousa bouthe rpr e s e nc ehe r e ,wi t h out s ome onea c t ua l l yt a ki ngaphot og r a phoft het wooft he mt oge t he r ? Shes t i l lc oul dn' tbe l i e vet ha ts ome oneha ddonet ha ta ndt he ns ol di tt oar e por t e r , whoi nt ur nha dnodoubts ol di tt ot hene ws pa pe rwhowoul dpa yt hemos t . Shes t oodupa ndmove dove rt os t a ndi nf r ontofoneoft hewi ndows ,s t a r i ngouta t t hes nowc ove r e dl a nds c a pe .I twa ss obe a ut i f ulhe r e .Soqui e t .Li kes t e p pi ngoutof t i me —s t e ppi ngof ft hewor l df orawhi l e . Exc e ptt ha tr e a l i t y—f i r s ti nt hef or m ofHa wk,a ndnow wi t ht hee xi s t e nc eoft hi s phot ogr a phke pti nt r udi ng! ` Ros i e . . . ? ' Shet ur ne dba c kt oHa wk,he re xpr e s s i onde l i be r a t e l ybl a nda ss hel ooke da thi m e nqui r i ngl y. ` I t ' sa l r e a dy t oo l a t et os t op t he phot ogr a ph be i ng publ i s he di nt omor r ow' s ne ws pa pe r , 'Ha wke xpl a i ne dwi t hagr i ma c e .Hee a s i l ygue s s e dt ha the rc a l mne s snow wa sonl yapos e ,t ha tt hedi s ma ys heha de xhi bi t e de a r l i e rwa s n' tf a rbe ne a t hhe rs ur f a c e c ool ne s s .` J e f fi se ma i l i ngac opyofi tove rf orust ol ooka t ,s ot ha ta tl e a s twe ' l lknow wha t ' sc omi ng, ' hef i ni s he dhe a vi l y. Shedi dn' tl ookr e a s s ur e d,hea c knowl e dge dr ue f ul l y;he rf a c ewa ss t a r kl ywhi t e a ga i ns the rbl a c kc l ot hi nga ndt hef i e r yc ol ourofhe rha i r . ` Le t ' shopet ha ta tl e a s tt he yha ve n' tc a ughtmepus hi ngt hes hoppi ngt r ol l e y, 'Ha wk j oke d,i na na t t e mptt ol i ght e nt he s i t ua t i on.` Tha twoul d do not hi ng f ormy s wa s hb uc kl i ngi ma ge ! ' Ros i e ' smout ht i ght e ne d.` I ' mgl a dyouf i nda l loft hi ss of unny! ' s hec r i e d.

Hedi dn' t .Nott hef a c tt ha tt hephot ogr a phe xi s t e d,norRos i e ' sr e a c t i ont oi t . Buti twoul dn' tbet hef i r s tt i meheha dbe e nphot ogr a phe dwhe nhewoul dr a t he rhe ha dn' tbe e n.Andhedoubt e di twoul dbet hel a s te i t he r . Hes i ghe d,pus hi nghi sha ndsi nt ot heba c kpoc ke t sofhi sde ni ms .` Ma ybei fyou e xpl a i ne d—' ` Idon' toweyoua nye xpl a na t i ons ,Ha wk, 's hec ount e r e de mot i ona l l y.` Af e w ki s s e s —t ot a l l yunwi s eonmypa r t —donote nt i t l eyout omyl i f es t or y! ' Ha wk' sha ndsa ga i nt i ght e ne di nt of i s t si nhi spoc ke t s ,e ve na shebr e a t he dde e pl yi n a ne f f o r tt oc ont r olhi st e mpe r .Be c a us ehewa ss ur es hewa sdoi ngt hi sde l i be r a t e l y—t ha t s hewa nt e dt oa nt a goni s ehi mbyde l i be r a t e l ybe l i t t l i ngt he i rt i met oge t he re a r l i e r .Andhe wa s n' ta boutt ogi vehe rt ha ts a t i s f a c t i on. Ros i ewa s n' tgoi ngt os uc c e e di npus hi nghi ma wa yt ha twa y! Ands hewasde l i be r a t e l ypus hi nghi ma wa y.Why?Be c a us eheha dgott ooc l os e ? We l l ,s heha dgott ooc l os et ohi m—hads ome hows uc c e e de di nge t t i ngi nunde rt he r a da rt h a tha da l wa ysa l e r t e dhi mbe f or et ot heda nge r sofge t t i ngi nvol ve d. Andhewant e dhe rl i f es t or y! Hewa nt e dt oknowwha ts heha dbe e nl a c ea sal i t t l egi r l .Whe t he rs heha df oundhe r t e e na geye a r sa sa wkwa r da sheha d.Wa nt e dt oknowwha the rhobbi e swe r e .Wha tf ood s hel i ke d.Wha ts hel i ke dt odo.Wha twor ks hedi d.Whe t he rt he r ewa sa nyones pe c i a li n he rl i f e . . . Mos tofa l lhewa nt e dt oknowt hel a t t e r ! Ros i eHa r r i s onha ds e r i ous l ygotunde rhi ss ki p,Ha wka c knowl e dge d,s l i ght l yda z e d. Heha dknownhe ronl yama t t e rofhour s ,buta l r e a dyhewa nt e dt oknow e ve r yt hi n g t he r ewa st oknowa bouthe r . Cont r a r i l y,Ros i edi dn' twa ntt os ha r ea nypa r tofhe r s e l fwi t hhi m. ` Thee ma i l ,Ha wk? 'Ros i er e mi nde dhi mt i ght l y,ha vi ngnoi de awha thewa s t hi nki n gr i ghtnow,butpr e t t ys ur ehe re f f or t st oa nnoyhi ma nds oputhi ma tadi s t a n c e ha ds uc c e e de d. ` Ye a h. 'Hes i ghe dr e s i gne dl y.` Myl a pt opi si nt hes t udy. 'Hega veaha l f s mi l e be f or et ur ni nga nds t r i di ngf r omt her oom. Ros i er e s i s t e dt hei mpul s et of ol l ow hi m,knowi ngs heha da l r e a dybe t r a ye dhe r a nxi e t ye noughwi t houtt ha t . I ft hephot ogr a phwa sa sda mni nga ss het houghti twoul dbet he ns hekne ws he woul d ha vet ol e a vehe r ebe f or ei t spubl i c a t i on t omor r ow—wi t h orwi t houtt ha t c onve r s a t i onwi t hhe rf a t he r . Shewoul dha vet ol e a veHa wkt oo. Some t hi ng,s her e a l i s e dwi t hs udde nc ons t e r na t i on,t ha ts hewa sa l r e a dyba t ht odo. . . CHAPTERTEN ` I T' sagoodphot ogr a phofyou,i s n' ti t ? ' Ros i es pokebr i ght l ya ss het r i e dt ohol dba c k he rr e l i e ve dl a ught e rnowt ha tHa wkha ddownl oa de dac opyoft hephot o. He rownf a c ewa ss hownonl yi npr of i l e ,t ot a l l yunr e c ogni s a bl ebe ne a t ht hebl a c k wool l e nha tpul l e dl ow ove rhe re a r s —a si tha dbe e nme a ntt obe ! —whe r e a sHa wk' s

wor s tf e a rha dbe e nr e a l i s e d:hewa si nde e dde pi c t e dpus hi ngt hes hoppi ngt r ol l e y! Hel ooke da tt hephot ogr a phont hec omput e rs c r e e ndi s gus t e dl y.` ThePRt e a mf or Pr i nc eMovi e sa r egoi ngt ol ovet hi s ! ' Ros i ewa s n' ts ooutoft ouc ht ha ts hedi dn' tknow oft hef a mousmovi ec ompa ny owne da ndr unbyt het hr e ePr i nc ebr ot he r s .Thes a memovi ec ompa nyt ha twa sduet o s t a r tf i l mi ngt hes e que lt oThePi r at eKi ng,s t a r r i ngJ os huaHa wkl e y,i nt heNe wYe a r . .. ` Asyous a i d—note xa c t l yt hes wa s hbuc kl i ngi ma ger e qui r e d,i si t ? ' Shes mi l e d. Ha wkc l os e ddownt hec omput e rf i l e ,t he nt ur ne dt ol ooka the r .` You' r ee nj oyi ng t hi s ,a r e n' tyou! ' Cons i de r i ngt ha tonl ymi nut e sa gos heha dbe e nwor r yi nga boutt her e pe r c us s i ons t ha tmi ghtf ol l owt hepubl i c a t i onoft hi sphot ogr a ph—a na nxi e t ys heHowkne wha dbe e n t ot a l l yunne c e s s a r y—ye s ,s hewa se nj oyi ngHa wk' sobvi ousdi s c omf or t ! He re ye sgl owe dwi t hl a ught e r .` Theonl yt hi ngt ha tc oul dha vebe e nl e s sma c ho woul dha vebe e ni ft hes hoppi ngt r ol l e yha dbe e naba bybuggy! ' She Me d,s oondi s s ol vi ngi nt of ul ll a ught e ra sHa wkga vehe rar e pr ovi ngl ookbe ne a t h r a i s e dbr ows . Shewa sl ove l ywhe ns hel a ughe d,Ha wka c knowl e dge d.Twi ndi mpl e sa ppe a r e di n he rc r e a myc he e ks ,he rt e e t hwe r eve r ywhi t ea nde ve nbe t we e ns e ns uousl i ps ,a ndhe r e ye sgl e a me dl i kee me r a l ds . Soyout hi nki t ' sf unny,doyou? 'hemur mur e dt hr oa t i l ya shes l owl ybe ga nt o a dva nc eonhe r . Ros i ec ont i nue dt os mi l ee ve na ss het ookas t e pba c kwa r ds .` Tha ta l loft hos ef e ma l e f a nsa r egoi ngt oha vet he i rf a nt a s i e sa boutyouda s he dwhe nt he ys e eyoudoi ng s ome t h i nga smunda nea sf oods hoppi ng?Ye s ,ofc our s eIt hi nki t ' sf unny! ' s hec onf i d e d wi t ha not he rc huc kl e . I nt r ut h,Ha wkwa s n' ti nt hel e a s tbot he r e dbyt hephot o.Hewa smor ei nt e r e s t e di n t hea mus e me nti twa sa f f or di ngRos i e ,a ndhowt ha ta mus e me ntha dba ni s he dhe re a r l i e r s t r a i na ndr e pl a c e di twi t hha ppyl a ught e r . Hes t i l lha dnoa ns we r sa st owhyt hephot ogr a phs houl dha vebot he r e dhe rs omuc h i nt hef i r s tpl a c e ,buta tt ha tmome nthedi dn' tpa r t i c ul a r l yc a r ee i t he r .Hi sga z ewa si nt e nt upont hepout i ngs e ns ua l i t yoft ha ts mi l i ngmout h. Ros i es a wt heda nge rj us tal i t t l et ool a t e .He re ye swi de ne d,he rha ndsmovi ngupi n pr ot e s ta sHa wk' sa r msmove da bouthe ra ndhepul l e dhe ri nt i ght l ya ga i ns thi sbody,hi s l i psde s c e ndi ngt oc l a i mhe r s . Tool a t et opr ot e s t ,s her e a l i s e d,e ve na she rl i pspa r t e dbe ne a t hhi s ,he rha ndsmove d uphi sc he s ta ndove rhi ss hou l de r s ,a ndhe rf i nge r sbe c omee nt a ngl e di nt heda r k t hi c kne s sofhi sha l t -a ss hepul l e dhi mc l os et ohe r . Ha wkne e de dnof ur t he re nc our a ge me nt .Hi sl i pswe r epl unde r i ngnow,t a ki nghe r r e s pons ea ndgi vi ngoneba c k,hi st ongues l owl yc i r c l i nghe rl i psbe f or ec l a i mi ngt he moi s t n e s swi t hi n. Ros i e ' spl e a s ur er os es wi f t l y,wi l dl y.Thehour ss i nc et he yha dl a s tbe e nt oge t he rl i ke t hi ss e e me dne ve rt oha vepa s s e d —t he i rki s s e swe r ef i e r c e ,de ma ndi ng,a ndt he yc oul dn' t s e e mt oge te noughofe a c hot he r . He ra r msc l unga bouthi ss houl de r sa ss hef e l the r s e l fl i f t e dupa ndt he npl a c e dont he l ongs of a .Ha wkbr i e f l yr a i s e dhi she a dt ohol dhe rga z ewi t hhi sa shemove dt ol i edown be s i dehe r ,t he nhi smout hc l a i me dhe r sonc emor e .

Hef e l ts ogood,t a s t e ds ogood,s hedi s c ove r e da ss her a nhe rt onguef l e e t i ngl y a ga i ns thi sl i ps .Shewa sa l mos ta f r a i dofhe rownr e s pons e ,butnotwa nt i nghi mt os t op. Ne ve rwa nt i nghi mt os t op! Hi sha ndsc a r e s s e dhe rr e s t l e s s l yf r ombr e a s tt ot hi gh,i gni t i ng,s e t t i ngf i r ewhe r e ve r t he yt ouc he d,s ot ha tt hewhol eofhe rbody,i ts e e me d,bur ne da ndqui ve r e da thi s s l i ght e s tt ouc h. He rne c ka r c he da shi sl i psmove df r omhe r st ot hec r e a myc ol umnofhe rt hr oa t ,t o t a s t ea ndge nt l ybi t e ,s e ndi ngs hi ve r sofpl e a s ur edownhe rs pi ne ,c r e a t i ngat hr obbi n g wa r mt hbe t we e nhe rt hi ghs . ` Andwha ta r ey ourf a nt a s i e s ,Ros i e . . . ? ' hee nc our a ge d. ` Touc hme ,Ha wk! ' s hegr oa ne dhus ki l y.` Iwa ntyout ot ouc hme ! ' He rpl e at ur ne dt o a na c hi ngs i ghofpl e a s ur ea shi sha ndspu s he dhe rj umpe ra s i dea ndheba r e dhe rbr e a s t s t ohi sque s t i ngha ndsa ndl i ps . Ros i es t oppe dbr e a t hi nga l t oge t he ra ss hef e l tt hemoi s t ur eofhi st onguee nc i r c l i ng t het hr obofhe rni ppl e ,s l owl yl i c ki ngt ha tha r de ne dnubbe f or edr a wi ngi ti nt ot hemoi s t he a tofhi smout h,s uc kl i ngf i r s tge nt l y,a ndt he nmor ede e pl y,a ss hea r c he di ns t i nc t i ve l y a ga i ns thi m. Thewa r mt hbe t we e nhe rt hi ghst ur ne dt ohe a t ,hota ndmol t e n,a nds hemove da ga i ns t hi mi nr hyt hm,s pi r a l l i ngoutofc ont r ol ,t a ki nghe rwi t hi tunt i ls het houghts hewoul d t ot a l l ydi s i nt e gr a t ewi t ht hef or c eoft hepl e a s ur eHa wkwa sgi vi ngt ohe r . Shepus he dhi sownj umpe ra s i de ,s ki na ga i ns ts ki nnow,a ndt hef r i c t i onoft heda r k ha i ronhi sc he s twa sa r ous i nga ga i ns the rba r e dbr e a s t s .Ha wkgr oa ne dl owi nhi st hr oa t a she rha ndst r a ve l l e ddownt hel e ngt hofhi ss pi net oc uphi mt ohe r ,t of e e lt heha r d t hr obofhi sownne e da ga i ns the r . Her a i s e dhi she a dt oonc emor ec a pt ur ehe rmout hwi t hhi s ,hi ski s sha r da nd de ma ndi nge ve na shemove daha ndbe t we e nt he ma nddi s pe ns e dwi t ht hef a s t e ni ngsa nd z i psonbot hpa i r sofde ni ms .Hepus he dt hema t e r i a li mpa t i e nt l ya s i de ,hi sha r dne s s a ga i ns the ra shi sha ndonc ea ga i nc a pt ur e dhe rbr e a s t ,t oc a r e s si t sf i e r yt i pwi t ht hel of t pa dofhi st humb. Ros i e ' sha ndmove dt ot ouc hhi m.St e e le nc a s e di nve l ve t ,t hr obbi ng,pul s i ng.So goodt ot ouc h.Sopowe r f ul ,a ndye ts ove l ve t ys moot h. Shewa nt e dhi mi ns i dehe r .Tof i l lhe r .Wa nt e dhi mt oa s s ua get hene e di ns i dehe ra s s hewa nt e dt oa s s ua get hene e ds hec oul df e e lpul s i ngi ns i dehi m.The y Ha wks udde nl ywr e nc he dhi smout hf r omhe r s .` Weha vet os t op,Ros i e ! ' hegr oa ne d r e gr e t f ul l y,movi ngt or e s thi sf or e he a da ga i ns the r sa shebr e a t he dr a gge dl yi na ne f f or t t or e ga i nc ont r ol .` Wec a n' tma kel ovehe r e , ' hewe ntons of t l y,hi se xpr e s s i onr e gr e t f ul , hi se ye sda r ka shepul l e dhe rj umpe rdownt oc ove rt het e mpt a t i onofhe rbr e a s t s ,s t i l l f ul l ya r ous e df r om t hec a r e s sofhi sha ndsa ndmout h.Heha dn' twa nt e dt os t op.Ne ve r wa nt e dt os t opki s s i nga ndt ouc hi ngt hi swoma n.Hewa nt e dnot hi ngt ha nt obur yhi ms e l f i nhe rs of t ne s s ,t omovea ga i ns ta ndi ns i dehe r ,t a ki ngt he m bot hove rt hee dgeoft ha t pl e a s ur ea st he yf oundr e l e a s e . Butapa r tofhi m ha dr e ma i ne da wa r e ,e ve ni fRos i ewa s n' t ,t ha tt he ywe r e n' t c ompl e t e l ya l onei nt hehous e —t ha tDona l d,a sunwe l la shewa s ,c oul dqui t ee a s i l ywa l k i nont he ma ta nyt i me .Andhedoubt e dRos i ewa nt e dt ha tt oha ppe na nymor et ha nhe di d. ` Ros i e —'

' Don' t ! ' s hec hoke d,nol onge rl ooki nga thi m,he rf a c eonc ea ga i npa l e .` Pl e a s el e tme up, ' s hepl e a de dt a ut l ya ss hepus he di ne f f e c t ua l l ya ga i ns thi sc he s t . Ha wkr e a c he doutt ogr a s pt het opsofhe ra r ms .` Ros i e ,youha vet ol i s t e nt ome —' ` WhydoI ? ' s hede ma nde d,a l lhe re a r l i e rl a ught e rha vi nggonenowa ss hegl a r e dup a thi m.` I s n' ti te nought ha tyou' veobvi ous l yma deye ta not he rc onque s twi t houtha vi n ga pos t mor t e ma bouti t ? ' Ha wkwa ss hoc ke d.` I st ha twha tyoui ma gi net hi si s ? ' ` We l l ,i s n' ti t ? 's hec ha l l e nge d.Notwa i t i ngf orhi mt omove ,s hes c r a mbl e dt ot he bot t omoft hes of aa nds t oodupt ot ur na wa yf r omhi ma ss her e f a s t e ne dhe rde ni msa nd s t r a i ght e ne dhe rj umpe r .` Obvi ous l yt ha tphot ogr a phde nt e dyoure goal i t t l emor et ha nI ha da ppr e c i a t e d! ' s het ur ne dt oa dds c a t hi ngl y. Ha wks t a r e dupa the ri nc r e du l ous l y.Onemi nut es ohota nda r ous e di nhi sa r ms ,a nd nows h eha da l lt hes of t ne s sofas pi t t i ngt i gr e s s ! Hes hookhe rhe a d.` I twa s n' tl i ket ha t —' ` Wa s n' ti t ? 'Ros i es c or ne d,a b s ol ut e l yde va s t a t e dbyhe runi nhi bi t e dr e s pons et ohi m s e c ondsa go—ar e s pons et ha ts t i l lma dehe rbodya c he !` Le t ' sf a c ei t ,Ha wk,I ' mt heonl y a va i l a bl ef e ma l ea r oundf ormi l e sf oryout os e duc e ! ' s hee xc l a i me d,s ur es hewa shur t i ng he r s e l fmor ewi t hhe rs c or nt ha ns hewa shur t i nghi m. Ha wks a tup,hi sga z eda r ko nhe r s .` Anda r eyou? 'hes a i ds of t l y.` Ava i l a bl e ? 'he a dde dpoi nt e dl ya the rs ur pr i s e dl ook. Shebl us he ds l i ght l y.` Ofc ou r s eI ' ma va i l a bl e !Wha ts or tofwoma ndoyout hi n kI a m? ' s hec r i e d.` Iwi s hIkne w. . . ' ` Wha t ' st ha ts uppos e dt ome a n? ' Ros i ede ma nde d. Ha wkl ooke da the rl e ve l l y.` You' vet ol dmes ol i t t l ea boutyour s e l f .Howc a nIbe e xpe c t e dt oknowwha ts or tofwoma nyoua r e . . . ? ' Sheha dwa l ke dr i ghti nt ot ha tone ,Ros i er e a l i s e dbe l a t e dl y.We l l ,i fhet houghthe wa sgoi ngt oge ta nyt hi ngoutofhe rt ha twa y,hewa smi s t a ke n! ` Thepoi nti s ,Ha wk, 's hee mpha s i s e d,bi t i nghe rl i ps ,` youdon' tne e dt oknowwha t s or tofwoma nIa m!I ' mhe r et ovi s i tDona l d,notyou.I nf a c t , 's hec ont i nue dha r dl y,` I t hi nki tmi ghtbebe t t e ri fIke e pt omyf a t he r ' sf l a tf ort her e s tofmys t a yhe r e ! ' Whi c hwa sgoi ngt obee xt r e me l yc onf i ni ng.But ,a ss hei nt e nde dl e a vi nga ss oona s s hea ndDona l dha dha dt he i rt a l k,i thope f ul l ywoul dn' tbef ort ool ong. ` Youme a nbe c a us ewedon' ts e e mt obea bl et obei nt hes a mer oomt oge t he rwi t hout t a ki nge a c hot he r ' sc l ot he sof f ? 'Ha wkt a unt e d,a ndhes t oodupt opoi nt e dl yf a s t e nhi s ownj e a ns . Ros i ega vehi m af r us t r a t e dgl a r ebe f or et ur ni nga br upt l yonhe rhe e la ndma r c hi ng de t e r mi ne dl yf r omt her oom. Ands hedi dn' ts t opwa l ki ngunt i ls heha dr e a c he dt hes a nc t ua r yofhe rf a t he r ' sf l a t , c l os i ngt hedoorbe hi ndhe ra ss hede s pe r a t e l yt r i e dnott ot hi nka boutHa wk,ort he t hi ngsheha ds a i d. ButHa wkwa sr i ght .Shekn e w hewa sr i ght .The ydi dn' ts e e mt obea bl et obe t oge t he rwi t houtwa nt i ngt ot a kee a c hot he r ' sc l ot he sof f ! I nf a c t ,s hea c c e pt e ds ha ki l y,Ha wk,a ndt heunde ni a bl ea t t r a c t i ons hef e l tt owa r ds hi m,ha dbe c omemuc hmor eofada nge rt ot hepe a c eofmi nds hewa ss e e ki ngt ha n a nyt hi ngora nyonee l s eha de ve rbe e n. . . !

CHAPTERELEVEN ' YES? ' Ros i es t oods qua r e l yi nt hebe dr oomdoor wa yofhe rf a t he r ' sf l a tt hef ol l owi ng mor ni n ga f t e rope ni ngt hedoort oHa wk' sknoc k—l ooki ngbr i ghta nda l e r t ,Ha wknot e d i mpa t i e nt l y,a f t e rpr oba bl ys l e e pi ngf ora l mos ts i xt e e nhour s . Thes a menumbe rofhour sheha ds pe ntt r y i ngt oma kes omes e ns eofhi sf e e l i ngs t owa r dshe r —a ndc omi ngt oa bs ol ut e l ynoc onc l us i on.Thehotde s i r ehef e l tf orhe rwa s a tc ompl e t eoddswi t hhi sus ua lc a ut i ont owa r dsr oma nt i ci nvol ve me nt . Hewi l l e dhi ms e l fnott or e a c tt ohe rc ha l l e ngenow,knowi ngt ha twa se xa c t l ywha t heha ddonel a s tni ght .Asheha dbe e nme antt odo,heha dr e a l i s e d,onc es heha dwa l ke d a wa yf r omhi m. ButHa wkwa s n' tf e e l i ngi nagoodhumourhi ms e l ft hi smor ni ng.Forgoodr e a s on!` I c a met oc he c konhowDona l di st hi smor ni ng, ' her e pl i e dt e r s e l y. Ros i es e e me dt or e l a xt het e ns i oni nhe rs houl de r ss l i ght l y.` Al i t t l ebe t t e r ,t ha nkyou, ' s hea ns we r e dwi t hc oolpol i t e ne s s .` I nf a c t ,he ' st a ki ngas howe rr i ghtnow. ' Ha wkha ds oma nyque s t i onshewa nt e dt oa s kt hi swoma n.Que s t i onst ha tha donl y i nc r e a s e da f t e rhe ' dr e a dt hene ws pa pe rt hi smor ni ng. . . ! ` Igue s she ' soutoft hes howe rnow, ' Ha wkobs e r ve d,a shehe a r dt hes oundofmu s i c pl a yi ngi nt hebe dr oom—oneoft hec l a s s i c a lCDsDona l dof t e nl i ke dt opl a yi nt hec a r whe nhedr oveHa wk.Al t hought hatwa snol onge rt her e a s onHa wkr e c ogni s e di t ! ` Ig ue s shei s , 'Ros i ea c knowl e dge d,a ppe a r i ngdi s t r a c t e d.` Look,I ' l lt e l lhi m you e nqui r e da f t e rhi m—' ` Oh,no,youdon' t ! ' Ha wkma na ge dt oputhi sf ooti ns i det hedoorj us ta sRos i ewa s a boutt os huti ti nhi sf a c e .` Iwoul dr a t he rc omei na nds pe a kt oDona l dmys e l f ,i fyou don' tmi nd, ' hea s s e r t e d,a shepus he dt hedoorba c kope n. ` Andi fIdomi nd? ' Ros i ef a c e dhi mc ha l l e ngi ngl y,e ye ss pa r kl i ng,de e pl ygr e e n. Hes hr ugge d.` Asyoupoi nt e doutye s t e r da y—i t ' smyhous e . 'Hi sga z ena r r owe don he rwa r ni ngl y. Whe nhewa sf i l mi nghi swor ks c he dul ewa ss uc ht ha theof t e nwe nts hor tofs l e e p — s oi twa s n' tl a s tni ght ' si ns omni at ha twa sma ki nghi ms oi r r i t a bl et hi smor ni ngbuthi s r a pi dl yi nc r e a s i nga nge rt owa r dst hi swoma n.Awoma nwho,i ft hewa yhec oul dn' ts t op t hi nki n ga bouthe rwa sa nyt hi ngt ogoby,ha dgott ohi mmor ede e pl yt ha na nyot he r .A woma nwhoha dt ot a l l yde c e i ve dhi m. . .! Ros i e ' smout ht hi nne d.` Soi ti s , ' s hea c knowl e dge dmoc ki ngl y,a nds hes t e ppe dba c k t oa l l owhi mt oc omei nt ot hef l a t . Themus i che rf a t he rha dont heCDpl a ye ri nt hebe dr oom c oul dbehe a r dmor e c l e a r l y.I twa sapi e c et ha tRos i er e c ogni s e da l lt ooe a s i l y.Shes houl ddos hewa st he vi ol i ns ol oi s t ,a nds hewa spl a yi ngt hec onc e r t ot ha ts heha dwr i t t e nhe r s e l f . . .! ` He r e —Iwe ntouta ndgott hi se a r l i e r . 'Ha wkhe l doutt hene ws pa pe rt ha tRos i e ha dn' tn ot i c e dheha dbe e nc a r r yi ngunde rhi sa r m.` Pa get hr e e , ' hea dde dha r dl y,a sRos i e s l owl yt ookt hene ws pa pe rf r omhi m. Shega vehi ma not he rbr i e fg l a nc ebe f or eope ni ngt hepa pe ra ndt ur ni ngt hepa ge s , he rc ur i os i t ys uc hde s pi t et heme l a nc hol ys t r a i nsofmus i ct ha tnowf i l l e dt hef l a t —t ha t s hec oul dn' tnotha veope ne di t . I twa st hes a mephot ogr a pht h a tHa wk' sa ge ntha de ma i l e dt ohi mye s t e r da y.Pe r ha ps

notqui t ea sbl ur r e da st hedownl oa de dc opyha dbe e n,butt he r ewa ss t i l lt ool i t t l eofhe r f a c evi s i bl ef orhe rt ober e c ogni s a bl e . Ne ve r t he l e s s ,he rha ndss hooks l i ght l ya ss hes hutt he .ne ws pa pe ra br upt l ya ndputi t downont hec of f e et a bl e .` I —I ts e e msha r ml e s se nough, ' s hedi s mi s s e d s t i f f l y,s t i l ls l i ght l yt hr ownbyt hef a c tt ha ti twa she rCDhe rf a t he rwa spl a yi ngi nhi s be dr oom. He rl a t e s ta l bum—ac ompi l a t i onofhe rmus i ct ha tonl ybe e nr e l e a s e dt hepr e vi o us mont h. . .' Don' tyouha ves ome t h i ngt ot e l lme ,Ros i e ? 'Ha wkque r i e d,hi si mpa t i e n c e gr owi ngbyt hes e c ond. Shel ooke ds ur pr i s e d.` Some t hi ngt ot e l lyou. . . ? 's her e pe a t e ds l owl y.` Idon' tt hi nk s o. ' Ha wkwa spr e t t ys ur ehewa sgoi ngt oputt hi swoma nove rhi skne ea nds pa nkhe r de l i c i ousl i t t l ebot t om i nami n ut e !A s ha pe l ybot t om,e nc a s e di nbl uede ni mt hi s mor ni n g,a ndagr e e ns we a t e rt hes a mevi vi de me r a l da she re ye s . . . Be t t e r .Muc hbe t t e r ,Ha wkde c i de d,gl a dt ha ts heha dn' tc hos e nbl a c kt oda y. Al t hought ha tdi dn' ta l t e rt hef a c tt ha theha dr e c e i ve dj us ta bouta l lt hee va s i onhe i nt e nde dt a ki ngf r om t hi swoma n.Hewa nt e da ns we r s —a ns we r st ha tonl yRos i ec oul d gi vehi m.Some t hi ngs hedi dn' ts e e mi nc l i ne dt odo. . . Her e a c he doutt ogr a s phe ra r ma ss hewoul dha vet ur ne da wa y.` Ma ybeyous houl d r e a dal i t t l emor eoft hepa pe rt hi smor ni ng,Ros i e , ' hewa r ne d.` Thes e c ondphot ogr a ph ofyou—ofRos e ma r yHa r r i s ! —i smuc hmor ef l a t t e r i ng! ' hea dde dgr i ml y. He rf a c ebe c a meha unt e da ss hegl a nc e da tt hepa pe rs heha dt hr owndowns o di s mi s s i ve l yonl ys e c ondsa go,he rwa r i ne s si nc r e a s i ng.Wha t —? ' ` Ha wk! ' He rf a t he rgr e e t e dhi mwa r ml ya shec a met hr oughf r omt hebe dr oom.` Iwa s j us tc omi ngt hr ought os e eyou, 'Dona l dc r oa k e d,ha vi ngpul l e donf a de dde ni msa nda na vybl ues we a t e ra f t e rhi ss howe r . Hel ooke dmuc hbe t t e rt ha nheha da nhoura go,whe nRos i eha dt a ke nhi mac upof c of f e ei nbe d,a nda l t houghi twa sc l e a rt ha thewa snowhe r ene a rwe l lye t ,hewa s obvi ous l yf e e l i ngbr i ght e rt hi smor ni ng.Heha dr e s i s t e da l lRos i e ' se f f or t st oke e phi mi n be d,i ns i s t i ngheha dt ogoa ndt a l kt oHa wkt hi smor ni ng. Thepr oba bi l i t yt ha tt he i rt a l kwa sgoi ngt obea bouthe rwa s n' ti nt hel e a s tr e a s s ur i ng! Shee a s i l ypul l e da wa yf r omHa wk' sha nda sher e l a xe dhi sgr i ponhe rwr i s t ,t ur ni ng t of a c ea the r-f a t he r .' I ' ms ur eyous houl dn' tbeoutofbe dye t —' ' Don' tf us s ,Ros i e . ' Dona l ds mi l e d,t a ki nga nys t i ngoutofhi swor ds ,movi ngs l owl y a c r os st her oom t opl a c ehi sa r ml i ght l ya bouthe rs houl de r s .Het ur ne da wa yt oc ou gh, t he npr ompt e d,' So,wha tdoyout hi nkofmyda ught e r ,Ha wk? 'Hel ooke ddowna the r pr oudl y. Ros i ewi nc e d.He rda dpr oba b l ydi dn' twa ntt oknowwha tHa wkr e a l l yt houghtofhi s da ught e ra tt hi smome nt ! Ha wks t udi e df a t he ra ndda ug ht e r ,r e a l i s i ngt ha tDona l d' spr e ma t ur e l ywhi t eha i rha d pr oba bl yonc ebe e na sr e da sh i sda ught e r ' s .Hec oul ds e eas i mi l a r i t yi nt he i rf a c i a l s t r uc t ur et oo,nowt ha thekne woft he i rr e l a t i ons hi p,a l t houghDona l d' se ye swe r eha z e l whe r eRos i e ' swe r et ha tvi vi dgr e e n. Buthea l s okne wt hi ss i mi l a r i t yt oDona l dwa snott her e a s ons heha ds e e me ds o f a mi l i a rt ohi mye s t e r da y!

Het ur ne dt ot heol de rma n.` She ' sve r ybe a ut i f ul . ' Hes t a t e dt heobvi ous . ` Id i dn' tme a nt hewa ys hel ooks ! 'Dona l dgr i nne d.` Al t houghyou' r er i ght —s hei s ve r ybe a ut i f ul , ' hea gr e e d,wi t hapr oudbe a m.` ButIwa sa c t ua l l yr e f e r r i ngt o—' ` I 'm s ur eHa wki sf a rt oobus yt obebot he r e dwi t ha l loft hi sj us tnow,Fa Da d, ' Ros i ec uti nha s t i l y. ' I ' mnotbus ya ta l l , ' Ha wka s s ur e dhe rt i ght l y. Dona l dga vehi mame r r ys mi l e .' Don' tyour e c ogni s et hemus i c ,Ha wk? ' Ha wkha dne ve rpa r t i c ul a r l ybe e ni nt oc l a s s i c a lmus i c ,a l t houghhedi dr e c ogni s e c e r t a i npi e c e swhe nhehe a r dt he mbe i ngpl a ye d.Thepi e c ehec oul dhe a ra tt hemome nt wa s n' tf a mi l i a rt ohi m,t hough.On l yt hepl a ye r . . . ` I t ' sve r y—e voc a t i ve , ' hea c knowl e dge d,l ooki ngc ha l l e ngi ngl ya tRos i ea st hevi o l i n r os et oac r e s c e ndoofa c hi ngl one l i ne s st ha twa sa l mos tpa i nf ult ol i s t e nt o. Ros i e ,hec oul de a s i l ys e e ,l ooke ddi s t i nc t i ve l yunc omf or t a bl e .Ands os heda mnwe l l oughtt oa f t e rt hewa ys heha dde c e i ve dhi m! Ros i et ur ne da br upt l ya wa yf r omHa wk' spi e r c i ngga z e .Sheha dwa nt e dt ot a l kt ohe r f a t he ra l onet hi smor ni ng.Be f or es hel e f t . Be c a us es hewasl e a v i ng.Sheha dr e a l i s e dt ha ta ss hel a ya wa kel a s tni ghtt hi nki ngof Ha wk,oft hee mot i onst ha twe r ene ve rf a rbe l ow t hes ur f a c ewhe ne ve rt he ywe r e t oge t he r —e ve nwhe nt he ywe r e n' tt oge t he r ,s heha dponde r e d,a ss he ' df oughtt hene e d s hes t i l lf e l tf orhi m! Nows her e a l i s e dt ha ts hec ou l dn' tr una wa ya nymor e . He rda ysofr unni ngwe r eove r .Anda l lt hee va s i ona ndpr e va r i c a t i onbe t we e nhe r s e l f a ndHa wkha dt obeove rt oo. Andt he ns heha dt ogoba c kt oEngl a nda ndf a c ewha t e ve rne e de dt obef a c e d. . . Butf i r s ti ts e e me ds heha dt of a c eHa wk. Andi fhi sgua r de dr e ma r ksa boutt hene ws pa pe ra r t i c l es heha dn' tye ts e e nwe r e a nyt hi ngt ogoby,t he ns hene e de dt oge tr e a di ng. I fhi ss a r c a s mwa sa nyt hi ngt ogoby,s ome t hi ngha da l e r t e dHa wkt omor et ha nwho s her e a l l ywa s . . . CHAPTERTWELVE ` DAD,Ha wkdoe s n' t —di dn' tknowa bouta nyoft ha t , ' s hea me nde d.Wa r i l y,s hes hot Ha wkane r vousgl a nc e . Dona l dga vehi m abe a mi ngs mi l e .` Ne ve r t he l e s s ,I ' ms ur et ha the ' she a r doft he vi ol i ni s tLaBe l l aRos a . . . ' ` Da d—' ` Thebe a ut i f ulr os e ? ' Ha wkt r a ns l a t e ddr yl y. At e e na gepr ot é gé e .Amus i c a lphe nome nonwhoha dpe r f or me da l love rt hewor l d f ors e ve n,e i ghtye a r st os e l l outa udi e nc e s ,he rbe a ut ya sr e nowne da she ri nc r e di b l e t a l e nt . Thevi ol i ni s tont heCDDona l dwa spl a yi ng. Awoma nwho,i twa swe l l known,a l wa yswor ebl a c k. ForRos i eHa r r i s onr e a dRos e ma r yHa r r i s . Be c a us eRos i ewa sde f i ni t e l yLaBe l l aRos a !

Ma ki ngac ompl e t enons e ns eofHa wk' ss us pi c i onst ha ts hemi ghtbehe r et owhe e dl e mone youtofDona l d.Ha wkmi ghtnotknowal ota boutc l a s s i c a lmus i c ,buthedi dknow t ha tRo s e ma r yHa r r i swa soneoft hehi ghe s t pa i dc l a s s i c a lmus i c i a nsi nt hewor l d! Ha wkwa ss t i l lwa i t i ngf ort hef r i e ndheha dc a l l e di nEngl a ndt oge tba c kt ohi mwi t h a nyi nf or ma t i onhec oul df i ndonRos i eHa r r i s on.Buta f t e rs e e i nghe rphot ogr a phi nt he ne ws pa pe rt hi smor ni ng,a ndt hea r t i c l et ha twe ntwi t hi t ,Ha wkha dr e a l i s e dt ha thedi dn' t ne e dhi sf r i e nd—be c a us ehea l r e a dykne we xa c t l ywhoa ndwha ts hewa s ! I fheha de xpe c t e dt os e eRos e ma r yHa r r i s ,wor l df a mousvi ol i n i s t ,i nhi sCa na d i a n home . . .Buta l lheha ds e e nye s t e r da ymor ni ngwa saha unt i ngl ybe a ut i f ulwoma nwho ha dc l a i me d—e ve nt ua l l y! —t obeDona l d' sl ongl os tda ught e r ,Ros i e . Da mni t ,Ha wkha dbe e nde t e r mi ne dt oknow t het r ut ha bouthe r —hej us tha dn' t e xpe c t e dt of i ndi toutbyr e a di ngi nane ws pa pe r ! Hel ooke da the rc ol dl y.` Youc e r t a i nl yha dmef ool e d,Ros i e —ors houl dIc a l lyou Ros e ma r y? ' hee nqui r e dha r s hl y. ` Ros i ewi l ldo, ' s hea s s ur e dhi mqui e t l y,i nwa r dl ywi nc i nga tt hea nge rs hec oul dh e a r i nhi svoi c e .Shewa nt e dt oe xpl a i n,t ot e l lhi me ve r yt hi ngnow,buts hekne wf r om t he c ol dne s sofhi sga z ea shel ooke da the rs os c a t hi ngl yt ha thenol onge rwa nt e dt ohe a ri t . Tha twha t e ve rheha dr e a di nt hene ws pa pe rt hi smor ni nga boutRos e ma r yHa r r i sma dei t t ool a t ef ore xpl a na t i ons .

Hes t oodup,a ppe a r i ngve r yt a l la ndpowe r f uli nt hec onf i ne sofDona l d' sf l a t .And e ve nmor er e mot e .` It hi nkIs hou l dl e a vet het woofyout ot a l k—' ` Ha wk,pl e a s e —' Thec ol dne s sofhi sga z es i l e nc e dhe ra ss hewoul dha vepr ot e s t e d. Shes wa l l owe dha r d.` Ir e a l l ywoul dl i keyout os t a y, ' s het ol dhi m,a l mos tpl e a di ngl y. Heha dt ol i s t e n—ha dt ounde r s t a nd No,s her e a l i s e dhe a vi l y.Ha wkdi dn' tha vet ol i s t e norunde r s t a nda nyt hi ngi fhe c hos enott o.Andwhys houl dhec hoos et o? Be c a us eheha dki s s e dhe r ?Be c a us es heha dki s s e dhi m?Be c a us et he yha ds ha r e da t i meofs uc he xqui s i t epa s s i ont ha ts heha dn' tbe e na bl et ot hi nkofa nyt hi nge l s ea l l Wi ght ? Be c a us es hebe l i e ve ds hewa sf a l l i ngi nl ovewi t hhi m?I fs heha dn' ta l r e a dydones o! Butt ha twa sonl yhow s hef e l t ,no tHa wk.Wha tha dha ppe ne dbe t we e nt he m ye s t e r da ymi ghtha vebe e nnot hi ngoutoft heor di na r yt ohi m. . . Tha tdi dn' ta l t e rt hef a c tt ha ts heowe dhi ma ne xpl a na t i on. ` Di dImi s ss ome t hi ng. . . ? ' He rf a t he rl ooke dc onf us e dbyt heobvi oust e ns i onbe t we e n Ros i ea ndHa wk. Onl yt e nye a r sofhe rl i f e ,Ros i ec hoke di nwa r dl yt ohe r s e l fa ss hemove da wa yf r om t hewa r mt hofhe rf a t he r ' sa r m.Te nye a r st ha ts t r e t c he dbe t we e nt he ml i keaya wni ng c ha s m. ` Not hi nga ta l l , ' Ha wka s s ur e dt heol de rma nt a ut l y,hi sBl uee ye sgl a c i a la shega ve Ros i eaha r dgl a nc e .` Ros i e ,whydon' tyous t a r tbyt e l l i ngust her e a s onf oryo ur une xpe c t e dvi s i t ? 'hepr ompt e dha r dl y.` Ipr e s umet he r eha st obear e a s onyou' vej u s t t ur ne dupl i ket hi s . . . ? ' Ros i el ooke da thi ms e a r c hi ngl y,s e e i ngonl yt hei mpl a c a bi l i t yi nhi sga z ea ndhi ss e t

a nduns mi l i ngmout h. ` Wha t . . . wha tdi dyour e a di nt hene ws pa pe r ,Ha wk? ' s heque s t i one ds l owl y. ` Wha tdoyout hi nk? ' Shedi dn' tknow.Buts hec oul dgue s s .Oh,ye sknowi nghe rmot he ra swe l la ss hedi d, Ros i ec oul dc e r t a i nl ygue s s . Ye s .I twoul dbebe t t e ri fHa wks t a ye da ndhe a r dhe re xpl a na t i onsnow,wi t hhe r f a t he rpr e s e nt .Be c a us ei twa sobvi ousf r omHa wk' sa c c us i nge xpr e s s i ont ha theha dno i nt e r e s ti nhe a r i nga nyt hi ngs hewoul dl i ket os a yt ohi mi npr i va t e ! Shes t r a i ght e ne d,t e ns i nghe rs houl de r se ve na ss hedr e wi nac ont r ol l i ngbr e a t h,not l ooki nga te i t he rma nnow,j us twa nt i ngt oha vehe rs a ybe f or el e a vi ng.` Fi r s t l y,It h i nk yous houl dbot hknowI ' ma l r e a dybooke donaf l i ghtba c kt oEngl a ndl a t e rt oda y—' ` No! ' he rf a t he rgr oa ne dpr ot e s t i ngl y,e ve na shes a nkdownwe a kl yi nt oa na r mc ha i r , hi sf a c epa l ea shes t a r e dupa the r . ` Why? ' Ha wkpr obe da br upt l y.` Wha t ' sba c ki nEngl a ndt ha tyouha vet ol e a vebe f or e youa ndDona l dha ves pe nta nyt i met oge t he r ? ' Ros i et ur ne dt ogi vehi m as mi l e .Nott ha tmi s c hi e vouss mi l ewi t ht hei nf e c t i ous l a ught e rofye s t e r da y,butas mi l et i nge dwi t hs a dne s s . Tha ts a meha unt i ngs a dne s sheha dhe a r di nhe rmus i cmi nut e sa go. . . ` Ors houl dIha vea s ke dwho. . . ? ' hea me nde dpoi nt e dl y. Ros i es hookhe rhe a d,he rs mi l er ue f ulnow.' Don' tbe l i e vee ve r yt hi ngyour e a d, Ha wk! ' Wha tt hehe l ldi dt hatme a n? Tha thes houl dn' tbe l i e vet hea nnounc e me ntheha ds e e ni nt hene ws pa pe r ?Tha ti t wa s n' tt r uet ha t` LaBe l l aRos a 'Ros e ma r yHa r r i s —Ros i e ! —wa st obema r r i e don Chr i s t ma sEve ? ` Gl or i a ! 'Dona l ds pokewi t hf l a tdi s gus t .` Tha t ' swhoyouc a mehe r et oge ta wa y f r om,Ros i e ,i s n' ti t ? ' Hel ooke dupa thi sda ught e rs e a r c hi ngl y. Gl or i a .Dona l d' se xpa r t ne r .Ros i e ' smot he r . . . Ros i ega vehe rf a t he rawe a r ys mi l ea ss henodde d.` Is houl dha vema deac ompl e t e br e a kye a r sa go. ' ` Ea s i e rs a i dt ha ndone , 'Dona l da c knowl e dge d.` I tt ookmea l mos tf our t e e nye a r s — unt i lyo uwe r et we l veye a r sol d,Ros i e ! —t or e a l i s eIc oul dn' tl i vewi t hmyownwi f ea ny mor e ! ' Ha wkt r i e dt ohi dehi ss ur pr i s e .Gl or i aha dbe e nDona l d' swi f e ?Dona l dha dl i v e d wi t hRos i ea ndhe rmot he rf ort hef i r s tt we l veye a r sofRos i e ' sl i f e ? Andt he nwha t ? Dona l dha dl e f t ,obvi ous l y.Butwha tofRos i e ?Wha tha dDona l ddonea bouthi s t we l ve ye a r ol dda ught e r ? Ha wkha dahol l ow f e e l i ngi nt hepi tofhi ss t oma c h—j us ta sheha daf e e l i nghe a l r e a dykne wt hea ns we rt ot ha tq ue s t i on! Ros i eha dt ol dHa wks heha dn' ts e e nhe rf a t he rf orye a r s .Te nye a r s . . . ? Dona l d' sne xtwor dsc onf i r me dt ha t .` Is houl dha vet a ke nyouwi t hmewhe nIl e f t , s houl dn' tI ,Ros i e ? ' hes a i de mot i ona l l y.` Youha ve n' tbe e na sha ppya nds uc c e s s f ula sI a l wa ysi ma gi ne dyouwe r e ,ha veyou? ' her e a l i s e dgr uf f l y. Ha wkl ooke ds e a r c hi ngl ya tRos i e ,s e e i ngt heunha ppi ne s si nhe rf a c ef orwha ti twa s now.Thos es ha dowsi nhe re ye s .He runs mi l i ngmout h.Themus i cs hepl a ye d—s t i l l

a udi bl ei nt heba c kgr oundwi t hs uc ha c hi ngl one l i ne s s . Ros i ef r owne da c r os sa the rf a t he r .` Asyoua l wa ysi ma gi ne d. . . ? ' s her e pe a t e ds l owl y. Ha wkl ooke df r om da ught e rt of a t he r ,r e me mbe r i nga l lt hos ec l a s s i c a lc onc e r t st ha t Dona l dha ddi s a ppe a r e dt os oof t e nove rt heye a r s .Thef a c tt ha thewa spl a yi ngoneof Ros i e ' sCDsnow.Thef a c tt ha thea l wa yspl a ye dRos e ma r yHa r r i sont hes t e r e oi nt he c a r . . . Dona l dmi ghtha vel e f thi swi f ea ndda ught e rt e nye a r sa go,butt ha tdi dn' tme a nhe ha dn' tke pti n t ouc hwi t hRos i e ' sl i f ei na l lt ha tt i me —t ha theha dn' tgonet oonet he a t r eve nueor a not he ra l love rt hepl a ne tj us tt os e ea ndhe a rhe rpl a y. ' Ius e dt owa t c hyou,Ros i e . 'Dona l ds of t l yc onf i r me dHa wk' ss us pi c i ons .` Iwoul d j us ts i tba c ki nmys e a t ,c l os emye ye sa ndl i s t e nt ot hes we e tmus i cyoupr oduc e ds o e a s i l y. AndIwoul dt hi nkThat ' smydaught e rdownt he r eont hats t age —myRos i e , ' he a dde dpr oudl y. Ha wkwa t c he dRos i ea ss het ooki nt hef ul li mpor tofwha tDona l dwa ss a yi ng. Sheha dn' tknown! Sheha dne ve rknownofDona l d' spr e s e nc ea ta nyofhe rc onc e r t sove rt heye a r s — ha dn' tr e a l i s e dt ha the ' ds a t i nt heda r kne s swi t hhundr e dsofot he rpe opl ea ndwa t c h e d hi sownda ught e rpe r f or mont hes t a ge . Unt i lnow. . . CHAPTERTHI RTEEN ROSI Es t a r e da the rf a t he rdi s be l i e vi ngl y.Al lt hos eye a r s . . .Al lt ha tt i mewhe ns he ha di ma gi ne d. . .Al lt ha tt i mewhe ns heha dbe l i e ve dhe rf a t he rha df or got t e nhe rve r y e xi s t e n c e . . . ! ' Youc a met omyc onc e r t s ? ' s hef i na l l yma na ge dt os a y. ' Fi ve ,s i xt i me saye a r , ' Dona l dc onf i r me d.' Asof t e na sIc oul dge ta wa y. ' Shega veada z e ds ha keofhe r he a d.' Butwhy—?Youne ve rl e tmeknowyouwe r e t he r e !Youne ve rc a meba c ks t a gea nds poket ome . . . ! 's hec r i e de mot i ona l l y.' Al lt he s e ye a r sI ' vet hought —be l i e ve d—' ' Wha tdi dyoube l i e ve ,Ros i e ? ' Ha wkwa st heonet opr ompts of t l y. He re ye swe r es of ul loft e a r swhe ns hel ooke da thi mt ha ts hec oul dn' te ve ns e ehi m. ' It houghtheha dl e f tme .Tha theha da ba ndone dme .Some t i me sIus e dt ol i ea wa kea t ni ght —' Shebr okeof fa she rvoi c ef a i l e dhe r . ` I t ' soka y,Ros i e , ' he rf a t he re n c our a ge dgr uf f l y.` Eve r yt hi ngi sgoi ngt obeoka y. ' Shenodde d.` Some t i me sIwoul dl i ea wa kea tni ght , 's her e pe a t e df i r ml y,onc es he ha dhe r s e l funde rc ont r ol .` Iwoul di ma gi net ha tyouwoul ds ome howbea toneofmy c onc e r t s —t ha tyouwoul dr e a l i s eIwa sRos e ma r yHa r r i s .Gl or i ade c i de dont ha ts hor t e ne dve r s i onofourna meve r ye a r l yi nmyc a r e e r ! 's hee xpl a i ne d.` Ihope da ndpr a ye d t ha tyouwoul dbet he r e ,t ha tyouwoul dc o mea nds e eme ,t ha tyouwoul dt e l lmei tha d a l lbe e nami s t a ke ,t ha tt ha tyous t i l ll ove dme , ' s hee nde ds ha ki l y. ` I ' vene ve rs t oppe dl ovi ngyou,Ros i e ! ' he rf a t he rpr ot e s t e d,a ndhes t oodup,hi sf a c e ve r ypa l e . Sheha dwi s he df ort hos et hi n gss omuc h,s oof t e n,butt he yha dne ve rha ppe ne d.And

wi t ht i mes heha dl e a r ntt oa c c e ptt ha the rf a t he rha dc uthe routofhi sl i f ea sc ompl e t e l y a sheha dhe rmot he r . Sheha da c c e pt e di t —butne ve runde r s t oodi t . ` The nwhydi dyoune ve rc omef orme ? ' s hec r i e d.` Whydi dyouj us tl e a vemewi t h— l e a vemel i ket ha t ? ' Le a vehe rwi t hhe rmot he r .Ha wkkne w wha ts heha dbe e ngoi ngt os a ya ndt h e n ha dn' t . Heha dne ve rt houghtne ve rgue s s e da tt hehe a r t br e a kbe hi ndt hi svi s i tt ohe rf a t he r . Heha donl yl ooke da tRos i e ,una wa r es hewa sRos e ma r yHa r r i s ,a ndque s t i one dwhys he ha dne ve rbe e nt os e eDona l dbe f or enow,wonde r e dwhys hewa she r enow. Apa r tofHa wks owa nt e dt ogot ohe r ,t oputhi sa r msa r oundhe ra ndt e l lhe ri twa s goi ngt obeoka y,t ha thewoul da l l ownoonea ndnot hi ngt oe ve rhur the ra ga i n.Buti t wa s n' thi spl a c et odot ha t .Ros i eha daf i a nc éba c ki nEngl a nd—t hema ns hewa sduet o ma r r yi nama t t e rofda ys . . . ! I fa nyonec omf or t e dhe rnowt he ni tha dt obeDona l d. ` Gl or i as a i d— Yourmot he rt ol dmeyoudi dn' twa ntt os e eme . 'Dona l ds pokef l a t l y now.` Fore i ght e e nmont hsa f t e rwes e pa r a t e dIt e l e phone d,Ic a met ot hehous e ,bute a c h t i meIdi ds het ol dmeyoudi dn' twa ntt os pe a kt ome .If i na l l yga veupbe a t i ngmyhe a d a ga i ns tt ha tbr i c kwa l la ndt ooko f ff orAme r i c a . ' Hel ooke di nc r e di bl ys a d.` Gl or i awa s l yi ngwhe ns hes a i dyoudi dn' twa nta nyt hi ngt odowi t hme ,wa s n' ts he . . . ? ' ` Ye s , 'Ros i ec onf i r me dhus ki l y,he rha ndsc l e nc he ds ot i ght l yt oge t he rhe rknuc kl e s s howe dwhi t e .` I st ha twhyyoune ve rc a meba c ks t a gea ta nyofmyc onc e r t s ?Be c a us e yout houghtIdi dn' twa ntt os e eyou? ' Dona l dc l os e dhi se ye s .` I ' vebe e ns uc haf ool ,ha ve n' tI ? 'Hes hookhi she a ds e l f di s gus t e dl y. ` Webot hha ve , 'Ros i es a i dhus ki l y.` Is houl dha veknown—s houl dha vegue s s e d whe nIf oundyourc ur r e ntt e l e phonenumbe rac oupl eofda ysa go,i nt hes a meboxa ss he ke e psourpa s s por t s ,t ha ta l loft h i swa sGl or i a ' sdoi ng. . . 'Shega veas ha keofhe rhe a d, he re xpr e s s i onpa i ne d.` She ' sknownwhe r eyouwe r ea l la l ong,ha s n' ts he ? ' ` Ia l wa ysma des ur es hekne wwhe r et oc ont a c tmei f —i fyous houl de ve rc ha n ge yourmi nda ndwa ntt os e emea ga i n, ' he rf a t he rc onf i r me dgr i ml y.` Is e ntbi r t hda ya nd Chr i s t ma spr e s e nt se ve r yye a rt oo . ' Hel ooke da the rque s t i oni ngl y. Ros i es wa l l owe dha r d.` Ine ve rr e c e i ve dt he m. ' ` Ic a n' tbe l i e ve — Al lt he s eye a r s . . . ! ' Dona l dgr oa ne d,hi se ye sgl i t t e r i nga ngr i l ynow a thi se xwi f e ' sma c hi na t i ons . Ha wkc oul dwe l lunde r s t a n dt heol de rma n' sa nge r .Hef e l ts l i ght l ymur de r o us t owa r dsGl or i aHa r r i s onhi ms e l f . Hec oul ds e et hehur ta ndbe wi l de r e dc hi l di ns i deRos i enow,t hel one l i ne s st ha twa s s oa ppa r e nti nhe rpl a yi ngoft hevi ol i n.Coul dunde r s t a ndt her e a s ons heha dt a l ke dof Dona l dt he s el a s tc oupl eofda y sa si fhewe r eas t r a nge rt ohe r .Heunde r s t oodhe r r e s e r vet owa r dsDona l d,f ort ha twa swha ti twa s —aba r r i e ra ga i ns tbe i nghur ta ga i n, a ga i ns tbe i ngr e j e c t e dbyhe rf a t he ra ga i n,a ss heha dt houghts heha dbe e nr e j e c t e da sa c hi l d. Hi sowna nge rt owa r dsRos i ef orhe rde c e pt i onwa s n' ti mpor t a ntr i ghtnow—a tt ha t mome nthej us twa nt e dt os t r a ngl eGl or i aHa r r i s onf ort hepa i ns heha dc a us e dhe re xhus ba nda ndhe rda ught e r !

Ros i ega veas ha kys mi l e .` Butweknow t het r ut hnow. . . 'Shes pokea l mos t que s t i oni ngl y. ` Wec e r t a i nl ydo, ' he rf a t he rr e s ponde dt a ut l y,hi se xpr e s s i ons of t e ni nga shes a wt he wa ys hel ooke da th i ms ounc e r t a i nl y.` I si tt ool a t e ,Ros i e ? 'heque s t i one dunc e r t a i nl y. ` Doyou—?Ca nwes t a r ta ga i n,doyout hi nk? ' Hel ooke da the ra nxi ous l y. Sheha dbe l i e ve di twa st ool a t e ,t ha tt ooma nyye a r sha dpa s s e df orhe ra ndhe rf a t he r e ve rt oha vear e a lr e l a t i ons hi pa ga i n.Buta ss hel ooke da the rda dhewa sonc ea ga i nt he s t r onga ndl ovi ngma nofhe rc hi l dhood—t hema ns heha da l wa ysl ooke dupt oa nd a dor e d.Thema nwho,de s pi t ebe l i e vi ngs hedi dn' twa nta nymor et odowi t hhi m,ha d t r a ve l l e dt hewor l dj us tt os e ehe rpe r f or m. . .! Shega veat r e mul ouss mi l e .` No,i t ' snott ool a t e , ' s hea s s ur e dhi m. ` Ros i e . . .! ' he rf a t he rgr oa ne de mot i ona l l y,a ndhee nf ol de dhe ri nt ot hes t r e ngt hofhi s a r ms . Ha wkf e l tde c i de dl youtofpl a c enow.Hekne w hes houl dn' tbehe r e —t ha tt hi s mome ntbe l onge dt oRos i ea ndDona l d. Ne i t he rRos i enorDona l ds e e me dt onot i c ea shequi e t l yl e thi ms e l foutoft he a pa r t me nta ndwe ntba c kdowns t a i r s ,ape r pl e xe de xpr e s s i ononhi sf a c ea shet r i e dt o wor kouthowher e a l l yf e l ta boutRos i e ' swe ddi ngonChr i s t ma sEve . . . ` Ic a met os a ygoodbye . ' Ros i es pokegr uf f l ywhe ns hef oundHa wki nt hef a r mhous e ki t c he n,s i t t i nga tt hebr e a kf a s tba r ,a nhourors ol a t e r ,dr i nki ngc of f e e .I tha dbe e nave r y e mot i ona lhour .Shea ndhe rf a t he rha dt a l ke da ndt a l ke da st he y' dl e a r nthowe a c hof t he mha ds pe ntt hel a s tde c a de ,c omi ngt oa na c c e pt a nc et ha tt he yha dbe e nke pta pa r tby t hes e l f i s ha mb i t i onsofawoma nwhoha dde l i be r a t e l ydones o,us i ngRos i e ' st a l e ntt o ma keal i f ef orhe r s e l fr e ga r dl e s sofwhoe l s es hewa shur t i ng. The yha dal ongwa yt ogoye tbe f or et he yr e l a xe di nt he i rr e l a t i ons hi pa sf a t he ra nd da ught e r ,butRos i eha dnodoubt st ha tt he ywoul dge tt he r e . I nt heme a nt i me ,s hei nt e nde dgoi ngt hr oughwi t hhe rde c i s i ont or e t ur nt ot heUK l a t e rt oda y.Shekne ws heha dt hee mot i ona ls t r e ngt hs heha dbe e ns e a r c hi ngf ort o c onf r onthe rmot he ronc ea ndf ora l l . Butf i r s ts heha dt os a ygoodbyet oHa wk. . . Ands hedi dn' twa ntt o! Twe nt yf ourhour s .A s i ngl eda y.Tha twa show l ongs heha dknownHa wk.But a l r e a dys hekne wt ha ts hel ove dhi m.Tha ts a yi nggoodbyet ohi mwa sgoi ngt obeha r de r t ha na l lt hos eye a r sofbe l i e vi nghe rf a t he rdi dn' tc a r ea bouthe r . Be c a us et he r ewoul dbenoha ppye ve r a f t e rbe t we e nhe r s e l fa ndHa wk.Ros i ekne w t ha tt hemos ts hec oul de ve rbet ohi m wa st heda ught e rofhi se mpl oye ea ndf r i e nd Dona l dHa r r i s on. Ye s ,s a yi nggoodbyet oHa wkwoul dbet heha r de s tt hi ngs heha de ve rdonei nhe r l i f e . I ’ l lbel e a vi ngf ort hea i r por ts oon, 's het ol dHa wkbr i ght l ya shel ooke dupa the r gua r de dl y.` I ’ ma f r a i dIne ve rdi dge ta r oundt ohe l pi ngyoude c or a t et heChr i s t ma st r e e s , ' s hea dde dr ue f ul l y. ` Butmyf a t he ri ns i s t she ' swe l le nought odr i vemet ot hea i r por t ,s ope r ha pshe ' l lhe l p you whe n he ge t s ba c k. 'She s hr ugge d,Ha wk' sc ont i nue ds i l e nc e ma ki ng he r unc omf or t a bl e . Hi se ye swi de ne d.` Dona l di s n' tc omi ngt oEngl a ndwi t hyou? '

` No, ' Ros i er e pl i e ds of t l y. ` Whyt hehe l lnot ? ' Ha wkr a s pe d,nota ta l lha ppywi t ht hei de aofhe rc onf r ont i nghe r mot he ra l one .Hedi dn' tl i ket hes oundofGl or i aHa r r i s ona ta l l ! Shegr i ma c e d.` Hewa nt e dt o—butIha vet odot hi sf ormys e l f ,Ha wk. ' Hec oul dunde r s t a ndt ha t .Hekne wt ha tt he r ewe r et hi ngsRos i ewa nt e dt os a yt ohe r mot he rt ha tpe r ha psnoonee l s es houl dhe a r .Hej us tdi dn' tl i ket hei de aofhe rf a c i ngi t a l one . Ros i er a i s e dhe rc hi nde t e r mi ne dl y.` Asyoua l r e a dyknow—r e a di nt hene ws pa pe r — myr e t ur ni ngt oEngl a ndi sa l s oal i t t l emor e —c ompl i c a t e dt ha nj us tt a l ki ngt omy mot he r , ' s hee xpl a i ne da wkwa r dl y . Ha wk' sga z ena r r owe dont hede l i c a t ebe a ut yofhe rf a c e .Af a c ehekne wwa sgoi ng t oha unthi sni ght sa swe l la shi sd a ys ! ` Be c a us eyou' r es uppos e dt obege t t i ngma r r i e donChr i s t ma sEve ? ' hegr a t e dha r s hl y, knowi ngs hemus tha vef i na l l ygota r oundt or e a di ngt hea r t i c l ei nt hene ws pa pe rheha d gi ve nhe r ,t ha tc l a i me d` LaBe l l aRos a ' —vi ol i ni s tRos e ma r yHa r r i s —wa s n' ta va i l a bl ef or c omme nta tt hemome nt ,butt ha the rwe ddi ngt ot hec onduc t orEdmundPr i c ewoul dbe t a ki ngpl a c eonChr i s t ma sEvea se xpe c t e d! Ros i et ur ne da wa y,una bl et ome e tt hec onde mna t i oni nHa wk' sga z e .` It ol dyoui t wa sc ompl i c a t e d, ' s hes a i d. ` Youa l s ot ol dmenott obe l i e vee ve r yt hi ngIr e a d, ' her e mi nde dhe rdi r e c t l y. Shedr e wi nade e pbr e a t h.` Be c a us eI ' mnotge t t i ngma r r i e d—onChr i s t ma sEveora t a nyot he rt i me ! ' ` Youj us tf or gott ot e l lyourf i a nc ét ha t ? ' ` No,I —Look,Ir e a l l ydoha v et ogonow. 'Ros i es i ghe dwe a r i l y.` Iha vet opa c k.I onl yc a met os a ygoodbye ,a ndt o—t ot ha nkyouf oryourhos pi t a l i t y—' ` Wha thos pi t a l i t ywoul dt ha tbe ? ' Ha wkc uti n.` Unl e s syou' r er e f e r r i ngt ot hef a c tt ha t Ia l mos tt ookyout obe dye s t e r da y? 'hec ont i nue da ngr i l y.` Wha twa sI ,Ros i e ?Al a s t f l i ngbe f or eyoua c c e pt e dt hebondsofma t r i mony? ' He rc he e ksf l a me df i e r yr e d.` Ofc our s enot —' ` Ofc our s e ,y e s ! 'Ha wkc ont r a di c t e df ur i ous l y,s t a ndi ngupt omoves ha r pl ya wa y f r omhe r . ` Ij us tt ol dyouI ' mnotge t t i ngma r r i e donChr i s t ma sEve —' ` Tha ti s n' twha tt hene ws pa pe rs a ys —' ` Thene ws pa pe ri swr ong! ' s hei ns i s t e df i e r c e l y.` Ha wk—' ` Whya l lt hef us s ,Ros i e ? 'Ha wkc uti nt a unt i ngl y.` DoIr e a l l yl ooka si fI ' m i nt e r e s t e donewa yort heot he r ? ' hes c or ne d. Ros i es t a r e da tt heunc ompr omi s i ngr i gi dne s sofHa wk' se xpr e s s i onf ors e ve r a ll o ng, pa i nf uls e c ondsbe f or et ur ni ngonhe rhe e la ndhur r yi ngba c kupt ohe rf a t he r ' sf l a t . Ha wkwa sr i ght .Thet wooft he mha dnot hi ngl e f tt os a yt oe a c hot he r . . . CHAPTERFOURTEEN Thr e eday sl at e r . . . ` YOURf l i ghts houl dber e a d yf orboa r di ngi nha l fa nhourors o,Mi s sHa r r i s , 't he

hos t e s si nt hee xe c ut i vel oungea tHe a t hr ow Ai r por tt ol dRos i ea ss hec l e a r e da wa y Ros i e ' sus e dc up.` Coul dIge tyoua not he rdr i nkwhi l eyou' r ewa i t i ng? ' Ros i el ooke dupt or e t ur nt heot he rwoma n' ss mi l e .` Ac of f e ewoul dbel ove l y,t ha nk you, ' s hea c c e pt e d,nott oobot he r e dbyt hes l i ghtde l a yi nhe rf l i ght . Thel a s tf e wda ysha dbe e nhe c t i c ,t os a yt hel e a s t ,a ndi twa sni c ej us tt os i tdowni n t hea i r por tl oungea ndr e l a x,a wa yf r om t heba r r a geofr e por t e r swhos e e me dt oha ve be e nd oggi nghe re ve r ymoves i nc es he ' da r r i ve dba c ki nEngl a nd.Atl e a s tt he yc oul dn' t f ol l owhe ri nhe r e ! Ros i ec oul dn' the l ps mi l i nga ss hel ooke da c r os st her oom a tt wos ma l lc hi l d r e n s t a ndi ngga z i nga tt hee nor mousChr i s t ma st r e et ha tdomi na t e donec or ne roft her oom, t he i rf a c e sgl owi nga st he yl ooke dupa tt hemul t i t udeofc ol our e dl i ght sa ndt hes t a r s hi ni nga tt het opoft het r e e . .Thel i ghts nowf a l l i ngout s i deont hea i r por tr unwa yswa sa pe r f e c tba c kdr opf ort he i robvi ouse xc i t e me nta tt her a pi dl ya ppr oa c hi ngt i mef orFa t he r Chr i s t ma st oa r r i ve . Thes nowr e mi nde dhe rofCa na da .OfHa wk. . . ` Coul dyouma ket ha tt woc of f e e s ,pl e a s e ? ' af a mi l i a rvoi c edr a wl e dhus ki l yf r omj us t be hi ndRos i e . Shes puns ha r pl yr oundi nhe rc ha i rt ol ookupa tHa wkwi t hda z e de ye s .I twa s a l mos ta si fj us tt hi nki nga bouthi mha dbr oughthi mhe r e ! Buther e a l l ywashe r e ! Notj us ti nEngl a nd,buthe r e ,i nt hee xe c ut i vel oungea tHe a t hr ow Ai r por t ,ofa l l pl a c e s ! ` Ofc our s e ,MrHa wkl e y. ' Thehos t e s sga vehi mabe a mi ngs mi l e ,be f or edi s a ppe a r i ng ba c kt ohe rwor ks t a t i on. Ros i eba r e l ynot i c e dt heot he rwoma nl e a vi ng,ha vi nge ye sonl yf orHa wk. Sheha dt houghtofhi ms oof t e ns i nc et he yha dpa r t e dt hr e eda ysa go—ofhowhi s da r kove r l ongha i rf e l ts os i l kyt ot ouc h,ofhi se ye st ha tde e p,wa r mbl u enhi sr ugge dl y ha nds omef a c e ,af a c es hel ove ds omuc h! —t ha tf oramome nts her e ma i ne ds pe e c hl e s s j us tc ont i nue dt os t a r ea thi m. Ha wkt i l t e dhi she a ds l i ght l ys i de wa ys ,s mi l i ngf ul l ya shel ooke ddowna the r .` Ca nI s i tdown? ' pr ompt e ds of t l y. ' I —ofc our s e , 's her e pl i e da wkwa r dl y.` Pl e a s edo. 'Shei ndi c a t e dt hec ha i roppos i t e he r s —age s t ur ehei gnor e da shel owe r e dhi sl ongl e ngt hi nt ot hec ha i rne xtt ohe r .` I di dn' te ve nknowyouwe r ei nBr i t a i n. . . ? ' Sheha ds poke nt ohe rf a t he rs e ve r a lt i me sove r t hel a s tf e wda ys ,a nda ga i nonl yaf e whour sa go,a ndheha dn' tme nt i one dt ha tHa wk wa si nt heUK. . . Ha wkga veaha l f s mi l e .` I ' mnot .We l l ,Ia mobvi ous l y—b utonl yj us t . ' Hegr i ma c e d. ` Ros i e ,Igotof ft hepl a net ha tj us ta r r i ve df r omCa l ga r y. . . ' Thes a mef l i ghts hewoul dbege t t i ngont or e t ur nt oCa na da . . . Nows hewa st hor oughl yc onf us e d.I fHa wkha donl yj us tar r i v e d,wha twa shedoi ng i nt hee xe c ut i vel ounge . . . ? Whe r et obe gi n?Tha twa sHa wk' spr obl e m.I tha da l ls e e me ds omuc he a s i e raf t e rhe ha ds e e nt hea nnounc e me ntoft hec a nc e l l a t i onofRos i e ' swe ddi ngi nt hene ws pa pe r .He woul df l yove r ,s e ehe r ,t a l kt ohe r ,s e ei fhec oul dn' tpe r s ua dehe rt ha tt he r ewa snowno r e a s onwhys hec oul dn' tc omeba c kt oCa na dat os pe ndChr i s t ma swi t hhe rf a t he r .And hi m,ofc our s e . . .

Onl yi tha dn' twor ke doutt ha twa y! ` Yout e l e phone dDona l dwhe n,t ot e l lhi m youwe r ef l yi ngove rf orChr i s t ma sa f t e r a l l ? ' hea s ke d. ` J us tac oupl eofhour sa go,whe nIma na ge dt oge tbooke dont hef l i ght , ' Ros i es a i d s l owl y. Ha wknodde d.` AndIwa sa l r e a dyont hei nc omi ngf l i ght ,c omi ngt os e eyou.Luc ki l y Dona l dha dt hef or e s i ghtt obookmeont hes a mef l i ghtba c ka syou.Tha nks . ' Hega vet he hos t e s sawa r ms mi l ea ss hebr oug htt he mt he i rc of f e e . Onl yonet hi ngi nHa wk' ss t a t e me ntr e a l l yr e gi s t e r e dwi t hRos i e .` Youf l e wove rt o s e eme . . . ? ' Whyha dhef l ownove rt os e ehe r ?Thet wooft he m ha dn' tpa r t e dve r ywe l li n Ca na da ,ors omuc ha ss poke nt oe a c hot he ront het e l e phones i nc es heha da r r i ve dba c k i nEngl a nd,s owhyha dHa wkf l ownove rt os e ehe rnow? ` Shoul dn' tyoubea thomewi t hyourf a mi l y? ' Shekne wf r omhe rf a t he rt ha tHa wk' s pa r e nt s ,s i s t e ra ndhe rf a mi l yha da l r e a dya r r i ve dt os pe ndChr i s t ma swi t hhi m. ` Shoul dn' tyoubes ome whe r ee l s et oda yt oo? ' hec a meba c kpoi nt e dl y. Chr i s t ma sEve .He rwe ddi ngd a y.Exc e ptt ha tbot hoft he mkne wi twa s n' t . Ros i es hookhe rhe a d.` Theonl ypl a c eIwa ntt obef orChr i s t ma si sCa na da ,wi t h Dona l d. ' Wi t hy ou,s hea dde di nwa r dl y,s t i l lnots ur ewha tHa wkwa sdoi nghe r e . Ha wkl ooke da the rl onga ndha r df ors e ve r a ll ongs e c ondsbe f or ea ns we r i ng.` And t heonl ype r s onIwa ntt obewi t hf orChr i s t ma si ss i t t i ngr i ghthe r e ,ne xtt ome . ' Hes poke gr uf f l y,t ha tda r kbi t ega z ene ve rl e a vi nghe rf a c e . ` Ha wk. . . ? 's hebr e a t he dr a gge dl y,ha r dl yda r i ngt obr e a t hea ta l l ,i nc a s ea l loft hi s wa sadr e a ma nds hewokeup. Hes hr ugge dpowe r f uls houl de r sbe ne a t ht hebr owns ue dej a c ke thewor eove rabl a c k s i l ks hi r ta ndbl a c kde ni ms .` Iwa sa ni di ott hr e eda ysa go.Is houl dne ve rha vel e tyo u l e a vel i ket ha t .Att heve r yl e a s tIs houl dha vei ns i s t e donc omi ngwi t hyou.ButIt hou g ht youha donl yc omet oCa na dabe c a us eyou' dha ds omes or toff a l l i ngoutwi t ht heguy youwe r eduet oma r r y—t ha tyouwoul dc omeba c khe r ea nde ve r yt hi ngwoul dbe s moot he douta ga i n.He l l ,Ros i e , ' hec r i e d,` youc oul dha vea tl e a s tt ol dmet ha tEdmund Pr i c ei sa l mos tol de nought obey ourgr a ndf a t he r ! ' ` Hei s n' tt ha tol d! ' s hee xc l a i me dpr ot e s t i ngl y. ` Oka y—yourf a t he r ,t he n. ' Ha wks c owl e d.` It houghthewa ss omeyoungguyt ha t — Ne ve rmi nd, 'hedi s mi s s e di mpa t i e nt l y,r e a c hi ngoutt ot a keoneofhe rha ndsi nbot hof hi s .` Tha tr e l a t i ons hi pi sde f i ni t e l yove r ? ' ` Asf a ra sIwa sc onc e r ne di tne ve rbe ga n,r e a l l y, ' s hea dmi t t e dr ue f ul l y.` Mymot he r t houghti twoul dbeagoodi de af ormet oma r r yapr e s t i gi ousc onduc t orl i keEdmund— t ha ti tc oul donl yf ur t he rmyc a r e e r .Ha vi ngnoba c kbonea tt het i me ,Iwe nta l ongwi t h i t . ' Shegr i ma c e ds e l f di s gus t e dl y. ` Youha veba c kbone ,Ros i e —' ` NowIdo. ' Shenodde df i r ml y.` Butnoma t t e rwha tyouma yha vet hought ,wha tt ha t ne ws pa pe ra r t i c l es a i d,Iha da l r e a dybr oke nmye nga ge me ntbe f or eIwe ntt oCa na dat o s e eDona l d, 's hea dde dde t e r mi ne dl y,he rha ndf e e l i ngve r ywa r mi ns i deHa wk' s .` My mot he rwa st hes our c eoft hea r t i c l eyour e a di nt ha tne ws pa pe rt hr e eda ysa go. 'She s i ghe d.` Sher e f us e dt oa c c e ptt ha tt hewe ddi ngwa sof fs i mpl yc oul dn' tbe a rt oha ve a nyonet hwa r the r .ButI ' vebr oke na l lmybus i ne s st i e swi t hmymot he rs i nc eIr e t ur ne d.

I nf ut ur eIi nt e ndma na gi ngmyownc a r e e ra ndmyownl i f e , ' s het ol dhi mde c i s i ve l y. Thes c e newi t hhe rmot he rwa s n' tve r ypl e a s a ntt or e c a l l ,butRos i eha dnor e gr e t s . Shehope dt ha toneda y—i nt hedi s t a ntf ut ur e ! —s hea ndhe rmot he rmi ghtbea bl et of i nd s omes or tofr e l a t i ons hi pa ga i n.J us tnott heunf or gi vi ngbus i ne s spa r t ne r s hi pt he y' dha d f ort hel a s tt e nye a r s . ` SoIhe a r d, 'Ha wkdr a wl e d.` TheCa na di a nne ws pa pe r sha vebe e nf ul loft hes t or y t he s el a s tf e wda yst oo.Howyous a c ke dyourmot he ra syourma na ge ra ndc a nc e l l e da l l yourwe ddi ngpl a ns , ' hef i ni s he da dmi r i ngl y. Ros i er e a l l ydi dn' twa ntt ot a l ka boutt ha t .Shewa nt e dt omoveonwi t hhe rl i f e ,not l ookba c k.` Whydi dyouwa ntt os e eme ,Ha wk. . . ? ' s hee nqui r e dgua r de dl y. I fa nyt hi ng,t hi sl a s tt hr e eda ysa wa yf r om Ha wkha donl yc onf i r me dwha ts heha d a l r e a dyknowni nCa na da :s hewa si nl ovewi t hhi m.De e pl y,ma dl y,c ompl e t e l y.Shej us t ha dnoi de ahowhef e l ta bouthe r . Buthewa she r e ,wa s n' the ?Heha df l ownt oBr i t a i ne s pe c i a l l yt os e ehe r .Tha tha dt o me a ns ome t hi ng. Ha wk' sga z er oa me dove rt hebe a ut yofhe rf a c e .He rha i rwa sl oos et oda y,f l owi ng l i kef l a meove rhe rs houl de r sa nddownhe rba c k.Ands hewa s n' twe a r i ngbl a c ke i t he r , butas of tc a s hme r edr e s si nt hes a mes ha deofgr e e na she re ye s ,he rl e gsl onga nds i l ky be ne a t hi t skne e l e ngt h,he rhi ghhe e l e dboot st hes a mec ol oura she rdr e s s . ` Is e eyou' vebe e nouts hoppi n g, ' het ol dhe ra ppr ovi ngl y. ` ForChr i s t ma spr e s e nt s ?Ye s . 'Shehe l dupt hel a r geba gbe s i dehe rt ha twa sf ul lof ga i l ywr a ppe dpa r c e l s .` Myc r e di tc a r dwa s n' tma xe douta f t e ra l l . ' Shegr i nne d. Ha wks hookhi she a d.` Ime a ntt hedr e s sa ndboot s .Youl ook—wonde r f ul , 'he a s s ur e dhe rhus ki l y. A de l i c a t ebl us hc ol our e dhe rf r e c kl e c ove r e dc he e ks .` Thebl a c kc l ot hi ngwa s a not he ri de aofmymot he r ' s —I ' vegi ve ni ta l la wa yt oac ha r i t ys hop. 'Shes mi l e d r ue f ul l y.` Ha wk,youdi dn' ta ns we rmyque s t i on:whydi dyouwa ntt os e eme ? ' Sheha dgr owni nc onf i de nc et hel a s tt hr e eda ys ,Ha wka c knowl e dge d.Shes e e me di n c ont r olofhe rownl i f enow,a ndo bvi ous l ye nj oyi ngi t . Di dheha vet her i ghtt oa s khe rt ogi veupe ve nal i t t l eoft ha tf r e e doms heha donl y j us tf oughtf or ,a ndwons ode t e r mi ne dl y? Hel ooke ddowna the rha nda si tr e s t e di nbot hofhi s ,hi st humbmovi ngc a r e s s i ngl y ove rhe rc r e a mys ki n.J us tt ouc h i nghe rl i ket hi s ,be i ngwi t hhe ra ga i n,ma dehi mf e e l we a ka tt hekne e s ,a ndhekne wi ft he ywe r e n' ti ns uc hapubl i cpl a c et ha thewoul dha ve t a ke nh e ri nhi sa r msa ndki s s e dhe rbynow. Hi sga z er e t ur ne dt ohe rf a c e ,t of i ndhe rl ooki nga thi ma nxi ous l y.Her e a c he dupt o s moot ht hef r ownf r ombe t we e nhe rbr owsbe f or emovi nghi sha ndt oc r a dl ehe rc he e k. ` Youa r es obe a ut i f ul ,Ros i e , ' hemur mur e dt e n de r l y.` Soa bs ol ut e l y,pe r f e c t l ybe a ut i f ul . ' Hega v eas ha keofhi she a d.` Ic a met oEngl a ndt oa s kyou,be gyoui fne c e s s a r y,t ogi ve meac ha nc e —t oma r r yme .But —' ' Ye s ! ' Ros i es pokequi c kl y,be f or ehec oul dc ompl e t ehi ss e nt e nc e .Shedi dn' twa ntt o he a ra nybut s .Fr omnowont he r ewoul dbenos e c ondbe s t si nhe rl i f e —nowi s hi ng,no dr e a mi ng,none ga t i ve sa ta l li fs h ec oul dpr e ve nti t . Whi c hwa soneoft her e a s onss hewa sr e t ur ni ngt oCa na das os oo n.Shewa nt e dt o s pe ndChr i s t ma swi t hhe rf a t he r ,ofc our s e ,buts heha dwa nt e dt os e eHa wkt oo—t os e e

i ft he yha da nyc ha nc eofar e l a t i ons hi pt oge t he r . Thoughs heha dne ve rt hough tt ha tHa wkwoul dc omet ohe rl i ket hi s . . . ! Ha wkbe c a meve r ys t i l l ,hi sga z emovi ngs e a r c hi ngl yove rhe rf a c e ,l i nge r i ngont he de e pgl owofhe re ye sa ndhe rs of t l ypa r t e dl i ps .` Ye s . . . ? ' her e pe a t e dunc e r t a i nl y. Shenodde d.` I ft ha twa sapr opos a lofma r r i a ge ,t he nIa c c e pt ! ' Hes hookhi she a d,hi sga z eunwa ve r i ng.` Tha twa s n' tapr opos a lofma r r i a ge ,Ros i e , ' hebr e a t he dhus ki l y. Oh,God,ha ds hej us tma deac ompl e t ei di ot —? ` Thi si sapr opos a lofma r r i a ge ! 'Ha wka s s ur e dhe rf i r ml y,e ve na shemove doutof t hec ha i ra ndgotdownononekne ei nf r ontofhe r ,he rha nds t i l lhe l dt i ght l yi nhi sa she l ooke dupa the r .` Ros i eHa r r i s on ,wi l lyouma r r yme ? ' Sheha dn' tma deaf oolofhe r s e l f !Ha wkr e a l l ywasa s ki nghe rt oma r r yhi m! The ywe r es ur r ounde dbyha ppyt r a ve l l e r sont he i rwa yt os pe ndChr i s t ma swi t ht he i r l ove done s ,t hos et woc hi l dr e ns t i l lpl a ye dha ppi l ybe s i det hegl owi ngChr i s t ma st r e e ,t he s nowwa ss t i l lf a l l i ngs of t l yout s i de ,a ndHa wkha dj us ta s ke dhe rt oma r r yhi m! I twa sa l mos tt ooma gi c a lt obet r ue . . . ! ` Doyout hi nkyouc oul dgi vemea na ns we rs oonRos i e ? 'Ha wkmur mur e dr ue f ul l y whe ns heha dn' ts poke nf ors omet i me .We ' r ea t t r a c t i ngqui t eal ota t t e nt i on, 'hea dde d s e l f de r i s i ve l y. Shegl a nc e da r oundt he m.Sur ee nough,t heot he rt r a ve l e r swa i t i ngi nt hel oungewe r e a l li ndu l ge nt l ywa t c hi ngt hedr a mat a ki ngpl a c ea c r os st her oom,t hehos t e s swa sope nl y s t a r i nga tt het wooft he mt oo. Ros i et ur ne dba c kt oHa wk.` Ye s ,ye s ,ye s–I ’ l lma r r yyou! 's hea s s ur e dh i m e c s t a t i c a l l y. Ha wkgr i nne dt r i umpha nt l ya tt hes of t l yc a l l e dc ongr a t ul a t i onsf r om t hec r owd ga t he r i nga r oundt he m,a ndhemove dt ot a keRos i ei nhi sa r msa ndki s she rwi t ha l lt h e l ongi ngheha df e l ts i nc es he ' dl e f thi mt hr e eda ysa go. ` Il oveyou,Ros i eHa r r i s on, 'hegr oa ne dwhe nhef i na l l yc a meupf ora i r .` Iha dno i de ai twa spos s i bl et omi s ss ome ones omuc hunt i lyoul e f tCa na daa ndc a meba c kt o Engl a nd.Si nc eyoul e f tme ! 'Her e s t e dhi sf or e he a donhe r s ,hi sa r mss t i l lt i ght l y wr a ppe da bouthe r . ` Il oveyout oo,Ha wk, ' Ros i ebr e a t he ds ha ki l y.` Sove r y,ve r ymuc h. ' ` The nt ha t ' sa l lt ha tma t t e r s , 'hemur mur e d.` Lovi nge a c hot he r ,wa nt i ngt obe t oge t he r ,i sa l lt ha twi l le ve rma t t e r . ' I twa st oo,Ros i er e a l i s e d.Noma t t e rwha tha ppe ne di nf ut ur e ,noma t t e rwhe r et he i r i ndi vi d ua lc a r e e r st ookt he m—be c a us es hewasgoi ngt opl a y,want e dt opl a ya ga i n! —a s l onga st he yl ove dot he rnot hi nge l s ema t t e r e d. ` AsChr i s t ma spr e s e nt sgo,t hi si squi t es ome t hi ng,Ros i e , 'Ha wkt ol dhe rgr uf f l y e xa c t l yaye a rl a t e r ,t he i rba byda ught e r ,bor nonl yaf e wmi nut e sbe f or e ,c a r e f ul l yi n hi sa r ms . ` She ' sourgi f tt oe a c hot he r . ' Ros i es mi l e d,ge nt l y,t ouc hi ngt heba by' sha nd,ha r dl y a bl et obe l i e vet hi smi r a c l ehe r s e l f . I tha dbe e naye a rofs mi l e sa ndl a ught e r ,ofl ovi ng,ofbe i ngl ove d,ofj uggl i ngt wo

c a r e e r sa ndhe rpr e gna nc ys ot ha tt he i rpa r t i ngswe r e n' tt ooof t e n.Andt hebi r t hoft h e i r da ught e rSophi eha donl yma det he i rha ppi ne s sa l lt her i c he r . ` Dona l da ndMoma ndDa dwi l lbea l ongl a t e rt hi smor ni ng, ' Ha wka s s ur e dhe ra she t e nde r l ypl a c e dt he i rr e dha i r e dda ught e ri nt ohe ra r ms ,be f or es i t t i ngdownont he hos pi t a lbe dbe s i dehe r .` It e l e phone dGl or i aa ndt ol dhe rt hegoodne ws , ' hea dde dwi t ha gr i n.` Shes e nthe rc ongr a t ul a t i onsa ndhope st os e eusa l lt hene xtt i mewe r ei nNe w Yor k . ' Ros i e ' sr e l a t i ons hi pwi t hhe rmot he rwa ss t i l lf r a gi l e ,t os a yt hel e a s t .He rmot he rwa s nowwor ki ngf oraPRc ompa nyi nMa nha t t a na ndt het wowome nha donl yme tt wi c ei n t hel a s tye a r —t e ns eme e t i ngs ,wh e nt he y' df oundt he yr e a l l yha dnot hi ngt os a yt oe a c h ot he r . I tdi dn' tma t t e r .Not hi nge l s ema t t e r e dbutt heha ppi ne s sRos i ea ndHa wkha df ou nd t oge t he r —aha ppi ne s st ha tha ds pr e a dt ohe rf a t he ra ndt oHa wk' sf a mi l y. ` Sha l lwet r yf oras onne xtChr i s t ma s ? ' Ros i el ooke dupa tHa wkgl owi ngl y,mor ei n l ovewi t hhe rha nds omehus ba ndt ha ne ve r ,a ss hekne whewa sde e pl yi nl ovewi t hhe r . Ha wkbe ntdownt oki s she rl i nge r i ngl yont hel i ps .` Gl a dt oobl i ge ,Mr sHa wkl e y, ' he mur mur e dl ovi ngl y.Mr sHa wkl e y . NotRos e ma r yHa r r i s . NotRos i eHa r r i s on. ButRos i eHa wkl e y. Ha wk' swi f e . Tha twa sa l ls hee ve rwa nt e dt obe . . . ***

SnowboundBr i de Shi r l e yJ ump Chr i s t ma si smyf a vour i t et i meofye a r ,buta l s omybus i e s t ,s oIt r yt oma ke e ve r yt h i nga tl i ght ni ngs pe e d,e s pe c i a l l yi fIge ts ur pr i s e dwi t hl a s t mi nut ec ompa ny. Ea s y&Oui c kCr a bDi n 18ounc epa c ka gei mi t a t i onorr e a lc r a bme a t 28ounc epa c ka ge sc r e a mc he e s e ,s of t e ne d1/ 4c upgr a t e dPa r me s a nc he e s e 1/ aoni on,mi nc e d 1t a bi e s poonhor s e r a di s h 1t e a s poonWor c e s t e r s hi r es a uc eaf e wdr opsTa ba s c os a uc es a l ta ndpe ppe rPr e he a t yourov e nt o375de gr e e s .Mi xa l lbutt hepa pr i kaa ndpa r s l e yt oge t he ra nds pr e a di napi e pl a t e .Ba kef or20mi nut e s( e nought i met oc l e a nt hehous e ,l i ghtaf e wc a ndl e sa nd pr e t e ndyoua r er e a dyf orc ompa ny) .The nga r ni s hwi t hpa pr i kaa ndpa r s l e yi fyouf e e l l i kege t t i ngf a nc y.Se r vewi t ht hegoodc r a c ke r s .

CHAPTERONE MARI ETTAWESTMOREwa supt ohe re ye ba l l si ns i l ka ndl a c e .Li t e r a l l y. Be hi ndhe r ,a ni mpa t i e ntr umbl eofvoi c e sha ds t a r t e dupi nt hemi ddl eofTe r mi na l1 i nChi c a go' sO' Ha r eI nt e r na t i ona lAi r por t .Onee nt e r pr i s i ngs oule ve ns na ppe dac e l l phonepi c t ur e .Ma r i e t t as c owl e d,t he nqui c kl yt uc ke dt hewe ddi ngdr e s sba c ki nt ot he vi nylba g,be i ngc a r e f ulnott ot r a mpl et het r a i nors l i c et hes he e rs l e e ve s ,t he nwor k e d t heba g ' sz i ppe rba c ki nt opl a c e .I tj a mme dt hr e ei nc he sf r omt het op.Ca ught —Ma r i e t t a s hudde r e dt ot hi nkonwha t . God,pl e as el e ti tbeas t r ayt hr e ad.Anyt hi ngbutac r uc i a lpa r toft hes e ve r a l t hous a nddol l a r gowns he ' ds pe ntt hebe t t e rpa r toft hel a s ts i xmont hswor ki ngon." AmI oka yt ogonow? " Thes e c ur i t ygua r dgr i nne d.Be l owhe rc ol l a r ,at wi nkl i ngRudol phpi nbl i nke dhi sr e d nos ei nas t e a dybe a t ." Sur e .Iwa sonl yki ddi nga boutt hes e c ur i t yc he c k.Ij us twa nt e dt o s e ewha tt hedr e s sl ooke dl i ke .Wa i tt i l lIt e l lt hegi r l sIgott hef i r s tpe e ka tPe ne l ope Bl a c kb ur n' swe ddi nggown!Ar e a lc e l e br i t y' sdr e s sr i ghthe r ei nmyl i ne ,a l ongwi t ht he de s i gne rhe r s e l f .Thegi r l sa r egoi ngt obes oj e a l ous "Thegua r dc hor t l e d,t he nha nd e d ba c kMa r i e t t a ' sboa r di ngpa s sa ndI D." Youha veaMe r r yChr i s t ma snow! " Ma r i e t t abl e wal oc kofha i routofhe rf a c e ,ga vet hegua r das mi l et ha tc r a c ke dhe r f a c e ,t he nhur r i e dt her e s toft hewa ypa s tt heXr a yma c hi ne s ,mumbl i nga bouta bus eof home l a nds e c ur i t ypowe r .Now s hewa sl a t ea ndi twa s n' taf l i ghts hec oul da f f or dt o mi s s . Ma r i e t t ahur r i e da sf a s ta ss hec oul d—f ort hef or t i e t ht i met ha tda yc ur l i ngt he de c i s i o nt owe a rhi ghhe e l e dboot s —a tt hes a met i met ur ni ngt hewhi t eba ga r oundt o hi det he" Ma debyMa r i e t t a "l ogoa ndi t se l e ga ntpi c t ur eofabr i def or me di nt hel oopof t he" y" .I fs he ' dha dmor et i met ot hi nk,s he ' dha vegr a bbe dal e s sc ons pi c uousba gs os he woul dn' tga r ne ra nyot he rc ur i ousonl ooke r shopi ngt os ne a kapr e vi e w pe e kofhe r c e l e br i t yc l i e nt ' swe ddi nggown. Buts he ' dbe e ni nt oomuc hofahur r yt odi s gui s et hega r me ntba g—a ndhone s t l y,s he ha dn' te ve nt houghtmos tpe opl ewoul dma ket hec onne c t i on.Butc l e a r l y,wor d,a ndt he Pe opl ema ga z i negos s i pc ol umngota r ound.Pr oba bl yt ha nkst oPe ne l ope ' shi ghl y e f f i c i e ntpubl i c i s t ,who' dma des u r ee ve r yde t a i loft hewe ddi ngwa sl e a ke dt ot hepr e s s , t he r e bye ns ur i nge xt r ac ove r a gej us tbe f or ePe ne l ope ' sl a t e s tr oma nt i cc ome dywa s r e l e a s e dt ot he a t e r sonChr i s t ma sDa y. Twoda ysa go,t hepubl i c i s tha dha dt hebr i l l i a nti de aofmovi ngupPe ne l op e ' s we ddi ngf r omDe c e mbe r27t ht oChr i s t ma sEve .Pe ne l opeha dc a l l e dMa r i e t t ai nMi l a n, whe r es he ' dbe e nme e t i ngwi t hve ndor s ,t e l l i nghe rt or us ht hedr e s sr i ghtonove r ,a si fi t we r ea se a s ya sma ki ngape a nutb ut t e rs a ndwi c h. ButPe ne l ope wa s pa yi ng—we l l —a nd s o he r e Ma r i e t t a wa s ,ba c kf r om a t r a ns c ont i ne nt a lf l i ghtt opi c kt hegownupa the rs hopi nChi c a go,whe r es he ' dl a s tme t wi t hPe ne l opef oraf i t t i ngwhe nt hea c t r e s sha dbe e ni nt ownonhe rpubl i c i t yt our . Ma r i e t t aha dha daha l fada yt oma ket hef i na lt ouc he st ot hedr e s s ,a ndnow,wi t ha t ha nkf ul l yc om­ pl e t e dgowni nha nd,s hewa spe r s ona l l ye s c or t i ngi tonDe c e mbe r23r d t ot heWe s tCoa s t .Thi sonec l i e ntha dt a ke nhe rf r om not hi ngmor e ,r e a l l y,t ha na

gl o­ r i f i e ds e a ms t r e s swi t has i debus i ne s si nwe ddi nggownst oawe ddi ngs pe c i a l i s twi t h ac e l e br i t ywa i t i ngl i s t . I twa si fSa nt ahi ms e l fha ddr oppe dPe ne l opeBl a c kbur ndownMa r i e t t a ' sc ompa n y c hi mne y.I twa se xa c t l yt hebr e a kMa r i e t t aha dhope df or —e ve ni fi tc a mea t t a c he dt oa de ma ndi ngdoubl e e dge ds wor d. Ma r i e t t ada s he da c r os sTe r mi na lB,downt hee s c a l a t or ,t hr ought hemul t i c ol or e d l i ght e dt unne l ,ba c kupt hee s c a l a t or sa ndf i na l l yi nt oTe r mi na lC,t hewor l dgoi ngbyi na bl urofr e da ndgr e e n,Chr i s t ma spa c ka ge sa ndhol i da yde c or a t i ons .J us ta ss hewa s c a t c hi nghe rbr e a t h,he rc e l lphoner a ng.Ma r i e t t awr a ngl e di toutofhe rba c kpoc ke t , t r yi ngt ohur r yc l ownt hec onc our s et owa r dhe rga t e ." He l l o? " " Ma r i e t t a ?Whe r ea r eyou?Is we a rI ' m goi ngt oha veahe a r ta t t a c k.Ca nyouhe a r me ?I 'm hype r ve nt i l a t i ng.Iha veapa pe rba gi nmyha nds ,Ma r i e t t a .Apape rbag.I ' ve be e nupa l lni ght ,a ndIha dt owa ket hema i dst oma kemeac uc umbe rma s kbe c a us enow myf a c ei sa l lpuf f y.Ic a n' tge tma r r i e dl i ket hi s !I ' mawr e c k.Ac ompl e t ewr e c k.Doyou knowwha tt hi swi l ldot omyr e put a t i on?I ’ l lbedoi ngi nf ome r c i a l sf ort her e s tofmyl i f e a ndI ' l lne ve rge ta not he rmovi ede a l !Ne v e r . !I ’ l lbel i keoneoft hos e` whe r ea r et he y now' pe opl e ! " " I ' monmywa y,Pe nny.Is houl dbet he r ebyt wo­ t hi r t yWe s tCoa s tt i me . "Onet hi ng Ma r i e t t aha dl e a r ne dwa st ha tde a l i ngwi t hPe ne l oper e qui r e dnotj us tf i nene e dl e wo r k, butal i t t l epopps yc hol ogyont hes i de ." Now,c l os eyoure ye s .Re me mbe rhowbe a ut i f ul youl ooke di nyourgowna tt hel a s tf i t t i ng?Youwe r el i kePr i nc e s sGr a c e ,r e me mbe r ? " Pe ne l opei nha l e d,e xha l e d." You' r er i ght .Is e ei tnow.Be a ut i f ul ,e l e ga nt .J us tl i ket he we ddi ng.I t ' l lgoof fwi t houtahi t c h,r i ght ? " I nPe ne l ope ' svoi c e ,Ma r i e t t ahe a r dahi ntofhe r s e l f ,he rownwor r i e sa boutge t t i ng t hede t a i l sr i ght ." Ofc our s e .Be c a us eyou' r ePe ne l opeBl a c kbur na ndyou' r epa yi ngf or pe r f e c t i on. " " Ia m,a r e n' tI ? "Shel a ughe d." The nI ' mgoi ngt oor de rs ome onei nt hi sc a s t l eofmi ne t obr i ngmeas uga r f r e e ,f a t f r e es ome t hi nga ndt e l lmys e l fi t ' sac hoc ol a t ec a ke .The nI ’ l l f e e lbe t t e r . "Andt he nPe ne l opewa sgone . Ma r i e t t as hove dhe rphoneba c ki nt ohe rpoc ke ta nds hi f t e dt hebul koft hedr e s st o he rot he rs houl de r .I twe i ghe dmor et ha nyoura ve r a gee i ght ye a r ol d.Whyha ds hel e t Pe ne l opet a l khe ri nt oa l lt he s edi a monde nc r us t e df l owe r s ? Be c a us ePe ne l opeha dwa nt e dt os pa r kl emor et ha nt hef ourdoz e nChr i s t ma st r e e s or de r e df ort hec hur c h.Be c a us es hewa nt e dt obet hes t a r ,a sbe f i t t e dhe rs t a t usi n Hol l ywood.Andbe c a us et hec us t ome rwa sa l wa ysr i ght .Andi nt hi sc a s e ,s heha dbe e n. Onet hi ngPe ne l opeBl a c kbur nha di na bunda nc ewa sgr e a tt a s t e . Thedr e s swa se xqui s i t e ,unde ni a bl ybe a ut i f ul .Af ul ls ki r t ,s he e rs l e e ve s ,abodi c eof poi ns e t t i a s ha pe df l owe r st ha tc a ughtt hel i ghta nds e e me dt oda nc e ,c omea l i ve .Eve r y he ml i newa st r i mme dwi t hdi a monds ,t het r a i ndus t e dwi t ht i nys pa r kl i ngge ms . Forwe e ksMa r i e t t aha ds e e nt hedr e s sha ngi ngont hemus l i ndr e s s ma ke rf or ma nd e nvi e dPe ne l ope ,j us tal i t t l e .Mor et ha nonc es he ' dt houghtoft r yi ngi ton.The ywe r et he s a mes i z e ,s hea ndPe ne l ope .But . . . t r yi ngi tonwoul dbewr ong.Noma t t e rhows t unni ng t hedr e s swa s ,orwha tr oma nt i cnot i onsi ti ns pi r e di nMa r i e t t a . Tha tdr e s smi ghtnotha vet ur ne dMa r i e t t a ' sl i f ei nt oas t or ybook,buti tha ddone wonde r sf orhe rbus i ne s s .He rdr e a msha dc omet r ue .Theonl ypr obl e mwa s ,s heha d n' t ha df i ves e c ondst oe nj oyt he m.

He rPDAbe e pe dar e mi nde r .El e ve nf or t y,f i f t e e nmi nut e sunt i lt hef l i ghtt ookof f . " Da mn! "Ma r i e t t abr okei nt oar un,t hedr e s sba ngi nga ga i ns the rba c ka ss hewovei na nd outa mongt hec r owds ,ne got i a t ­ i nghe rwa yt hr ought hemi l l i ngpa s s e nge r sa ndc l own t hel on g,l ongc onc our s et owa r dga t eC31. Shena r r owl ymi s s e dac ol l i s i onwi t ha ne l de r l yma ni naSa nt aha tpus hi nga whe e l c ha i rc a r r yi ngawoma nwe a r i ngama t c hi ngha t .A ma nt a ki ngapi c t ur eoft he de c or a t i onsa taf a s tf oodr e s t a ur a nt —why,Ma r i e t t adi dn' tpa us et ot hi nk.A j a ni t or c l e a ni ngupas pi l l e dc of f e e ,hummi ngaChr i s t ma ss onga shemoppe d. Andt he n,f i na l l y,s hes pi e dt hes i gnsf orGa t eC29,Ga t eC30 Re e dHar t s t one . I tt o okas e c ondf orhe rbr a i nt opr oc e s shi si ma ge ,he rmi ndc a r t whe e l i ngt hr ought he f l ur r yofa c t i vi t ya r oundhe r ,t r yi ngt of i tt hi sa noma l yi n,a si fpl a yi ng" Wha tdoe s n' t be l ong? " Af a t he rl e c t ur i ngas ona boutr unni ngt oof a ra he a d.A we a r ypr e gna ntwoma n c ol l a ps i ngi nt ot hene a r e s ts e a t .Anove r s t uf f e dc a r r yonba ge xpl odi ng,r e ve a l i nga n e mba r r a s s me ntofr e da ndwhi t el i nge r i eAnds t i l l ,Re e dHa r t s t one . Re e d?He r e ?Now? Why? He ra t t e nt i ononhi m,notonwhe r es hewa sgoi ng,Ma r i e t t as t umb l e d,he rf ootc a ught ont hec or ne rofas ui t c a s el e f ti nt hea i s l e .Shef e l the rwe i ghtt wi s tononea nkl e ,whi l e t her e s tofhe rwa ss t i l lt r yi ngt omovei nt heoppos i t edi r e c t i on. He rl e gc r umpl e d,aqui c k,s ha r ppa i ns hoot i ngupf r omonehi ghhe e l e dboota l lt he wa yt ohe rt hi gha nds hewi nc e d,ga s pe d,t he ns t r a i ght e ne d,s t i l lha l f ­ s ur es hewa ss e e i ng t hi ngs ." Re e d? " " Ma r i e t t a ? " I nt hes pa c eofabr e a t h,he rmi ndpr oc e s s e de ve r yi nc hofhi m.Si xf e e tt wo,s h or t br ownha i r ,de e pbl uee ye ss od a r kt he ywe r ea l mos tbl a c k,al e a nf i gur ewi t hbr oa d s houl de r s ,t heki ndawoma nc oul dl e a nonwhe ns hene e de dt o,buta l s ot heki ndt ha t s t a ye di nhe rf i neofs i ghtl onga f t e rt her e s tofhi m wa l ke da wa y.He rgutt i ght e ne d — da mn,s t i l ls her e a c t e dt ohi m,a l lt he s eye a r sl a t e r —a nds her e mi nde dhe r s e l ft he r ewa sa ve r ygoodr e a s ont he ywe r enol o nge rt oge t he r ." Wha ta r eyoudoi nghe r e ? " Ag r i na sf a mi l i a ra st hebe a tofhe rownhe a r tc ur ve da c r os shi sf a c e ." Ic oul ds a yt he s a mea syou.Butl e tmegue s s .St i l lgl obe t r ot t i ng.Ma ki ngyourf or t uneor —" Andt he nhi sga z ec a ughtt hega r me ntba gove rhe rs houl de r ,t hebr i depi c t ur e dont he f r ont ,t hebi tofwhi t ee mbr oi de r e ds a t i ns t i l ls t i c ki ngoutoft heope nz i ppe r .Shegl a nc e d a ti t ,a boutt oe xpl a i n,whe nRe e dbe a the rt ot hepunc ha nda dde dt woa ndt wo." —or ge t t i ngma r r i e d. " Thee ndoft hes e nt e nc es a tt he r ebe t we e nt he m.Ana s s umpt i on,ones hec oul de a s i l y undoa nde xpl a i n.Butt he n,whe nhef oundouts hewa ss t i l ls i ngl e ,Re e dwoul da s khe r f orac upofc of f e e ,adr i nk.Af e wmi nut e st oc ha tove rol dt i me s ,a ndbe f or es hekne wi t , t he ywe r er e t ur ni ngt ot hos et i me s .Pi c ki ngupwhe r et he yha dl e f tof f . Be c a us et ha twa swha tt he yha da l wa ysdone .Ande ve r yt i me ,i tha dbe e nami s t a k e . " At t e nt i onpa s s e nge r s , "s a i damonot one ,ba r e l yr e c ogni z a bl ea sf e ma l evoi c eont he t e r mi na l ' sl oud­ s pe a ke rs ys t e m.Conve r s a t i onsdi mme d,he a dss wi ve l e dt owa r dt he s ound." Duet opoorwe a t he rc ondi t i ons ,a l lf l i ght sha vebe e ngr ounde dunt i lf ur t he r

not i c e .Ass oona st hewe a t he rc l e a r s ,wehopet oha veyouont hewa yt oyo ur de s t i na t i ons .Wea pol ogi z ef ort hei nc onve ni e nc e . "Ac ol l e c t i vei r r i ­ t a t e dgr oa nr i ppl e d t hr ought hea i r por t . Gr e a t .J us twha tMa r i e t t ane e de d.A de l a y.Ma ybes he ' dge tl uc kya ndc a t c ha t a i l wi nd,i ft a i l wi ndse ve nbl e we a s tt owe s t .Ot he r wi s e ,s he ' dbede a l i ngwi t honec r a z y, hi ghl yt r a nqui l i z e dc e l e br i t yi naf e whour s . " Ar eyou? "Re e da s ke d." Ge t t i ngma r r i e d? " He rc e l lphoner a ng,s e r e ndi pi t yorba dt i mi ng­s hedi dn' tque s t i oni t ,j us ta ns we r e d t hec a l l .Tha nkGod.Fort hef i r s tt i mes i nc ea gr e e i ngt ode s i gnPe ne l ope ' sdr e s s ,Ma r i e t t a wa sgl a df ort hei nt e r r up­ t i on. " Thec a t e r e rj us tc a l l e da ndt h eCor ni s hga mehe nsdi dn' ta r r i ve .It hi nkt he yf l e wt he c oopa nda tt hi sr a t e ,wi t ht hes t r e s st hi swe ddi ngi sc a us i ng,I ' ma boutr e a dyt odot he s a me .God,i t ' sl i keapr e s s ur ec ooke r . "Pe ne l opedr e wi nabr e a t h." Anywa y,Che fPa ul s a yswe ' r egoi ngt oha vet os e r ver e gul arc hi c ke nt ot wot hous a ndgue s t s .Doyouknow wha tpe opl ewi l lt hi nk,Ma r i e t t a ?Tha tI ' mpoor .Ba nkr upt .Be i nga udi t e dors ome t hi ng. Appe a r a nc e sa r ee ve r yt hi ngouthe r ea ndi fonemor et hi nggoe swr on gwi t ht hi s we ddi ng. . .Pl e a s et e l lmeyou' l lbehe r es oon.I fIc a nj us tputonmydr e s s ,l i keyous a i d, I ’ l lf e e lbe t t e r . " " Umm. . . mypl a nei sgoi ngt obeal i t t l ede l a ye d, "Ma r i e t t abe ga n." The r e ' sa s nows t or mi nChi c a go .SoImi gh tbeawe ebi tl a t e . " " Lat e ?"Pe ne l ope ' svoi c er e a c he dde c i be l sonl ydogsa nda s t r ona ut sc oul dhe a r ." Oh, t hi si s n' tagoods i gn.Toomuc hi sgoi ngwr onga l r e a dya ndIj us tha vet hi sf e e l i ng—" " Wha t ? "Ma r i e t t apr ompt e dwhe nPe ne l opedi dn' tf i ni s h. " Li ket hi si sat r a i nt ha t ' sa boutt ogoof fabr i dge . I nmyc a r e e r ,whe nIge tt ha tf e e l i ng,i t ' sus ua l l yr i ght .I t ' st ha tf l opf e e l i ng,t ha t` don' t t a ket hi smovi eof f e r ' f e e l i ng.Is houl dne ve rha vea gr e e dt ot hi swhol ei de a . " " Yo ume a nmovi ngt hewe ddi ngup? " Pe ne l opepa us e df orabe a t ." Ye a h,t ha t . " " Do n' twor r y.The r e ' ss t i l lpl e nt yoft i meunt i lt hewe ddi ngt omor r ow." " Idon' tknow.Myps yc hi cs a i dmydr e s s .i sas ymboloft hef ut ur e .I ft hedr e s si s s t uc ki nChi c a go,whatk i ndofs y mboli st hat ?"Pe ne l ope ' svoi c ebr oke ." Iha vet ogo.I ne e dt ome di t a t ea ndt a l kt omyt h e r a ­ pi s t .I ’ l lc a l lyoul a c e r . "Shehungup. Ma r i e t t as i ghe d,putt hephoneba c ki nhe rpoc ke ta ndt ur ne dt of a c eRe e da ga i n.Two ma j orpr obl e msa tonc ej us twhe ne ve r yt hi ngi nhe rl i f es e e me dt obegoi ngs owe l l . " La t ef oryourownwe ddi ng.Nowt ha tc a n' tbegood" " Ba dwe a t he r .I ' ms ur epl e nt yofpe opl ehe r ea r el a t ef ors ome t hi ngi mpor t a nt , "s he s a i d,r a t he rt ha na ns we r i ngt hei mpl i e dque s t i on." Wha ta boutyou? " " Be l i e vei tornot ,I ' ml a t ef o rame e t i ng. "Hegl a nc e da thi swa t c h." Ve r yl a t e .My pl a ne ' sbe e nde l a ye dt wi c ea l r e a dy. " Sur pr i s ehi the rha r d.TheRe e ds her e me mbe r e dha dn' tdoneme e t i ngs ,bus i ne s s br unc he sora nyt hi ngr e mot e l ys ma c ki ngofc or por a t eAme r i c a .He ' dbe e ns ma l l t own, r ur a ll i f ea l lt hewa y.She ' dbe e nt heonehe l l be ntont hej e ts e twa yofl i f e ,ma ki ngt he m t hepr ove r bi a lbi r da ndt hef i s h.Anyt hi ngt oge the routofWhi s t l eCr e e k,t het ownt ha t ha dne ve rf e l tl i kehome ,notr e a l l y." Ame e t i ng?Re a l l y?Whe r e ? " " Bos t on.I ' maf i na nc i a la dvi s or . "

" Yo u?As ui ta ndt i ea ndt hewhol eni neya r ds ? "The ns henot i c e dhi sbus i ne s sc a s ua l a t t i r e .Theda r kgr e e npol os hi r ta ndkha kipa nt s ,t het a i l or e dwoolc oa t ,s hi nydr e s s s hoe s .Ha nds ome ,s ha r p.Ani mpr e s ­ s i veRe e d,qui t et hec ont r a s tt ot hel a i dba c k,j e a ns a ndTs hi r tma ns her e me mbe r e d. The nwhydi ds hef e e laf l i c ke rofdi s a ppoi nt me nt ? " Igue s syouc oul ds a yIgr e wup, "hes a i d,ahi ntofbi t t e r ne s st i nt i nghi svoi c e ." Got ar e a lj ob. " Thewor dss t ung.She ' dt hr ownt hos ea thi m ye a r sa go,j us tbe f or es he ' dt hr ownhi s e nga ge me ntr i ngba c k—a ndwa l k e da wa yf ort hel a s tt i me .Ne ve re x­ pe c t i ngt os e eh i m a ga i n. Appa r e nt l yne ve rwa se xa c t l ys e ve nye a r sl ong. " I ' mha ppyf oryou.Re a l l yIa m. "Shehe f t e dt hedr e s sont ohe rs houl de r ,t he nbe ga n l ooki ngf oras e a t .Thea i r por twa sj a mme d,f r us t r a t e dpa s s e nge r sc a mpi ngouti ne ve r y a va i l a bl es e a t ,ma nya l r e a dys e t t i ngupt e mpor a r yl odgi ngont hef l oor ,us i ngt he i r s ui t c a s e sf orc us hi ons ,c oa t sf orpi l l owsa ndbl a nke t s .Shedi dn' ts e eas i ngl eope nc ha i r a nywhe r e .Onec oupl es a tdowno nt hef l oora ndbe ga ne xc ha ngi ngpr e s e nt s ,t he i rha p py gr i nss a yi ngt he ywe r et a ki ngt hewhol et hi ngi ns t r i de ,c r e a t i ngaChr i s t ma sr i ghtt he r ei n t hea i r por t .Ma r i e t t at ur ne da wa y,f ors omer e a s onuna bl et owa t c ht he m. Out s i de ,t hes now c ont i nue dt of a l l ,awhi t es he e ts t e a di l ydr oppi ngf r om t hes ky, c ove r i ngt hea i r por ta nde ve r yt hi ngi ni t ,a l r e a dys e ve r a li nc he sde e p.Ma r i e t t as i ghe d. Fr omt hel ooksoft hes ky,s heha dl i t t l ehopeofma ki ngi tt oL. A.be f or et hee ndoft he da y. He ra nkl et hr obbe d,t hought hepa i nha dbe gunt odi m.He ra r mhur t .Al ls hewa nt e d wa st oge tt oLosAnge l e s ,ge tt hi sdr e s sde l i ve r e da ndge thomet oTowha t ? " Le tmet a ket ha tf oryou, "Re e ds a i d,r e a c hi ngf ort hega r me ntba gbe f or es hec oul d pr ot e s t ." I tl ooksl i kei twe i ghsat on. " " I ' mf i ne ,r e a l l y. " " Yo ut wi s t e dyoura nkl e ,a nddon' tt e l lmei tdoe s n' thur tbe c a us eIc a nt e l l .Yourf a c e i ss t i l la sr e a da bl ea st heChi c agoTi me s ,Ma r i e t t a . "Re e ddr a pe dt heba gove rhi sa r m. " Doyo uwa ntt oge tadr i nk?Some t hi ngt oe a t ? " " Ir e a l l ys houl dn' t . " " Why?Youha ves ome whe r eyoune e dt ober i ghtnow? " Aga i nt ha tgr i n.J us ta si r r e s i s t i bl ea sa l wa ys —a ndj us ta sr i ght ." The yc oul dc a l lt he f l i ghto r —" " Thes nowi sc omi ngdownl i kec r a z y,noone ' sgoi nga nywhe r ef orhour s .Youha ve t i mef ors ome ­ t hi ngt oe a t ? " Si t t i ngdownwi t hRe e d. . . pr oba bl ynott hebe s ti de a .Butt he na ga i n,i tha dbe e ns e ve n ye a r ss i nc et he y' dl a s ts e e ne a c hot he r .The y' dbot hgr ownup,move don.Da t e dot he r pe opl e .Fora l ls hekne w,hec oul dbema r r i e dnow. He rhe a r ts ki ppi ngabe a twhe ne ve rt he i rga z e sc onne c t e d,he rpul s er a t c he t i ngupa not c h—di dn' tma nat hi ng. Sur e l y,s hec oul dha veadr i nk,as a ndwi c h,wi t ht hema na ndnotha vei tgoa nywhe r e f ur t he rt ha nac oupl eofol dl ove r sc a t c hi ngupi na na i r por t ,c a ughtupi nahol i da ymoo d. Ye a h,t ha twa sa l li twa s .Al i t t l ec ur i os i t y.Awa yt opa s st het i me .

The nwhywa ss hewonde r i ngi fhi sl e f tha nd­t heonehi dde nbyhe rga r me ntba g — ha dagol dba ndoni tornot ? " Whe r ea r ewegoi ngt of i ndas e a t ?Thi spl a c ei sa sc r owde da sBooke r s 'Gott o Hook' EmBa i tShopont hef i r s tda yoff i s hi ngs e a s on. " Hes hookhi she a d." If or gota l la boutt ha tpl a c e . " " You?For ge ta bouta nyt hi ngi nWhi s t l eCr e e k? "" I ' vebe e ngonef r om t he r eal ong t i me ,Ma r i e t t a . "Aga i n,t ha thi ntofadi f f e r e ntRe e d,nott heones her e me mbe r e d. " Ir e me mbe rt heme ni nWhi s t l eCr e e kl i ni ngupout s i deofBooke r s ' ,de t e r mi ne dt o bet hef i r s tt oc a t c ht ha tBa s st he y ' dbe e ngoi ngona bouta l lwi nt e rl ongove rt he i rbe e r s . Andt he ne ve r yoneoft he mwoul dc omeba c kt oEr ni e ' sBa re mpt yha nde d,t a l ki nga bout t heonet ha tgota wa y. " " The r e ' sa l wa ysoneoft hos e ,i s n' tt he r e ?Onet ha tgota wa y? "Re e ds a i d,a nds hegot t hef e e l i nghedi dn' tme a nl a r ge mout he dba s s .Butbe f or es hec oul dque s t i onhi m,he c ha nge dt hes ubj e c t ." Anywa y,Iknow apl a c ei nt hea i r por twhe r ewec a ngot oe a t . Tr us tme . "Thef a mi l i a rt i ght e ni ngi nMa r i e t t a ' sguta ss heme thi sga z et ol dhe rt hi s wa s n' tgoi ngt obej us tadr i nk.As a ndwi c h.Ac a t c hi ngup. I t ' dbear e vi s i t i ngofol dt i me s .Ol df e e l i ngs . Ma r i e t t as hookof ft het hought .Shewa sagr own­ up.Ac onf i de nt ,s uc c e s s f ulwoma n. Awoma nwho' ds i mpl ybe e nmome nt a r i l ys i de t r a c ke dbyt heChr i s t ma sc a r ol spl a yi ngon t hes ounds ys t e moft hes hopsa ndt hel ove r s c oz yi ngupont heunc omf or t a bl evi nyls e a t s . Tha twa sa l l ." Lunc hs oundsgood, "s hes a i d. " It r a ve lt hr oughhe r epr e t t yof t e n, "Re e ds a i d,t a ki nghe re l bowa ndl e a di ngt hewa y t hr ought hec r owd.J us ta squi c k l y,her e l e a s e dhe r ,a si fher e a l i z e dhe ' dbe e nt ouc h i ng he r ." Af r i e ndofmi neownsal i t t l er e s t a ur a nti nt hea i r por t .He ' l lge tusat a bl ea ndma ke s ome t h i nggr e a t . " " I fyouc a npul lt ha tof f ,you' r et r ul yami r a c l ewor ke r . "Ther e s t a ur a nt swe r ee v e n mor epa c ke dt i t a nt hes e a t sa tt hega t e s .Appa r e nt l yt he ywe r e n' tt heonl yone swi t ht he i de aofpa s s i ngt het i mewi t hame a l . Ma r i e t t a ' ss t oma c hr umbl e d.Thel a s tt hi ngs he ' de a t e nha dbe e namuf f i ns he ' d gr a bbe dont her un,wi t haba dc upofc of f e et owa s hi tdown.Note xa c t l yanut r i t i ona l powe r hous ef ort het r yi ngda ya he a d. The ywovei na ndouta mongt hepe opl e ,downt hee ndoft het e r mi na la nda r oundt he c or ne rt oas ma l lr e s t a ur a nt .I twa s ,l i kea l lt heot he r s ,pa c ke dt ot hebr i m. Re e ds i dl e dupt ot heba rt ha tf l a nke dt her i ghts i de ." He y,J oe ! " Ar obus tma nf i l l i ngapi t c he rofbe e rl ooke dup,hi sf a c ebr e a ki ngi nt oawi des mi l e . " Re e d!Ni c et os e eyoui nt owna ga i n!Tha nksf ort ha ta dvi c eont hemut ua lf und.Mygi r l ma yge tt ha tHa r va r de duc a t i ona f t e ra l l . " " Gl a dt ohe a ri t .I fa nyone ' sHa r va r dma t e r i a l ,yourGi nnyi s . " J oebe a me d." Br i l l i a nt ,t ha tgi r l .I' boutbus tagutt a l ki nga bouthe rt ot hec us t ome r s . " " An dr i ght l ys o. "Re e dl e a ne df or wa r d." Yougotat a bl e ? " " Fo ryou,Ia l wa ysdo. "J oes l i doutf r om be hi ndt hec ount e r ,t e l l i ngt heot he r ba r t e nd e rt ot a keove rf orami nut e ,t he nge s t ur e dt oRe e da ndMa r i e t t at of ol l owhi m.He t ookt he mbe hi ndt her e gi s t e r ,i nt oat i nyl i t t l enookt uc ke di nt heba c k.I twa ss os ma l l ,i t a sa l mos tnotat a bl ea ta l l ,mor eas pa c e ,Ma r i e t t as us pe c t e d,f ort hewa i ts t a f ft ot a kea br e a k." Yourt a bl e ,s i r , "J oes a i d,ge s t ur i ngt owa r di twi t haf l our i s h. " Tha nkyou. "Re e dpul l e doutMa r i e t t a ' ss e a t ,t he nwa i t e df orhe rt os i t .

" Uh ,Iha vet oha ngupt hedr e s s .I st he r es ome ­ whe r e . . . ? " " Ic a nputi ti noneoft hee mpl oye el oc ke r s , "J oeof f e r e d." Woul dt ha twor k? " " No , "Ma r i e t t as a i d,t r yi ngt oke e pf r om s hout i ng.I fe i t he roft he m kne wwha tt hi s dr e s swa swor t horwhoi twa si nt e nde df or ,t he y' dne ve rs ugge s tal oc ke r ." I ’ l l ,a h,j us t ke e pi twi t hme . "Shedr a pe di tove rhe rl a p,butt hepoufofwhi t epl a s t i cs pi l l e dove rt he t a bl e . " Yo uc a n' te a tl i ket ha t ; ' Re e ds a i d." He r e . "Het ookt hega r me ntba gf r omhe r ,pul l e d t het a b l eoutaf e wi nc he s ,t he ns l i ppe dt hehookove rt hewoodpa r t i t i on,l e t t i ngt hedr e s s ha ngi nt hes pa c ebe t we e nt hepa r t i ­ t i ona ndt het a bl e ." Ni c ea ndc l os e ,a ndoutoft he wa y. " " Yo u' r ea l mos ta ss ma r ta smyHa r va r dgi r l : ' J oes a i d,t he nwa l ke dof f ,c huc kl i ng. " So , "Ma r i e t t abe ga n,l a c i nghe rf i nge r st oge t he ra ndpl a c i nghe rpa l msont het a bl e , " howd i dyoue ndupas pe c i a l i s ti nmut ua lf unds ? " " Yo ume a nhowdi dt hec ount r ymous ege tt ot hebi gc i t y? " " Yo uwe r ene ve ramous e ,Re e d. " The i rga z e sme ta ndat hr e a dt i ght e ne dbe t we e nt he m—at hr e a dt ha tha dne ve rr e a l l y be e nbr oke n,a si ft hef a br i coft he i rr e l a t i ons hi pha dunr a ve l e dt oa l lbutt hi s ,t hi sone l i t t l er i bbonofc onne c t i on. " An dne i t he rwe r eyou,Ma r i e t t a . " Hi svoi c edr e whe rba c ki n,pul l e dhe ra se a s i l ya sas l e da c r os st hes now,a ndf ora s e c ond,s ome t hi ngwhi s pe r e di ns i dehe rt ha ta l ls heha dt odowa spi c kupt ha tt hr e a da nd l oti tane wc onne c t i on. Butt he nawa i t r e s sbr oughtt wogl a s s e sofi c ewa t e r ,gr e e t i ngRe e dbyna me ,a nd i nt e r r u pt i ngt hes pe l l .Dr a wi ngMa r i e t t aba c kt ot her e a l i t yt ha tnot hi ngwa st ha ts i mpl e , a ndne ve rha dbe e n.Tha ts hel i ve di nadi f f e r e ntwor l df r omRe e da nda l wa ysha d. " Ia s s umeyouwa ntt wooft heus ua l ? "t hewa i t r e s ss a i d. " Yo uknowmewe l l ,Dor a , "Re e dr e pl i e d." J oe ' ss pe c i a l t ywoul dbegr e a t .Tha nks . " " Yo ugoti t .Mi ghtt a keawhi l e ,be c a us ewe ' r es wa mpe d,butIs us pe c tyoubot hha ve qui t eabi toft i me . " " Wi t ht hi ss t or m,weha vepl e nt yoft i me .I nf a c t . "Re e d' sga z eme tMa r i e t t a ' sa ga i n. " Howa boutadr i nk?Ar e a ldr i nk . " " Oh ,Is houl dn' t . . . " " Toc e l e br a t e .Wes houl dc e l e br a t e ,s houl dn' twe ? "Hege s t ur e dt owa r dt hega r me nt ba g.Be f or es hec oul dc or r e c thi sa s s umpt i on,hewa sor de r i ngabot t l eofwhi t ewi ne . " Tha nks ,Dor a . " Whe nt hewa i t r e s swa sgone ,Ma r i e t t al ooke da tRe e d." Youor de r e df orme .Wi t hout e ve na s ki ngwha tIwa nt e d. " " Ia l r e a dykne w.A Re ube ns a ndwi c h.Wi t hf r i e sa ndapi c kl e .I t ' syourf a vor i t e .I r e me mbe r e d. " Twowor ds .Si mpl e ,e ve r yda ywor ds ,butwhe nputt oge t he r ,t he ys t r uc kac hor di n Ma r i e t t a ,ade e pc hor d,ones he ' dt houghts he ' dbur i e dwhe ns hel e f tI ndi a na . Whe ns hel e f tRe e d. " Doyour e me mbe r ? "Re e da s ke d.

" Ye s , "Ma r i e t t as a i d,a ndr e a l i z e da st hewor dl e f the rt ha ts hewa s n' tj us tt a l ki ng a bouts a ndwi c he s ,a ndt ha tme a ntt r oubl e ,i ns oma nywa ys .Theve r yki ndoft r oubl e s he ' dl e f tbe hi ndt ha tl a s tChr i s t ma si nWhi s t l eCr e e k. Ors os het hought . CHAPTERTWO REEDs houl dknowbe t t e r . Andhedi d.Buthes a ta c r os sf r omMa r i e t t aWe s t mor ea l lt hes a me ,a ndt ol dhi ms e l f hedi dn' ts t i l ll ovehe r ,wa s n' ta t t r a c t e dt ohe ra nymor e ,a nddi dn' tgi veada mnt ha ts he wa sa boutt oma r r ya not he rma n. Asf a ra sl i a r swe nt ,hewa sbe c omi ngapr ot hi sChr i s t ma s . Da mn,s hewa ss t i l la sbe a ut i f ula sher e me m­ be r e d.Mor es o,nowt ha ts hewa sol d e r . He rl o oksha dgr ownmor er e f i ne dwi t ha ge ,a si fas c ul pt orha dl ooke da the ra nd de c i de dt os ha veal i t t l ehe r e ,al i t t l et he r e ,pe r f e c t i ngwha tha da l r e a dybe e na bs ol ut e l y e xqui s i t e .Thes a mea qui l i nenos e ,hi ghc he e kbone s ,da nc i nggr e e ne ye s ,l ong,da r k br ownha i rt ha tc ur l e da r oundhe rf a c e ,l yi nga ga i ns the rs houl de r sl us ha ndvi br a nt , be ggi ngf orhi mt ot ouc h. Andoh,howhewa nt e dt o,wa nt e dt or unhi sl i nge r st hr oughi t ,ha ulhe rt ohi ma nd ki s st ha tmout h,hungr yf orhe ri nwa yshec oul dn' te ve nbe gi nt ode s c r i be . I ns t e a d,hec ur l e dhi sha nda r oundhi swa t e rgl a s s ,t hei c ys ur f a c edoi ngnot hi ngt o c oolt hehe a ti ns i dehi sbody." Idi dn' ta ns we ryourque s t i one a r l i e ra boutwhyIwe nti nt o f i na nc e " Tal kaboutdol l ar sandc e nt s ,Re e d.Foc usonany t hi ngbutMar i e t t a.Andt hewayt hat r e ds we at e randt hos edar kj e anshughe rc ur v e s .Nott ome nt i ont hos ehi ghhe e l e dboot s . Damn, t hos eboot s . " Yo udoha vemei nt r i gue d,Iha vet oa dmi t .Ands ur pr i s e d. "Shes mi l e d. Hea l wa ysha dl ove dt hewa ys hes mi l e d,howhe rl i psc ur ve dupj us tal i t t l ehi ghe ron ones i det ha nt heot he r ." Tha t ' ss ome t hi ngIha ve n' tdonei nal ongt i me ' " We l l ,s ur pr i s emenow. " Hec l e a r e dhi st hr oa t .Ba c kt obus i ne s s .Toot he rt opi c s ." Myf a t he rdi e d. " I mme di a t e l y,he rs mi l edi s a pp e a r e da ndt hes ympa t hyf l oode dhe re me r a l dga z e ." Oh, Re e d.I ' m.s os or r y.Hewa sawon de r f ulma n. " " Hewa s .Mymot he rmi s s e shi mt e r r i bl ys t i l la nds odoI .I twa st heki ndofma r r i a ge Re e da l wa yst houghthe ' dha ves ome da y.Thoughtma ybehea ndMa r i e t t a — Hi sga z ewe ntt ot hega r me ntba ga nds ome t hi ngc ol da ndha r dhi thi sgut .We l l , c l e a r l yt ha twa s n' tt obe . The nhegl a nc e da the rl e f tha nd.Nodi a monds pa r kl e donhe rf i nge r .Ei t he rs hewa s ma r r yi nga ne xc e e di ngl yc he a pma norRe e dha dma det hewr onga s s umpt i on. " Ho wdi dyoue ndupi nf i na nc e ? "s hea s ke d." It houghtyouwe r egoi ngt or unt he f a r mwi t hyourf a t he r .Whe nIl e f t ,t ha t ' swhe r eyouwe r e ,wor ki ngt hel a nd. " Thewor dss t r uc kanot ei nRe e d,ha r ke ni ngba c kt owhoheus e dt obe ,be f or el i f eha d t hr ownade t ouri nhi spa t h.Se ve nye a r sa go,he ' dne ve rha vei ma gi ne dhe ' dbewhe r ehe wa st oda y,ne ve rha vet houghthe ' dha vee ve rl e f tWhi s t l eCr e e k.

" Tha twa smypl a n,butwhe nmyda ddi e d,t hef a r mt ur ne doutt obei nal otofde bt . Youknowhowha r dt hea gr i c ul t ur a li ndus t r yi si nt heMi dwe s t . "Shenodde d." Al lofa s udde n,mymot he rwa si naf i na n­ c i a lme s s .The r ewa sas ma l ll i f ei ns ur a nc epol i c ya ndI ha dt of i ndawa yt os t r e t c ht ha tf orhe rf ut ur e .If oundmys e l fge t t i ngaf a s te duc a t i oni n dol l a r sa nds e ns i bl ei nve s t i ng. "Hes hr ugge d." Il i ke dwor ki ngwi t hmone y.Se e me dt o ha veakna c kf ori nve s t i ngi t ,t ur n i ngal i t t l ei nt oal ot .SoIwe ntt os c hool ,gotade gr e e . be f or eIkne wi t ,Iha daj obof f e ra ndac a r e e r . " " Wow. "Shes a tba c ka ga i ns tt hewoode nc ha i r ,c l e a r l yt a ke na ba c k." I ' da l wa ys t houghtyouwe r egoi ngt of ol l owi nyourf a t he r ' sf oot s t e ps . " " Sodi dI .Butt hi ngsdon' ta l wa yswor koutt hewa yyoupl a n.Dot he y? "Hege s t ur e d t owa r dMa r i e t t a ." Exc e ptf oryou. Si nc et heda yIme tyoui nKi nde r ga r t e n,you' vea l wa ys knownwha tyouwa nt e da ndyou' vegonea f t e ri t .He c k,you' vebe e ndr a wi ngpi c t ur e sof dr e s s e sa ndf a s hi onsf r om t hef i r s tda yyoupi c ke dupac r a yon.Now l ooka tyou. Suc c e s s f ul .Ha ppy. " Thel a s te nde donas l i ghtque s t i onma r k,butMa r i e t t ae i t he rdi dn' the a rt hei mpl i e d que s t i onorc hos et oi gnor ei t . " Thi ngsha vewor ke doutwe l lwi t hmyc a r e e r ,ye s .Iownade s i gns t udi oi nChi c a go a ndi t ' st a ke nof fphe nome na l l yi nt hel a s tye a r . "Ma r i e t t as hookhe rhe a d." Mor et ha nI e xpe c t e d.Ij us tgotba c kf r ontMi l a nl a s tni ght ,a ndhe r eIa m,hoppi ngonapl a net oLos Ange l e s .Af t e rt ha t ,i t ' l lbeat r i pt oPa r i st ome e twi t hane wc l i e nt . " " An dwhe r ei nt ha the c t i cs c he dul edoe sChr i s t ma sf a l l ? " Shel e toutal a ugh,onet ha tRe e dt houghthe l dat i ntofbi t t e r ne s s ." The r e ' sno Chr i s t ma sf orme ,nott hi sye a r .I ’ l lpr oba bl yc e l e br a t ei ta tf i f t yt hous a ndf e e t ,wi t ha pa c ka g eofs t a l epe a nut sa nda nove r ­ pr i c e dt e e nybot t l eofr um. " " Tha t ' snohol i da y,Ma r i e t t a . " " Sa yst hema nwhoi sa l s oi na na i r por tt woda ysbe f or eChr i s t ma s . " " I ' mj us tf l yi ngi nt oBos t onf oraqui c kme e t i nga ndt he nI ' mgoi nghomet os e emy mot he r . " " An dwhe r ei shomet he s eda y s ,Re e d? " " Iha vea na pa r t me ntne a rt heof f i c e si nSout hBe nd,buthome ,t hi sChr i s t ma s ,i ss t i l l whe r ei tus e dt obeWhi s t l eCr e e k. " Ass oona shes a i dt hewor ds ,her e a l i z e dhow t r uet he ywe r e .I tmus tha vebe e n s e e i ngMa r i e t t at ha tha dr e s ur r e c t e dt heme mor i e soft ha tt own,c oup l e dwi t ht hehol i da y, t ha tha dt a ke nhi smi nd—f oc us e dbe f or et oda yonwor k,onnumbe r s ,onme e t i ngs ­ down awhol eot he rpa t h. Whi s t l eCr e e k.Thet ownpop pe di nt ohi she a d,c l e a ra sda y,a si fhe ' dne ve rl e f t .The ol dmi l lt ha tha ds t ooda tt henor t he nt r a nc ef ort wohundr e dye a r s ,s t i l lc hur ni ngwa t e r t hr ought her i ve ra ndgr e e t i nge ve r yonewhoc a met ot own.Thef e e da ndgr a i ns t or et ha t s a ta c r os sf r omt hemi l l ,ope r a t e dnowbyt hegr e a t gr a nds onsoft heor i gi na lowne r .The dr ugs t or eont hec or ne rofMa i na ndOa k,r unbyGooc h—noonekne whi sf i r s tna meor hi sl a s tbute ve r yonekne wi ft he yne e de dapr e s c r i pt i onf i l l e d,orac ur ef ora t hl e t e ' sf o ot , ol dGooc hwoul dt a kec a r eoft he m. " Doyougoba c kt he r eal ot ? "s hea s ke d. " No . "

Wha thedi dn' ts a ywa swhy.Be c a us ei tha dn' ts e e me dt hes a me .Nots i nc eMa r i e t t a ha dl e f t .Howt ha tones pa r ks e e me dt oha vegoneout ,a f t e rt ha tpa r ­ t i c ul a rda i s yh a d be e npl uc ke df r omt heme a dow. Orhowhet ooha dc ha nge ds i nc et hos eda ys .Andhowi tha dbe c omee a s i e rt of or ge t Whi s t l eCr e e kt ha nt ogohomea ndnots e ehe rt he r e . Shenodde d,a si fs hewa sr e a di nghi smi nd." Iha ve n' tbe e nt he r ee i t he ri nwha t . . . ? " " Se ve nye a r s . " " Ye a h, "s hes a i d.Si l e nc er ol l e dbe t we e nt he ml i keabl a nke t ,he a vy,t hi c k." I t ' sbe e na l ongt i me . " Hewa nt e dt oa s kwhys heha dn' tbe e nba c k.Wa nt e dt oknow whys heha dl e f t e ve r yt h i ng—a nde ve r yone —be hi nd.Butt heda yswhe nMa r i e t t at ol dhi m whys hedi d a nyt hi ngwe r el ongove r . " He r eyougo,Re e d, "Dor as a i d,de pos i t i ngt wowi negl a s s e sa ndabot t l eofwi neon t he i rt a bl e .Shef i l l e dt he i rgl a s s e s ,t he nga vehi m agr i n." You' 11bet ur ni ngmei nt oa r e gul a rs omme l i e rne xt .Iha ve n' tha dt oge tt hi sf a nc yi nwe e ks . " " J u s tke e pi ngyouonyourt oe s ,Dor a .Tha nks . " " An yt i me .Yourf oods houl dbeouti nas e c . "Shega vehi m awa ve ,t he nhe a de d t owa r dt heki t c he n. Re e dr a i s e dhi sgl a s st owa r dMa r i e t t a ' s ." Toyoua ndyourne whus ba nd. "Thewor ds c l ogge dhi st hr oa t ,ne a r l yc ut t i ngof fhi sa i rs uppl y.Se ve nye a r sa go,i tha dbe e nt h e i r f r i e ndst oa s t i nghi ma ndMa r i e t t a .Hi sr i ngha dbe e nonMa r i e t t a ' sha nd.Andnow,i twa s c l e a rt he r ewoul dne ve rbeas hota twi nni nghe rba c k—nott ha the ' de ve rha dhe ri nt he f i r s tpl a c e ." Ma yyouha vea l lt heha ppi ne s si nt hewor l d. " Ma r i e t t at oye dwi t ht hes t e mofhe rgl a s s ." Re e d,t ha t ' snotmywe ddi ngdr e s s .We l l ,i t i s ,buti t ' snot . "Shel a ughe d." Tha tdoe s n' tma kea nys e ns e ,doe si t ? " Hel owe r e dt hegl a s sba c kt ot het a bl e ." No,i tdoe s n' t . " " Ide s i gnwe ddi ngdr e s s e sa spa r tofmybus i ne s s .Tha t ' sac l i e nt ' sdr e s s .A ve r y f a mousc l i e nt ,whos edr e s sIa mpe r s ona l l ye s c or t i ngt oL. A. " Ther e l i e ft ha tf l oode dhi mwa sne a r l ypa l pa bl e ." You' r enotge t t i ngma r r i e d? " Shel a ughe d." No.He c k,Idon' te ve nha vee nought i met opos ta na dona nonl i ne ma t c hs e r vi c e ,ne ve rmi ndgooutonada t e . " " Yo u' dne ve rne e da nyhe l pi nt ha ta r e a .I ' ms ur et heguysa r es t i l ll i ni ngupout s i de yourdoor . " He rf a c er e dde ne da nds het ur ne da wa y,di r e c t i nghe ra t t e nt i ont ohe rwi nei ns t e a dof hi m." Nota nymor e ,Re e d. " Hewa nt e dt opr e s she rf ormor e ,butkne wi twa s n' thi spl a c e .Kne we ve nmor et ha t hes houl dn' tc a r e .She ' dma dei tc l e a rye a r sa got ha ts hedi dn' twa nthi ma ndhes houl dbe s ma r ta nds t e e rc l e a rofas e c ondhe a r t a c he . Thehubbuboft her e s t a ur a nta ndt heChr i s t ma smus i cpl a yi ngont hes ounds ys t e m pr ovi de das of tunde r t owofnoi s ebe hi ndt he m,buti nt hi sl i t t l ea l c ove ,i ts e e me da si ft he wor l donl yc ons i s t e dofhi ma ndMa r i e t t a . Ha dn' ti ta l wa ys ,t hough?Wh e ne ve rt he y' dbe e na l onet oge t he r ,t ha twa sa l lhe ' de ve r s e e n.He a r d.Thoughta bout —Ma r i e t t aWe s t mor e . " Whydi dn' tyouc omeba c k? "Theque s t i onwa soutbe f or ehec oul ds t opi t ,hi s c ur i os i t yove r r i di nga nyki ndofpol i t e ne s sba r r i e r s . " The r ewa snot hi ngl e f tf ormea f t e r —"

Shedi dn' tf i ni s ht hes e nt e nc e .Shedi dn' tha vet o.Re e dc oul df i l li nt ha tbl a nk.Af t e r t hea c c i de ntt ha tha dt ur ne dMa r i e t t a ' sl i f ei ns i deouta nde r a s e dwha tLi t t l ef a mi l ys he ha d. Butt he r ewasme ,hewa nt e dt os a y. Iwass t i l li nWhi s t l eCr e e k . Butt he ywe r eove r ,ha dbe e n,f oral ongt i me .She ' dma det ha tc l e a r . Se ve nye a r sa go,s he ' dt ol dhi mi nnoi nc e r t a i nt e r mst ha ts hedi dn' tbe l ongi nWhi s t l e Cr e e ka nds hewa nt e dt hec i t yl i f e .He ' dma dei te qua l l yc l e a rt ha thi shomewa sont he f a r m,wi t hhi sf a t he r .The y' ds t ooda ta ni mpa s s e ,a ndr a t he rt ha nf e ndawa ya r oundt he wa l l ,Ma r i e t t aha dt ur ne da ndwa l ke da wa y,l e a vi ngRe e dbe hi nd. " Do n' tyoumi s sWhi s t l eCr e e k? "hea s ke d. " Mi s snotbe i nga bl et oge tapi z z aa tt woi nt hemor ni ng?Mi s sbe i ngc utof ff r om c i vi l i z a t i onf ort woda yswhe nt he r e ' sabl i z z a r d?Mi s sha vi ngmyma i lmi s de l i ve r e d be c a us eJ a mi s oni sont hes a uc ea ga i n? "Ma r i e t t as hookhe rhe a d." Nota ta l l . " " J a mi s on' sr e t i r i ngt hi sye a r ,Ihe a r .The r e ' l lbeane wma i lc a r r i e ri nt own. " " Whi s t l eCr e e kha s n' tc ha nge da ta l li nt wohundr e dye a r s ,Re e d.Sur e ,wec oul dge ta s t opl i ghtdownt owna ndne ws e a t si nCi ndy' sDi ne r ,butt ha t ' snotpr ogr e s s .Andi t ' snot t heki n dofl i f eIwa nt . "He rga z eme thi s ." I tne ve rwa s . " Sot he ywe r eba c kt os qua r eone .Thes a mes qua r es he ' dus e da sal e a pi ngof fpoi nt s e ve nye a r sa go." Don' tyouge tt i r e dofi t ,t hough?Ther us ha ndf ur yoft hec i t y?The c ons t a ntr a c eofac a r r i e r ? " " Tha ta dr e na l i ner us hi spa r to fwha tIl ookf or wa r dt o.I t ' swha tge t smeoutofbe di n t hemor ni ng.Il ovet hec i t y.Il ovet henoi s e ,t hepe opl e ,t hec r owds .Iha t ea l lt ha t s ol i t udea ndqui e toft hec ount r y.Thewa ype opl et he r es hutyouof fi fyoudon' tf i ti nt o t he i rl i t t l epe r f e c tmol dofhowt he yt hi nkl i f es houl dbe . "Shes hookhe rhe a d." No,Re e d, Idon' tbe l ongi nWhi s t l eCr e e k.Ine ve rdi d. " " No ta l wa ys , "hes a i d." The r ewa sat i mewhe nyoul ove dt ha tpl a c e . " Whe ny oul ov e dme . Shet ookas i pofwi ne ." Tha twa sal ongt i mea go,Re e d.Iwa sdi f f e r e ntt he n.You we r edi f f e r e nt . " " Ye a h,Iwa s ,wa s n' tI ? "He ' dbe e nmor egul l i bl e ,mor er e a dyt obe l i e vei nha pp i l y e ve ra f t e r .I nt hei mpos s i bl e . Dor aa r r i ve dwi t ht he i rf ood.The wa i t r e s sc ha t t e dwi t ht he mf oraf e wmi nut e sa ss he dr oppe dof ft hepl a t e sofs a ndwi c he s ,c a t c hi nguponRe e d' sl i f e ,ge t t i nga ni nt r oduc t i on t oMa r i e t t a . By t het i mes hewa sgone ,Ma r i e t t awa sdi vi ng i nt o he rs a ndwi c h,a nd t he c onve r s a t i onha dgoneba c ki nt os ma l lt a l kt e r r i t or y.Shema dequi c kwor kofhe rme a l ,a s i fs hec oul dn' twa i tt oge touto ft he r e ,a ndf i ni s he dof fhe rgl a s sofwi ne ,r e f us i nga s e c ond. Cl e a r l y,t he r ewoul dbenot i ps ymi s t a ke s ,nowi ne ­ i nduc e dr e uni onsorki s s e s . Andwoul dhewa nthe ri nhi sa r msbe c a us eofa na l c ohol i cbl ur ?No.I fMa r i e t t ae ve r c a meba c k,Re e dwa nt e di tt obebe c a us es hewa nt e dhi m,notbe c a us eabot t l eofwi ne ha ddi s t or t e dhe rj udgme nt . Ma r i e t t ai ns i s t e donpa yi ngha l ft hebi l l ." Thi si s n' tada t e ,Re e d. " " Ofc our s enot , "hes a i d." Twool df r i e ndsc a t c hi ngup,r i ght ? " " Ye a h.Tha t ' sa l l . " Buts het ur ne da wa ya ss hes a i di t .

Andhekne w hes houl dbegl a d,s houl dl e a vei ta tt ha t ,buts ome t hi ngi ns i dehi m r e be l l e da ndwa nt e dmor e .Wa nt e dt opus ht hei s s ue ,t os e ei fma ybe . . . Ma ybet het e ns i onher e a dbe t we e nt he m wa s n' tf r om t heye a r sa pa r tbutf r om unf i ni s he dbus i ne s s .Door st ha tha dne ve rqui t es hut . Wha twoul dha ppe ni fhenudge dt ha tdoorope n? The yc a l l e dgoodbyet oJ oea ndl e f tt her e s t a u­ r a nt .Ma r i e t t af r owne dwhe ns he gl a nc e doutt hewi dewi ndowsa nds a wt heSt or ms t i l lgus t i ng." I t ' ss t i l ls nowi ng. " " Mot he rNa t ur es e e msde t e r mi ne dt ogi veusawhi t eChr i s t ma s . "Hegr i nne d." Or s he ' sc ons pi r i ngt oke e pyoua ndmet oge t he r . " " Myc l i e nti sgoi ngt of r e a k.I nf a c t —"s hedughe rc e l lphoneoutofhe rba c kpoc ke t a nds i ghe d" —s he ' sc a l l e dmef ou rl i me si nt hel a s thour .Ibe tr e c e pt i onwa spoori nt ha t ba c kc o r ne ra ndt ha t ' swhyImi s s e dt hec a l l s . "Shes t a r t e dt odi a l ,butRe e dc ove r e dhe r ha nd. " Le ti tgo.Ta keabr e a k.Youl ookl i keyouc oul dus eone . " Shedi d,i nde e d,l ookt i r e d.Fa i nts ha dowsc ol or e dt hepa l es ki nbe ne a t hhe re ye s .He r s mi l es e e me dt os i nk,he rs hou l de r ss a g.Hewa nt e dt ot a kehe rhome —nott ohi s a pa r t me nti nSout hBe nd,butt oWhi s t l eCr e e k,t ot heonepl a c ewhe r ehe ' dl a s ts e e n Ma r i e t t al a ugh—he c k,t hel a s tpl a c ehec oul dr e me mbe rl a ughi ng. Whywa si twhe ne ve rRe e dt houghtofhome ,hes t i l lt houghtofWhi s t l eCr e e k?And ye the ' ds or a r e l ygoneba c kt he r e ?Ha dpus he di tf r omhi smi nd,f oc us e donhi sc a r e e r , l e tWhi s t l eCr e e kbe c omeas t a mpi nhi spa s t . Unt i lnow. Hel ooke da tt hewoma nwhos eha ndhes t i l lhe l da ndkne wwhy.Be c a us ei twa s n' t homewi t houtMa r i e t t a .Ri ghtnow,a l lhewa nt e dt odowa ss c oophe rup,t a kehe rba c k home ,wr a poneofhi sgr a ndma ' sa f gha nsa r oundhe r ,l i ghtar oa r i ngf i r ea ndke e phe r wi t hhi munt i ls heha dc a ughta tl e a s tt hr e egoodni ght s ' s l e e p.Ta kec a r eofhe r ,be c a u s e r i ghtnow,Ma r i e t t al ooke dve r ymuc hl i kes hene e de ds ome onet oc a r e . Shea l wa ysha d.Buti ft he r ewa sonet hi ngMa r i e t t ae xc e l l e da t ,i twa spr e t e ndi ng e ve r yt h i ngwa sj us tf i ne ,e ve na si tf e l la pa r ta r oundhe r .

" Thi si smyj ob,Re e d.Iha vet oc a l lhe rba c k. "Ma r i e t t apul l e da wa ya nddi a l l e d.An i ns t a ntl a t e r ,s hewa sc onne c t e dwi t hs ome oneont heot he re nd,s ome onewhos ehi ghpi t c he dvoi c ec a r r i e da l lt hewa yt hr ought hec e l l ,e nought ha tRe e dc oul dma keoutpa r t oft hec onve r s a t i on." I t ' soka y,Pe nny.I ' ms ur et hes t or mwi l ls t opa nyt i menow.Wha tdo t hos ewe a t he rpe opl eknowa nywa y?Li s t e n,t a kes omede e pbr e a t hs ,c a i r ndown,a ndI ' l l c a l lyout hemi nut et hes t or ml i f t s . "Shehungup,t he nl e toutade e pbr e a t h." Pe ne l o pe c a nbe —" " Exha us t i ng? "Re e dc huc kl e d." Igott i r e dj us tl i s ­ t e ni ngt oyoude a lwi t hhe r .How di dyoue ndupwor ki ngf orawoma nl i ket ha t ? " " Pe ne l opewa st hes pe a ke ra tabr i da ls howi nChi c a go,pa r tofapr o mot i ona lt ourf or ar oma nt i cc ome dys heha dabi tpa r ti n.Thi swa sbe f or es hewa sas t a ra ndbe f or emy bus i ne s swa smuc hofabus i ne s s .Shes t oppe dbymyboot honhe rwa yt ot her e s t r oom, f e l li nl ovewi t honeofmyde s i gns ,a ndwegott ot a l ki ng.He rne xtmovi ebe c a meahi t , Pe opl ema ga z i nedi das pr e a donhe rwe ddi ngt oBr oc kWa yne ,whoha dbe e nba c he l or

oft heye a rors ome ­ t hi ng,a ndt he yf e a t ur e dmydr e s s . "Ma r i e t t as hr ugge d." Ther e s twa s hi s t or y.Andonehe l lofar ol l e rc oa s t e rr i de . " " I ss hea l wa yst hi sde ma ndi ng ? " Ma r i e t t al a ughe d." Mos tda yss heonl yc a l l smef or t yf i vet i me s .I ' vef l ownoutt ohe r hous ei nL. A.f orf i f t e e nf i t t i ngs ,me the ri nt e ndi f f e r e ntc i t i e sf orot he rf i t t i ngsa nd c ount l e s sa l t e r a t i ons .She ' sc ha nge dhe rmi ndf i f t yt wot i me s ,a ndj us tt hi swe e k,move d upt hewe ddi ngda t ebyt hr e eda ysa sapubl i c i t ys t unt .Buti t ' sbe e nwor t hi t .She ' spa yi ng af or t un ef orhe rdr e s s ,a ndt hee xpos ur ef ormyc ompa nya t oneha sma des a l e si nc r e a s ea hundr e df ol d.I ' ms obus y,Ic a nba r e l ybr e a t he . " " An dt ha t ' se xa c t l ywha tyouwa nt e d,r i ght ? "" Ofc our s e . " Buts hes a i di tt ooqui c k,t oof a s t .Hel ooke da the r ,wonde r i nghowha ppys hec oul d bej e t t i nga l love rt hewor l di ns t e a dofc e l e br a t i ngChr i s t ma s . Hi sga z et ooki ne ve r yi nc hofhe r ,af a c ei mpr i nt e donhi sme mor y,a si fMa r i e t t aha d be c omeapa r tofhi m—ofhi she a r t —al ongt i mea go.Wa si ta nywonde rhe ' dne ve r ma r r i e d,ne ve re ve nc omec l os et ol ovi nga not he rwoma nt hewa yhe ' dl ove dhe r ? Wha ti f . . .s hewa s n' ta sha ppya ss hec l a i me d? Wha ti f . . . t he r ewa ss t i l lac ha nc ef ort he m? Wha ti f . . . Re e dt ookt hi soppor t uni t y,t hi ss e r e n­ di pi t ousme e t i ng—as i gnf r omf a t e ,t o bes ur e —a ndpl a ye dCl a r e nc e ,pul l e dal i t t l eI t ' saWonde r f ulLi f e ?Be c a us ei fhedi d n' t , a ndt hi ss t or ml i f t e d,hewoul da l wa yswonde re xa c t l yt ha t —wha ti f ? AndRe e dha da l r e a dydonee noughs e c ond­ gue s s i ngs i nc es he ' dl e f tt ol a s tal i f e t i me . " Comewi t hme ,Ma r i e t t a .Iha vea ni de a . " " Wha ta r eyout a l ki nga bout ? " " Yo us a i dyou' r enotgoi ngt oge tt oc e l e br a t eChr i s t ma sbe c a us eyouha vet ot r a ve l . The nIs a yyoudoi the r e .Now.Wi t hme : " " Ar eyouc r a z y?Wec a n' tc e l e br a t eChr i s t ma si na na i r por t .Ime a n,l ooka tt hi spl a c e . I t ' sde pr e s s i nga she c k. "Shege s t ur e da r oundt hea i r por t ,c r owde d,f i l l e dwi t hgr umbl i ng, gr umpypa s s e nge r st i r e doft hede l a y,t hewa l l sofgr a ya nds e a t sofbl ue ,r e f l e c t ­ i ngt he moodi nt her oom.Noneofi t ,a sMa r i e t t apoi nt e dout ,s e e me de s pe c i a l l yf e s t i ve ." Re e d, r e a l l y,l e tmej us tgr a babook,s i tdowna ndwa i tf ort hes t or mt os t op. " " Tha t ' se xa c t l ywhywes houl ddot hi s .Be c a us et hi si snowa yt os pe ndahol i da y. "He c a ughthe rwr i s t .I twa st hef i r s tt i mehe ' dr e a l l yt ouc he dhe r ­ t ouc he dhe rs ki p,he rwa r m, s we e t ,pe a c hs ki ns i nc et he y' dr uni nt oe a c hot he ra ga i n—gr a bbi nghe re l bow f orf i ve s e c ondsha dn' tc ount e d—a ndt hec on­ ne c t i ons e a r e dhi sve i ns ,r a c e dhe a tf r om hi s f i nge r ­ t i pst ohi she a r t .Andt he n,i ta l lr oc ke t e dba c k,e ve r ymi nut eoft he i rpa s tt oge t h e r , r us hi nga thi mi nonet i da lf or c e . Re e di nha l e d,s ha r p,t he ns t e a di e dhi sga z eonhe r s ." Doyour e me mbe rt hec a bi n? " Be c a us ehes ur ea she l ldi d.I ft he r ewa sonet hi ngt ha ts t a r r e di nRe e d' sdr e a ms ,i t wa st hec a bi n.Andt het woChr i s t ma s e shea ndMa r i e t t aha ds pe ntt he r e . Theonewhe nhega vehi she a r tt ohe rf or e ve r . Andt heonewhe ns hebr okei t . CHAPTERTHREE Doe ss her e me mbe rt hec a bi n?

Oh,ye s ,s hedi d. La t ea tni ght ,whe na l lwa ss t i l li nhe ra pa r t me nta ndhe rmi nds t oppe dc hur ni ng t hr ought hemi l l i onsofde t a i l sa wa i t i nghe ri nt hemor ni ng,a nds oughti ns t e a ds ome t hi ng t oc omf or t ,t oc a i r nhe r ,t hec a bi na ppe a r e d,l i keahome ma debl a nke t .Thei ma geoft he l i t t l ebui l di ngi nt hewoods ,pa r tofRe e d' sf a mi l ypr ope r t y,wr a ppe da r oundhe r ,br i ng i ng he rba c kt ot heda yswhe ns hed i dn' twor r ya boutt hebot t om f i ne sonwe ddi ngdr e s s e s a ndba l a nc es he e t s . Buti twa s n' tt hel ogsf or mi ngt hec a bi nwa l l s ,t hef i r e pl a c et ha tc r a c kl e da ndwa r me d t her ooms ,t ha ts her e me mbe r e dt hemos t .I twa sRe e d.Theni ght st he yha ds pe ntt he r e , c ur l e dupi nt hedoubl ebe d,unde rat hi c kqui l t ,pl a nni ngaf ut ur et ha tha ddi s a p­ pe a r e d l i keawi s pofs mokewhe nr e a l i t yc a mec r a s hi ngba c kt oMa r i e t t a . " Ir e me mbe r , "s hewhi s pe r e d, a ndhe rhe a r tl ur c he d. " Doyour e me mbe rt heChr i s t ma sDa ywhe nwegots t uc ki nt hec a bi n?We ' dt r e kke d outt he r et o—"" Fe e dt ha tor pha ne df a wn. " Hes mi l e d." Your e me mbe r . " " Idon' tr una c r os she l pl e s sBa mbi se ve r yda y. "Buti twa s n' tt hef a wnt ha tha ds t a y e d i nhe rme mor y,ori t smot he r ,c r us he dbya nove r we i ghtf r e el i mbt ha tha df a l l e na f t e ra s t or m.She ' dne ve rf or ge tRe e dr e s c ui ngt het i nya ni ma lf r om be ne a t hi t sdyi ngmot he r , t he nbundl i ngi ti nhi sc oa ta ndc a r r yi ngt hes ki nnyde e rba c kt ot hec a bi n,wa r mi ngi tby t hef i r e ,ha ndf e e di ngi twi t habot t l e .Thet wooft he mha dj our ne ye doutt he r ee ve r yda y f orawe e kt ot e ndt oi t ,f r e t t i ngove ri tl i keaba by. " I ts t a r t e ds nowi nge a r l yt ha tmor ni ng,a ndwel os tt r a c koft i me ,a ndbe f or ewekne w i t " " Wewe r es t uc k, "s hef i ni s he d.St uc ki ns i det hec a bi n,t houghne i t he roft he m ha d mi nde d.The y' dbe e nt oobus yt a l ki ngt onot i c et hes t or m bl owi ngi n,ort hei nc he sof s nows t a c ki ngupout s i det hedoor .Ma r i e t t a ' smot he ra ndRe e d' spa r e nt sha dn' twor r i e d, f i gur i ngi ft het wooft he mwe r eg one ,i tme a ntt he ywe r et oge t he r . Sot he y' dbui l taf i r ei nt hef i r e pl a c e .He a t e dupac a nofs oup,wa t c he dt hef a wn f r ol i cout s i debe f or ehe ' df i na l l yt a ke nhi sf i r s ts t e psi nt ot hewoodsa nddi s a ppe a r e d, a ppa r e nt l yde c i di nghewa sgoi ngt obef i neonhi sown.Andt he n,l e f ta l one ,Re e da nd Ma r i e t t a — " Wes houl dge tgoi ng, "Ma r i e t t as a i d,t heme mor yoft hef i r s tt i mes hea ndRe e dha d ma del ovehi t t i nghe rha r d,s t i r r i ngupe mot i onsa ndahe a ta spowe r f ula st ha tChr i s t ma s Da y.He rha ndf l e xe dbyhe rs i de ,a c hi ngt ot ouc hhi m,t oa ga i nknowhowhi ss ki nwoul d f e e lbe ne a t hhe rpa l m." Ma ybe ,a h,c he c kwi t ht hega t ea nds e ei fa nyt hi ngha sc ha nge d. " " No t hi ngha sc ha nge d, "Re e ds a i d,a ndMa r i e t t ar e a di nhi se ye sawhol eot he r c onve r s a t i ont i t a nonea boutf l i ght s . " Yo u' vec ha nge d.You' r eahi g hpowe r e de xe c u­ t i venow. " " Theki ndofma nyous a i dyo uwa nt e d. " Theki ndofma ns he ' dt houghts hewa nt e d,ye s .Andove rt heye a r ss i nc es he ' dl e f t Whi s t l eCr e e k,s he ' dme tahundr e ds uc hme n.Butnoneoft he mha dbe e nRe e d. Andnow,f ors omec r a z yr e a s on,s heha t e dt ha tRe e dha dbe c omeoneoft he m—e ve n i fi tha dbe e ne xa c t l ywha ts he ' dt ol dhi ms he ' dwa nt e d.Theve r yr e a s ons he ' dgi ve nf or l e a vi nghi ms e ve nye a r sa go. Butha di tbe e nar e a s on. . .ora ne xc us e ?Awa youtoft ha tt own?Awa yf r omapl a c e t ha tha dbe e nbot haba nea ndaba l mt ohe rs oul ?

Andnow,s e e i ngRe e d,he a r i ngt hec yni c i s mi nhi svoi c e ,s e e i ngas i deofhi mt ha t s hedi dn' tr e c ogni z e ,s hewonde r e dHa ds hebe c omel i ket ha tt oo? " We ' r egoi ngi nt wodi f f e r e ntdi r e c t i onsnow. "Shege s t ur e doutt hewi ndow,t owa r d t hepl a ne ss i t t i ngont het a r ma c ,t he i rwi de be l l i e dbodi e sdi s a ppe a r i ngunde rt hebl a nke t off a l l i ngs now." Li t e r a l l y. " " Wha ti fwe ' dgonei nt hes a medi r e c t i on?Wha ti fyouha ds t a ye di nWhi s t l eCr e e k? " " Oh ,Re e d.We ' vebe e nt hr ought hi s . " Het ookhe rha nd,i gnor i ngt hec r owdsa r oundt he m,t hepe opl ebus ywi t ht he i rl i ve s , t he i rc onve r ­ s a t i onsa boutpr e s e nt sa ndSa nt a ,Chr i s t ma spl a nsa ndhol i da ywi s he s . Tuc ke di na mong t hebur s t sofme r r i ne s swe r eot he rr umbl i ngsofi r r i t a t i on a nd f r us ­ t r a t i on,c r i e sofbor e dc hi l dr e n,pe opl epa c i nga ndl os i ngt he i rt e mpe rwi t ha i r l i ne s t a f f .Cl e a r l y,t hes t or mwa sge t t i ngt oe ve r yone . " Iwa ntyout opr e t e ndwi t hme , "Re e ds a i d," j us tf ort oda y. " " Do n' tt e l lmeno.We ' r es t uc khe r e ,f ora tl e a s taf e whour s .Wha twi l li thur tt op l a y t he` wha ti f ? ' ga me ? " He rga z eme thi sa ndi nt h a tmome nt ,Re e dkne w heha dac ha nc e .A s hota t c onne c t i nga ga i nwi t hhe r .Thes pa r kwa ss t i l lt he r e ,a ndhes a wi t ,l i keas ur vi v­ a l i s ti n t hewo odswhoha dwor ke dt wos t i c kst oge t he ra ndf i na l l ybe e nr e wa r de dwi t hapul lof s moke .Fort oda y,hedi dn' twa ntt ot hi nka bouthowhewa snol onge rt hes a mema ns he ha dl e f tbe hi nd.Orhow muc hhewi s he dhec oul dgoba c kt ot ha tc a bi n,t ot heda ys be f or et ha tl a s tChr i s t ma s ,a ndt a keadi f f e r e ntpa t h. Fort oda y,hewa nt e donl yt of a nt ha tl a s te mbe rbe t we e nt he ma nds e ewhe r et he f l a memi ghtl e a d.Ta ket hewha ti f ? . . . a ndt ur ni ti nt oawha tc oul dbe . Be c a us eRe e dkne wi fhel e tt hes pa r kgooutnow,i twoul ddi s a ppe a rf or e ve r ,c a ught i nt hewi ndoft he i rbus yl i ve s . Ands o,be f or es hec oul ds a ya not he rwor d,Re e dl e a ne ddowna ndki s s e dMa r i e t t a . Whe nRe e d' sl i psme the r s ,t hewor l ds pi r a l e dwi l dl youtofc ont r ol ,a si fs he ' d hoppe doni nt hemi ddl eofac a r ni va lr i de .Eve r yt hi ngwi t hi nhe rl e a ptt oa t t e n­ t i on, me mor ys na ppi ngba c k,s e ve nye a r sdi s s ol vi ngi nt hes pa c eofas e c ond. Ta ki nghe rba c kt ot ha tc a bi n,ba c ki nt ha tbe d,ba c ki nhi sa r ms . Heki s s e dhe rwi t ht heknowl e dgeofama nwhoha ds a vor e dhe rbodybe f or e ,who kne w wha tma dehe rt i c k.Whor e me mbe r e dt ha ti fhec uppe dhe rj a wa ndt i ppe dhe r c hi n,hec oul dma kehe rme l t .Whokne wt ha twhe nhi st onguedi ppe di ns i det ome e t he r s ,t he y' dda nc eat a ngoofwa nt ,a ndhe ra r mswoul ds na keuphi sba c k,dr a wi nghi m c l os e r ,a s ki ngf ormor e . Hi sf i nge r st a ngl e di nhe rha i ra ndne r vee ndi ngss he ' df or got t e ne ve ne xi s t e ds pr a ng a wa kea ndi gni t e df i r ei nhe rve i ns .Re e ddi dn' tj us tki s she rHema dehe rf e e ll i kea pr e c i ou sgi f t . Andt he nhedr e wba c k,hi sl i psl e a vi nghe rl ongbe f or ehi st ouc hdi d." I ' vemi s s e d you, "hewhi s ­ pe r e d." I ' vene ve rs t oppe dt hi nki nga boutyou,Ma r i e t t a . " " Re e d,I ' vemi s s e d—"s hebe ga n,c a ughtupi nt heki s s ,t hel ongbur i e de mot i onsi t ha da wa ke ne d.

He rc e l lphoner a ng,t het i nnys ounds oj a r r i ng,s hel e a ptba c k.Re e d' sha nddr oppe d a wa y,t hes pe l lbr oke n.Ma r i e t t af umbl e dt hephoneoutofhe rpoc ke t .Sa ve dbyt he Pe ne l opebe l l . " Ma r i e t t a ,Ic a n' tf i ndBr oc ka nywhe r e . " " I ' ms ur ehe ' spi c ki nguphi st uxors ome t hi ng. "Ma r i e t t at ur ne da wa yf r om Re e d, f r omh i ss e a r i ngbl uee ye s ,e ye st ha ts e e me dt os e er i ghtt hr oughhe r .Shef oc us e di ns t e a d ont hea i r por t ,t hec r owds ,t heunha ppyf a c e s ,t her i s i ngt i deofgr umbl i ngt ha tha d r e pl a c e da nyl i nge r i ngChr i s t ma ss pi r i t .Re a l i t y,i ns t e a doff a nt a s y. " Hi smot he rc a l l e da nds a i dhene ve rc a mehome .Iknowi ts oundsa wf ulf ors ome o ne mya get obema r r yi ngama nwhos t i l ll i ve swi t hhi smot he rbuti t ' sonl yunt i lhege t s ba c konhi sf e e t .Heha dac a l l ­ ba c konapi l otl a s twe e k.Andhe ' sgotr oya l t i e sf r om a gue s ta ppe a r a nc eonas i t c omwhe nhewa saki d. "Pe ne l opedr e wi nabr e a t h." Ma r r yi ng hi m wi l lbeagoodt hi ng,I ' ms u r e .Forbot hofus .He ' sf i newi t hmebe i ngt hemor e s uc c e s s f ulone .It hi nk. " Ma r i e t t ar ubbe dhe rt e mpl e s .Pe ne l opege t t i ngof ft r a c koc c ur r e dwi t ht hef r e que nc y ofs t r i pe sonc a ndyc a ne s .Andye t ,i nPe ne l ope ' swor ds ,Ma r i e t t awonde r e di fs hehe a r da bi tofhe rownl i f e .Pe ne l ope ,awoma ni nhe rt hi r t i e s ,whoha dputhe rc a r e e ra he a dofhe r l ovel i f ef orye a r s .Wa sa l lt hi sne e di ne s s ,t hi sc ont i nua lr e a c hi ngoutt oMa r i e t t a ,as i gn ofr e gr e tonPe ne l ope ' spa r t ?An daf e wye a r sdownt her oa d,woul dt hi sbeMa r i e t t a ? Ma r i e t t as hr ugge dof ft het houg ht s ." Tha nksf ort her é s umé ,butl e t ' sf oc usont he we ddi ng,oka y? " " I ' mt r yi ngt o.Buti t ' sha r d,Ma r i e t t a .I ' mnotus e dt oha vi nga l lt he s edoubt s .I nmy c a r e e r ,e ve r y­ t hi ngha sa l wa ysbe e nbl a c ka ndwhi t ebutwi t ht hi sma r r i a ge . . . I ' m nots o s ur e . " Di dMa r i e t t ahe a rc ol df e e t ?Ors ome t hi ngmor ei nPe ne l ope ' svoi c e ?Ma ybei twa s j us tBr oc kbe i nggonet ha tha dhe rc e l e br i t ybr i des oups e t . " Pe nny,hec oul dha vebe e nout . . . "Ma r i e t t as e a r c he df orage nt l ewa yt oputi t " . . . c e l e br a t i ng. " " Doyour e a l l yt hi nkt ha t ' sa l li ti s ?Tha theha s n' tc ha nge dhi smi nd? " " Ofc our s enot .Br oc kl ove syou.You' r ePe ne l opeBl a c kbur n.Whywoul dn' thewa nt t oma r r yyou? " " Be c a us e . . . be c a us e . . . "As ni f f l e ." I ' mhi ghma i nt e na nc e . " Pe ne l opewa s n' tj us thi ghma i nt e na nc e ,s hewa st heMountEve r e s tofma i nt e na nc e , butMa r i e t t ake ptt ha tt ohe r s e l f ." Br oc kwi l lbet he r e ,I ' ms ur e . " " Ok a y.Butwha ti f . . . ? "Pe ne l opedi dal ongi nha l e ." Hec ha nge shi smi nd?Wha ta mI goi ngt odo?Ia l r e a dypa i dt hec a t e r e r . " Fort hef i r s tt i me ,Ma r i e t t awonde r e dwhyPe ne l opeBl a c kbur nwa sr e a l l yma r r yi ng Br oc kbe c a us es hedi dn' the a rl ovei nhe rvoi c e .Di dPe ne l opef e e ll i kes he ' dwa i t e ds o l ong,puthe rc a r e e rf i r s tf ors oma nyye a r st ha ts heha dt os e t t l ef orl e s st ha ne ve r yt hi ng? " La s twe e k,di dn' tyourps yc hi cs a yBr oc kwa s —" " Oh ,t ha t ' st hedoor be l l ! "I mme di a t e l y,Pe ne l ope ' svoi c ec ha nge df r om doom a nd gl oom t oc hi ppe ra sama gpi e ." Tha t ' st hema ni c ur i s t .Ibe t t e rgo.MyFr e nc ht i psa r e c hi ppe dl i keyouwoul dnotbe l i e ve .Comehe r e ,Pi xi e ,l e t ' sgoge tMomma ' sna i l sdone . " Andt he nPe ne l opewa sgonea ga i n,he rc r i s i sa ve r t e dbyabot t l eofpol i s h. " Ho wa r et hi ngsgoi ngwi t hyourbr i de ? "

" Sh ec a n' tf i ndhe rgr oom o rhe rCor ni s hga mehe ns ,a ndhe rdr e s si ss t uc ki n Chi c a go,buta tl e a s ts he ' sge t t i nghe rma ni c ur e . " " Ah ,he rpr i or i t i e sa r ei nor de r . " Ma r i e t t al a ughe d." Tooba dhe r sa r eonadi f f e r e ntpl a ne tf r om a nyonee l s e ' s .St i l l , s he ' snots oba d. " " No w,ba c kt owhe r ewel e f tof f ? ' Hemove dc l os e r . Sheputaha ndonhi sc he s t .St i l la ss ol i da ss her e me mbe r e d.Oh,hows hewa nt e dt o t ouc hhi mbe ne a t ht hef a br i cofhi ss hi r t ,t oknowonc ea ga i nwha the ' df e e ll i kea ga i ns t he ri nbe d,t oc ur lupt ohi sbody,be ne a t ht ha tbl a nke t ,wi t hnot hi ngbe t we e nt he m.But t ha twoul dbeami s t a ke .Shedi dn' tha vet i meorr oomi nhe rl i f ef ors ome onel i keRe e d . Be c a us egi vi nghe rhe a r tt oRe e d,s hea l r e a dykne w,me a ntgi vi nga l lhe rhe a r t .He di dn' tdot hi ngsha l f wa y,di dn' tt a kear e l a t i ons hi ponapa r t t i meba s i s .She ' dbe e ndown t ha tr oa dwi t hRe e dbe f or e . Hewa sama nwhoputdownr oot s ,s t a ye di nonepl a c e ,be l i e ve di nf or e ve r .Shewa s awoma nwhoha dne ve rs t a ye di nonehous e ,onehome ,l onge nought oha nghe rc oa ton t hes a mehookt wi c eorpl a ntaga r de nt wos e a s onsi nar ow,ore ve nbot he rt oputhe r na meont hema i l box. Shewa s n' tma def ort heki ndofl i f et ha tRe e dwa nt e d.Expe c t e d.I nt r ut h,s hedi d n' t e ve nknowhowt ol i vei t . I fs hegoti nvol ve dwi t hhi ma ga i n,i twoul dme a nma ki ngs pa c ef orahus ba nd,a home ,c hi l dr e n,i nal i f ea l r e a dyj a mme dwi t hhe rbus i ne s s ,he rc l i e nt sJ us twhe ni twa s a l lt a ki ngof f ,e xpl odi nga r oundh e r . " Ic a n' t ,Re e d.Ic a n' tgoba c kt owhe r ewel e f tof f . " " Ca n' t ?Orwon' t ? " " Mybus i ne s si smyl i f e ,Re e d.Ine e dt obet he r et onur t ur ei t .Don' tyouunde r s t a nd, r i ghtnowI ' ms t a ndi ngont hec us pofs ome t hi nga ma z i ng?Wi t ht hi sde a l —"s hepa t t e d t hega r me ntba g" mywe ddi nggownde s i gnsha vebe c omena t i ona l l yf a mous .Ic a nha ve i ta l l ,i fIpl a ymyc a r dsr i ght . " " Ha vet hebi gof f i c e .Thec ongl ome r a t e .Themone y. "Hi sga z eme the r s ." Butnoone t os ha r ei twi t h.I tmus tge ta wf ul l yl one l ya tt het op. " " I ' mnotl one l y.Iha vef r i e nds .Igoout . " Butwhe nha ds hel a s tdonet ha t ?Whe nha ds hepi c ke dupt hephonea ndc a l l e da ny ofhe rf r i e nds ?Gonef oragi r l s ' Wi ghtout ?Whe ns hegotba c kt ot own,s hevowe d,s he woul ddoe xa c t l yt ha t . Re e dt ookt hega r me ntba gf r omhe ra ga i n,dr a pi ngi tove rhi sa r m,t he nt ookhe rha nd wi t hhi sf r e eone ." Your e a l l yt hi nkt ha t ' st hel i f eyouwa nt ? " " Ofc our s ei ti s .I t ' swha tIa l wa yswa nt e d. " " I ' vebe e nl i vi ngt ha tl i f e ,Ma r i e t t a ,f ort hepa s tf e wye a r s ,a ndIr e a l i z enowi twa s n' t a l li twa sc r a c ke dupt obe .It hi nkyoupa yapr i c eont ha tc l i mbt ot het opbe c a us eyou' r e t oobus yke e pi ngyoure ye sont h ehi ghe s tr ungoft hel a dde rt os e ewha tyoumi ghtha ve mi s s e da l ongt hewa y. " " I ' mnotmi s s i nga nyt hi ng. " Hea r c he dabr ow." Re a l l y? " Shehe a r dt hes l i ghts a r c a s mi nhi svoi c ea ndf ors omer e a s on,s het houghtof Pe ne l ope ." I ' mnotmi s s i nga nyt hi ng, "Ma r i e t t ar e pe a t e d. Hej us tnodde d." Comeon,l e t ' spi c kupt he` wha ti f ' s ' a ga i n. "

Shee ye dhi m." Re e d. . . " The r e ' snot hi ngt odowhe nyou' r es t uc ki na na i r por t . "Hewa ve da na r mt owa r dt he hundr e dsofpa s s e nge r sc a mpe douti nt hes e a t sa ndont hef l oordoi nge xa c t l yt ha t — not hi ng." Wema ya swe l l . " AsMa r i e t t aope ne dhe rmout ht opr o t e s tRe e dc uthe rof fbyha ul i nghe ri nt oa s ouve ni rs t or e ." We Wi s hYouaMe r r yChr i s t ma s "pl a ye dont hes ounds ys t e m,a ndoneoft hes a l e s c l e r kswa sj a unt i l yr i ngi ngs a l e swe a r i ngabr a c e l e tma deofbe l l s ,ma ki nghe rs oundl i ke ar e i nde e rr una mok." Wha ti f , "Re e ds a i d,be ndi ngc l ownt owhi s pe ri nMa r i e t t a ' se a r , " t hi sgownwa sf oryou,a ndyouwe r ema r r yi ngmet hi sChr i s t ma s ? " Shes t a r t e dt os pe a k,t oa r gue ,butheputaf i nge rove rhe rl i p,s i l e nc i nghe r . " An dwha ti f ,wewe r eonourwa yhomet oWhi s t l eCr e e k,I ndi a na ,a ndwewe r e s t uc khe r ewi t hal i t t l et i met oki l l .Sowes t oppe di nt hi ss t or ea ndwede c i de dt ol ook a r ounda ndbuys ome t hi ngf orourhous e . " Shes t a r t e dt os ha kehe rhe a d,t he nr e me mbe r e dt hega me .Ther e a s ons he ' dpl a ye di t wi t hhi ma l lt hos eye a r sa go.Howi tha dhe l pe dhe re s c a pe ,t of i ndamome ntofpe a c ei n t hec ha osofhe rl i f e ,t hej e t t i ngf r om hous et ohous e ,ba c ka ndf or t hbe t we e nonene w f a mi l ya f t e ra not he ra ndhe rmot he r . Eve r yt i me ,i tha dwor ke d.Ev e r yr i me ,butone . Shet ooki nabr e a t h.Aga i ns the rhi p,s hef e l tt hebul geofhe rc e l lphone .The vi br a t i onoft hephoner i ngi nga ga i n.Pe ne l ope ,undoubt e dl y,wi t ha not he rc r i s i s .Ma r i e t t a l e ti tgouna ns we r e d,ye ts t i l ls hef e l tt het e ns i onoft hel a s tf e wda ys —we e ks ,mont hs­ i n he rs houl de r s .He rne c k,he rba c k .Eve r ywhe r e . Re e dwa sr i ght .Ri ghtnow,s hes t oodi nt hemi ddl eofal a keofc ha os ,a na i r p or t f i l l e dwi t hbl e a kne s s . CHAPTERFOUR Wha twoul di thur tt opl a ya l ongwi t hhi sga me ?J us tf orami nut e ? " Cl os eyoure ye s ,Ma r i e t t a ,a ndi ma gi ne .Wha ti f . . . ? "Hi sha nddr i f t e dove rhe rf a c e . He re ye sf l ut t e r e ds hut ." Nowope nt he ma ndt e l lmewha tyou' r ebuyi ngf orourhous e t hi sChr i s t ma s .Ourf i r s tChr i s t ma sa shus ba nda ndwi f e . " The nhewhi s pe r e daki r sa l onghe rne c k,a ndf orj us tas e c ond,s hewa si nt ha twor l d, i nhi sa r ms ,a ndbe l i e vi ngi nRe e d' sma gi ct oo. REED ha dpl a ye dwi t hf i r ebe f or e .Ats e ve n,he ' df oundapa c kofma t c he si nt he ki t c he ndr a we r .He ' dt a ke nt he m out s i de ,a l ongwi t hs omeol dne ws pa pe r sa ndaf e w s t i c ksofwoodf r omt heba r n.He ' dbui l thi ms e l fal i t t l ef i r ei nt hef i r e pi tbyt hel a ke ,e v e n r oa s t e dac oupl eofma r s hma l l owsbe f or ehi sf a t he rf oundhi m,s t ompe doutt hef l a me s a ndga vehi mas t e ml e c t ur ea bouts t a r t i ngs ome t hi ngwhe nhedi dn' tknowhowt of i ni s h i t . Toda y,Re e dha dj us tgonea n ddonet hec a met hi nga l love ra ga i n.Li taf i r ehewa s n' t s ur ehekne whowt oe xt i ngui s h. Hes t oodbe hi ndMa r i e t t a ,i nha l i ngt hes of tj a s mi nf r a gr a nc eofhe rpe r f ume ,wr a ppe d a ss ur e l yi nhe rs pe l la sheha dbe e ns e ve nye a r sa go,hi she a r thur t i ngwi t hwa nt ,hi s

mi ndt e l l i nghi mhewa st a ki ngahuger i s k.Ope ni ngawoundi tha dt a ke nhi mye a r st o c l os e . " Thos ec of f e emugs , "s hes a i d. Hef ol l owe dt hedi r e c t i onofhe rf i nge r ,a nds a wt wor e dmugss ha pe dl i kebul l s —f or t hef a mousChi c a go ba s ke t ba l lt e a m—a nd whe n putt oge t he r ,t he y but t e d he a ds . " Thos e ? " " Ye p. "At e a s i ngs mi l el i the rf a c e ." The yr e mi ndmeofus . " Hopebubbl e dupi nRe e d' sc he s t .Shewa spl a yi nga l ong." It hi nkonl yoneofusi s s t ubbor n.Whor e f us e dt oa s kf ordi r e c t i onswhe nwegotl os tont hewa yt ot hepr om? " " He y,youwe r ebe hi ndt hewhe e l . " " An dc ont r a r yt os t e r e ot ype ,Iwa nt e dt os t opa taga ss t a t i ona nda s kwhe r et heha l l wa sl oc a t e d. "Re e dpi c ke dupt hemugs ,ha ndi ngonet oMa r i e t t a .Het ur ne di ta r oundi n hi spa l m,gi vi nghe ragr i n." Your e a l l ywa ntt he s et obeourf i r s tpur c ha s e ? " " Wha tbe t t e rwa yt os t a r tourda yt ha nby—"s het a ppe dhe rmugt ohi s" —knoc ki ng he a ds ? " " Ah ,r oma nc ea ti t sf i ne s t . "Het ookt hemugoutofhe rha nda nds t a r t e dwe a vi nghi s wa yt hr ought hec r owde ds t or e . " Wha ta r eyoudoi ng? " " Buyi ngt he m. " " Yo uc a n' tdot ha t .We ' r ej us tpr e t e ndi ng. " " The n1' 11r e t ur nt he mne xtt i mel ' mi nChi c a go. "Het ur ne da ndf a c e dhe r ." Butt hi s Chr i s t ma s ,Ma r i e t t a ,l e t ' spr e t e ndt hi si sr e a l .Tha twe ' r egoi nghomet ot hehous eon Wi nt e r be r r yLa ne .Nott oLosAn g e l e sorBos t on.Tha twe ' r et oge t he ra ndbuyi ngt he s e f orus . " " Eve nt hought he r ea r et hous a ndsofpe opl ehe r ea nd—" " An dyou' r egoi ngwe s ta ndI ' mgoi nge a s ta ndt hec ha nc e sofr unni ngi nt oe a c hot he r a ga i na r eni l . "Heputt hemugsont hec ount e ra ndpul l e douthi swa l l e t ." Ye s . " Thes a l e sc l e r kr a ngupt hes a l e ,he rSa nt aha tbounc i ngwi t ht hemove me nt ,t hej i ngl e be l l sonhe rwr i s ts i ngi ngas ong." He r eyougo.Me r r yChr i s t ma s . " " Me r r yChr i s t ma s . "Hewa ve dof ft her e c e i pt .De s pi t ewha the ' dt ol dMa r i e t t a ,heha d noi nt e nt i onsofe ve rr e t ur ni ngt hemugs .He ' ddr i nkhi smor ni ngr oa s toutoft he s ef ort he ne xtt we nt yye a r sa ndr e me mbe rt hi sda y.Toge t he rt he ye xi t e dt hec r owde ds hop." Now, t e l lmewha tourhous el ooksl i ke . " " Re e d,wes houl dn' tpl a yt hi sga me .Be s i de s ,t ha thous ei spr oba bl yl onggone . " " I t ' ss t i l lt he r e ,Ma r i e t t a .J us twa i t i ngf ors omef a mi l yt oc omea l onga ndf i l li twi t h me mor i e s . " " I t ' ss t i l lt he r e ? "s her e pe a t e d,s os of t l yhea l mos tdi dn' t• he a rhe r ." Noonee ve r boughti t ? " " No . "Hedi dn' tme e the re ye s .Be c a us et he ns he ' ds e et ha the ' dl i e d. Whyt e l lMa r i e t t a ?Ma r i e t t awoul dn' thopi nac a r ,dr i vet het hr e ea ndaha l fhour st o Whi s t l eCr e e k,wa l ki nt ot het ownc l e r k' sof f i c ea ndde ma ndt os e et hede e df or321 Wi nt e r be r r yLa ne . " Re e d—"

Hec oul dhe a rhe rs l i ppi ngba c ki nt or e a l i t ya ga i n." Comeon,Ma r i e t t a .Wha te l s ea r e yougoi ngt odor i ghtnow?Ba t t l es omee l de r l ywoma n' sc a nef orhe rs e a t ?Te l lme .Te l l mea boutt hehous e .Wha twoul dyoudowi t hi t ? " " Yo u' vehe a r dt ha tat hous a ndt i me s . " " Te l lmea ga i n" Ahe a r t be a tpa s s e d.Anot he r . The n " I fIowne dt ha thous e , "Ma r i e t t as a i d,f a l l i ngi nt os t e pbe s i deRe e da st he ywa l ke d a l ongt hec onc our s e ,ma ki ngt he i rwa ya mongt hec r owds ,he rvoi c es of ­ t e ni ng,s l i ppi ng i nt ot h epa s t ," I ' dpa i ntt hef e nc ewhi t e .Pl a ntpi nki mpa t i e nse ve r ys pr i ng.Ha nggr e e n s hut t e r sa ndma t c hi ngwi ndow boxe s . "Shet ur ne dt ohi m." Ia l wa yswa nt e dwi nd ow boxe s . " " Iknow, "Re e ds a i d.The y' dt a l ke da boutt hehous eahundr e dt i me swhe nt he y' dbe e n da t i ng.Wa l ke dpa s ti te ve r yda yont hewa yhomef r om s c hool .Andt he n,a f t e rhe ' d pr opos e da ndf ort ha tbr i e fwi nt e rwhe ns he ' dwor nhi sr i ng,t he y' de ve nt houghtof buyi ngi t ,ofl i vi ngt he r et oge t he r ,butt he nMa r i e t t aha dgi ve nba c kt her i ng,a ndma d ei t c l e a rs hewa nt e dnopa r tofWhi s t l eCr e e korhi m.Andt hei de aofwi ndowboxe sha d di s a ppe a r e dl i ker a i nonahotpa ve me nt . Re e dt houghtofhi sa pa r t me n ti nSout hBe nd.Te nt hf l oor .Agr e a tvi e woft hec i t y, butnotagr e a tpl a c ef orawi ndowbox. " An dI ' dpa i ntt heki t c he n—"He rc e l lphoner a ng,br e a ki ngt hes pe l l .Ma r i e t t a s l i ppe dba c ki nt owor kmode ,t hewoma nhe ' donc eknowne r a s e da se a s i l ya sa mi s s pe l l e dwor d." Ma r i e t t aWe s t mor e . " Re e dc oul dhe a rt heha r r i e dbr i det hr ought hee a r pi e c e .Hegr oa ne di nwa r dl y,t e mpt e d t or i pt hephonea wa ya ndt e l lPe ne l opeBl a c kbur nwhe r es hec oul dputhe rc e l e br i t y c r i s e s . " Pe nny,I ' ms ur eBr oc kwi l lt ur nups oon.No,Idon' tt hi nki t ' saba ds i gnt ha toneof t hec ou nt r yc l ub' ss wa nsdi e dt hi smor ni ng.s wa nst hef r omba d. . . s wa nf ood.Ande a t i ng ba df i s h. "Shet hr e whe rha ndsupa ndma deawha t doI know?f a c ea tRe e d." Thes t or m, we l l . . . "Ma r i e t t al ooke doutt hewi ndow. Snow s t i l lf e l ls t e a di l y.Ont heTV s c r e e nsha ngi nga bovet hes e a t i nga r e a s ,t he we a t he rf or e c a s t e r ss howe dagr i m,gr e e nmons t e rofaSt or m movi nga c r os sI l l i noi s . Re e dwa t c he di ti nc hnor t he a s t —upa nda wa yf r omChi c a go.Soon,t hes nowwoul ds t op. AndMa r i e t t awoul dbegone . " I ' ms ur et hes t or m wi l ll i f t , "Ma r i e t t as a i d,i nj e c t ­ i ngaf a l s enot eofhopei nt ohe r voi c e . Andwhe ni tdi d,Re e dwoul dhe a dt oBos t on,t oame e t i ngt ha tha dpr oba bl ya l r e a dy be gunwi t houthi m.Fort hef i r s tt i mes i nehe ' ds t a r t e dwor ki nga tBe nne t tFi na nc i a l ,t he t houghtofmi s s i nga ni mpor ­ t a ntme e t i ng,t hel i ke l i hoodofl os i ngabi ga c c ount ,di dn' t bot he rhi ma ta l l . He ' ds pe ntt hr e eye a r sa l l owi ngnumbe r st odi c t a t ehi smood—s t oc kt i c ke r s ,c l i e nt i nve s t me nt s ,c a l e nda rda t e s .Thi sChr i s t ma s —t hi sda y—hewa s n' tgoi ngt ol i vebya ny numbe r s . I ns t e a d,he ' da c ta si fa tt hee ndoft heda yhewa sgoi ngt odr i vet oWhi s t l eCr e e k, put t hos emugsi nt heki t c he nc a bi ne t sa t321Wi nt e r be r r yLa ne ,a ndt he nc ur lupbyt hef i r e wi t hMa r i e t t abe s i dehi m.Asi ft he y' dwa keuponChr i s t ma sEve ,buyt hebi gge s t Dougl a sFi rt he yc oul df i nd,a ndde c or a t ei twi t hpopc or na ndc r a nbe r r yga r l a ndsa nd

or a nge a nd­ c l oveba l l s .Asi fhe ' dgot obe dt ha tni ghta ndf i na l l ywa keuponChr i s t ma s mor ni n gwi t ht heonl ypr e s e nthe ' de ve rr e a l l ywa nt e d. Ma r i e t t a . Toda y,Re e dHa r t s t onede c i de dt opr e t e ndwhati f ?ha dr e a l l yh a ppe ne d.Andma ybe , j us tma ybe ,hec oul dma keMa r i e t t abe l i e vei tt oo. I tt ooks omedoi ng,buta f t e ragoodt e nmi nut e sMa r i e t t aha dPe ne l opeunde rc ont r ol a ga i n—ora sc l os et ounde rc ont r ola st hehi ghs t r unga c t r e s sgot .Shehungupt hephone , l e toutal ongs i gha ndc r os s e dt ooneoft hewi ndows .Awa yf r omRe e d. Thes nowha ds l owe dt oat r i c kl e .Fi na l l y.Cr e wswe r ebus yc l e a r i ngt her unwa ys , de i c i ngt hepl a ne s . Ma ybeRe e dwa sr i ghta ndMot he rNa t ur eha dc on­ s pi r e dt oke e pt he mt oge t he r . Ha dn' ts hedonei tonc ebe f or e ?Ei t he rwa y,t hec ons pi r a c yha dc omet oa ne nd. Andj us ti nr i met oo.Shene e de dt oge tba c kt owor k.Tor e a ll i f e ,nott hi sf a nt a s y wor l dc onj ur e dupi nhe rhe a d. Re e dc a meupbe hi ndhe r .Ma r i e t t ac oul ds e ns ehi ma se a s i l ya ss hec oul dac ha ngei n t e mpe r a t ur e ,as hi f ti nt hewi nd.Be s i dehe r ,amot he rs a tont hef l oorwi t hhe rc hi l dr e n, s i ngi ng" Rudol pht heRe dNos e dRe i nde e r , "ma ki nghe rt oddl e rl a ugha thi smot he r ' s s pi r i t e dr e ndi t i on. Re e d' sa r mss t ol ea r oundhe rwa i s t .Shel e a ne di nt ohi m,i nt ohi ss t r e ngt h,t hes ol i d i t y ofhi m,e ve nt houghs hekne ws hes houl dn' t .She ' dl e f tWhi s t l eCr e e k—a ndRe e d—f ora r e a s on. Andt ha tr e a s onha dn' tgonea wa y. " Wha ti f . . . t hos ewe r eourc hi l dr e n? "hewhi s ­ pe r e di nhe re a r ." And—" Shes punoutofhi sgr a s p." Andwha ti ft he ywe r e n' t ?Wha ti ft hi sl i t t l ega meofyour s ha dgonec l ownt her oa dyouwa n t e da ndIwa sde s pe r a t e l yunha ppy,Re e d?Whyi st ha t ne ve rt hes c e na r i o? " " Wha ta r eyout a l ki nga bout ? " " Wewe r ene ve rme a ntt ogobe yondwha tweha di nt ha tc a bi n, "s hes a i d,he rvo i c e l ow,a nde ve ns t i l ladoz e nhe a dsha ds wi ve l e di nt he i rdi r e c t i on,e a ve s ­ dr oppi ngwi t hout s ha me .Onewoma nde t a i l i nghe rChr i s t ma sl i s tonac e l lphonee ve npa us e di nhe r c on­ ve r s a t i ont ol i s t e nt oMa r i e t t a . Re e dpul l e dhe rt ot hes i de ,a wa yf r omt hega wke r s ." Howc a nyous a yt ha t ?Weha d pl a ns ,Ma r i e t t a .Wewe r egoi ngt oge tma r r i e d. " Shehope da ndhope d,unt i lo neni ghtwhe ns her e a l i z e dt ha tpe r f e c twor l dwa sa l la n i l l us i on ,t ha tones wi peofawe tbr us hwoul dma ket hewa t e r c ol or sr un,bl ur r i ngt he m i nt os ome t hi ngunr e c ogni z ­ a bl e . " Ma r i e t t a ,wa i t ! " Shepi vot e dba c k." No,Re e d.Ic a n' tdot hi sa nymor e . " " Why? " " Thi si st e mpor a r y.Tomor r ow,we ' l lbot hbeba c kt oourr e gul a rl i ve sa ndt hi sSt or m, t hi swhol eda y,wi l lbeonl yame mor y. "Shega vehi mas mi l e ,buti thur the rl i ps ." Two f r i e ndswhor a ni nt oe a c hot he ri na na i r por t . " " Tha t ' sa l lt hi swa s ? "Hi sha ndc a meupa ndc uppe dhe rj a wa nde ve r younc eof Ma r i e t t awa nt e dt ol e a ni nt ot ha tt ouc h,t oc l os ehe re ye sa ndgi vehe r s e l fupt oRe e d,t o t hema nwhoha dl ove dhe ri nac a bi ni nt hewoods ,a ndwhoha donc ehe l dhe rhe a r ta nd pr omi s e dhe rf or e ve r .

Unt i ls he ' dl e a r ne df or e ve rn e ve rl a s t e d.Tha ts hewa sbe t t e rs ui t e df oral i f ea wa y f r omt h a tt own. Ma r i e t t adr e wi nabr e a t h,on e ,l ong,ha r dbr e a t h,a ndr e a c he dup,t uggi nghi sha nd a wa y.Shehe l donorj us tas e c ond,hi sl a r gepa l mi nhe r s ,s t r onga nds e c ur e ,t he n r e l e a s e dhi m." Ye s .Tha t ' sa l l . " " Do n' t ,Ma r i e t t a . "Hi soc e a nb l uee ye sme the r s , " Tha twoul dha vene ve rwor ke d.Wewe r el i vi ngi naf a i r yt a l e . " " Yo ut hi nkt hel i f eyoul i ve dwoul dha vema deyouat e r r i bl ewi f e ,a na wf ulmot h e r ? Some t i me s ,ba dt hi ngsj us tha ppe n,s we e t he a r t . "Het ookas t e pc l os e rt ohe r ,hi sga z e t i ghtonhe r s ,nota l l owi nge s c a pe ." Howl onga r eyougoi ngt oma keyour s e l fpa yf orone ni ght ? " Ones e c ond,t ha twa sa l ls hec oul dhol dt hec on­ ne c t i on,a ndt he ns heha dt ol ook a wa y,t e a r sbur ni nga tt heba c kofhe re ye s ,he rt hr oa tt hi c k." I ' mnot . " " Bul l .You' vebe e nl yi ngt oyour s e l f ,l yi ngt ome ,f orye a r s . " Ma r i e t t as uc ke di nabr e a t ha ndf a c e dhi ma ga i n." Andma ybeyou' r et heonewho' s be e nl yi ngt ohi ms e l fa bouthowwe l lyouknowme ,Re e d.I ' mnott ha tgi r lf r omWhi s t l e Cr e e ka nymor e .Ma ybeIne ve rwa s . " Shes t a l ke dof f ,t hega r me ntba gba ngi nga ga i ns the rl e gs ,he ra nkl ebe gi nni ngt o t hr oba ga i n.Shene e de dt os i t ,r e s tt hes pr a i nort wi s t ,wha t e ve ri twa s ,butt he r es t i l l wa s n' ta nya va i l a bl es e a t s . Wha ts her e a l l ywa nt e d,t houg h,wa st oe s c a pet heUt opi apor t r a i tRe e dke ptt r yi ngt o pa i nt ,t hepi c t ur es heus e dt odr e a moft ooa ss hewa ss huf f l e df r omonehous et oa not he r byawe l l me a ni ngj udgewhobe l i e ve dMa r i e t t a ' smot he rwoul de ve nt ua l l yge the ra c t t oge t he r .Eve r yt i me ,Ma r i e t t awoul dge the rhope sup,be c a us es he ' ds e e nt ha tpe r f e c t l i f ei nRe e d' sf a mi l y,s e e ni ts ymbol i z e di nt hehous eonWi nt e r be r r yLa ne .a ndi nt h e i r s t or myde pt hs ,s hes a ws e ve nye a r sofhur t ." Ic a n' tl os eyout wi c e . " Hi svoi c es pl i nt e r e da ndMa r i e t t aa l mos tc a ve dr i ghtt he n." Youne ve rr e a l l yha dme t obe gi nwi t h,Re e d. " The nMa r i e t t awa l ke da wa y,f ort hes e c ondt i mei nhe rl i f el yi ngt oRe e dbe c a us es he kne wi twa st hebe s tt hi ngf orbot hoft he m. CHAPTERFI VE REEDwa t c he dMa r i e t t awa l ka wa ya ndt ol dhi ms e l fl e t t i nghe rl e a vewa st hebe s t t hi nghec oul ddo.Hec oul dn' te xa c t l yt hr owhe rove rhi ss houl de rc a ve ma ns t yl ea nd dr a ghe rba c kt oWhi s t l eCr e e k,hol dhe rhos t a geunt i ls hef e l li nl ovewi t hhi ma ga i n. Eve ni fha l fofhi ma c t ua l l yc o ns i de r e dt ha tagoodi de a . " Sh e ' l lbeba c k, "s a i davoi c ebe s i dehi m. Re e dt ur ne dt of i nda nol dma ns i t t i ngi noneoft hec ha i r s .Hewor eaSa nt aha t ,gr e e n pl a i ds hi r ta nde ve n,Godhe l phi m,e l fs hoe s ." Idon' tt hi nks o. " Theol dma npa t t e dt heha ndoft hee l de r l ywoma nbe s i dehi m,whowor eama t c hi ng f ur t r i mme dha t .She ' df a l l e na s l e e pi nhe rwhe e l c ha i r .Thema ns mi l e da the rf o ra mome nt ,t he ndr e wt hekni t t e da f gha nonhe rl a pupt ohe rc hi n." Iknowbe c a us emy El s i ehe r edi dt hes a met hi ngt omeonc e .Shet ur ne dmedownf l a twhe nIpr opos e d. Thr e et i me st oo.ButIke pta ti t ,a ndwe ' vebe e nma r r i e df i f t yt woye a r st hi sJ a nua r y. " Re e ds mi l e d." Congr a t ul a t i ons . " " Yo uknowwha ti tt a ke s ? "Thema nl e a ne df or wa r da ndt hewhi t eba i lonhi sSa nt a ha tbounc e df or wa r d,di ngi nga ga i ns thi sf or e he a d." Al otofpa t i e nc e .Wome na r e .

. . di f f i c ul t .Ha l ft het i meIha venoi de awha tEl s i ei st hi nki ng,butIke e ponke e pi ngon be c a us eIl ovehe r ,youknowwha tIme a n? " Re e dc huc kl e d." Ye a h,It hi nkIdo. " Thema nr os ewi t ht hes l ow move me nt sofs ome onewhonow l i ve dwi t hc a ut i on, t a ki ngonl yas t e pa wa yf r om hi swi f e ,l e a vi nghi sbul kywi nt e rc oa ti nhi sc h a i r . " Suppo s eIs houl di nt r oduc emys e l fi fI ' mgoi ngt ot e l lyoumyl i f es t or y. "Heputouthi s ha nda ndt het wooft he ms hook." J e r e mi a hWi l s on.El s i ea ndIa r ef l yi ngt oTope kat o s pe ndChr i s t ma swi t ht heki dsa ndgr a ndki ds . "Hegl a nc e da thi swi f e ,hi sf a c es of t e ni ng. " Ourl a s tt r i p,t houghIha ve n' tt ol dhe rt ha t . " " Re e dHa r t s t one , "Re e dr e p l i e d,wonde r i nga boutt hema n' sc omme nt ,butnot i nt r udi ngt oa s k." I ' ms uppos e dt obeonaf l i ghtt oBos t onf orame e t i ngbut —"He gl a nc e da thi swa t c h.Ha l fpa s tf our ." The ypr oba bl ywr a ppe di tupwi t houtme . " J e r e mi a hge s t ur e dt owa r dRe e d' sc e l lphone ." Yougonnac a l lt he m?Se ewha tyou mi s s e d? " I nami nut e . "Re e dwa t c he dt hes e aofpe opl ei nt hedi r e c t i onMa r i e t t aha dgone ,but t hec r owdha dl ongs i nc es wa l l owe dhe rup." I ' m noti nt hemoodf orave r ba ll a s hi ng r i ghtnow. " J e r e mi a hc huc kl e d." Ihe a ryou.I ' vebe e nr e t i r e df ort we nt yye a r s .Us e dt obei n ma na ge me ntmys e l f .NowIge tt obehomewi t hmyEl s i ee ve r yda y.Not hi ngbe t t e ri n t hewor l dt ha nt ha t . "Hega z e da thi swi f e ,t hea f f e c t i onheha df orhe ra sc l e a ra sac r ys t a l ba i l ." Tome ,l ovei sal otl i keChr i s t ma st r e e s . " " Chr i s t ma st r e e s ? "Re e dr a i s e dadubi ousbr ow. " Ye p.Thi nka bouti t .Youge tonei ma geofyourt r e ei nyourmi nd.Al lpr e t t ya nd gl i t t e r y.St a ront op,t hewhol eni neya r ds .The nyougoouta ndbuyt het r e e ,ge ti thome a ndt heda mnne e dl e ss t a r tdr oppi ngont hef l oorbe f or eyoue ve nha ngas i ngl eor na me nt . Thes t a ri sl ops i de d.Eve r yot he rl i ghtgoe soutont hebl a s t e ds t r i ng.AmIr i ght ? " Re e dc huc kl e d." I ’ veha daf e woft hos et r e e s . " " Yo us t a r tt hi nki ngt ha tyourt r e ei snot hi ngl i kewha tyoue xpe c t e d. "J e r e mi a ht ur n e d t owa r dhi swi f e ,whos l e pton,un a wa r eofhe rhus ba nd' sc onve r s a t i on.Hec ont i nue d,hi s voi c eal i t t l es of t e rnow." Butwhe nyoul ookc l os e ra tt ha tt r e e ,t ha ts t a r ,t hos el i ght s ,you s e ei t ' sbe a ut i f uli na l li t si mpe r f e c t i on.Al lt ha tt r oubl eyouwe ntt o,t oputi tup,ge ti t wor ki ng,whyi tma deyoua ppr e c i a t eyourChr i s t ma s .I fyou' dha dt ha tpe r f e c tt r e e ,you mi ghtha vel ooke da ti tonc e ,t wi c e ,t he nf or gota l la bouti t .Butt hi sone ,t hedi f f i c ul tone , i tne e de dc a r e ,a t t e nt i on.Wa t e r i n ge ve r yda y.Al i t t l epr uni nghe r ea ndt he r e ,agoode ye , al ovi ngha nd. "Her e t ur ne dt ohi ss e a t ,c ur vi nghi sa r move rhi swi f e ' ss houl de r s ." And oh,how t ha t ' swor t hi t ,downt her oa d,Re e d.Wor t hmor et ha na l lt hemone yi nFor t Knox . " Al umpc l ogge dRe e d' st hr oa t ,br oughtonbyt hemi s t i ne s si nJ e r e mi a h' se ye sa nda n e nvyf ort hel oveheha d,t hewa yhi swi f e ,hi sma r r i a ge ,ha ds oc l e a r l ybr oughthi sl i f e f ul lc i r c l e ,f i l l e di twi t hade pt hRe e dha dne ve rknown. Wha ti fRe e dha ddopemor et oma ket hi ngswor kbe t we e nhi ma ndMa r i e t t aa l lt ho s e ye a r sa go?Woul dhebewa t c hi nghe rl e a veonapl a net oLosAnge l e sr i ghtnoworbe t a ki nghe rhomewi t hhi m? " Tha t ' sgooda dvi c e , "Re e ds a i d." You' r eas ma r tma n,Mr .Wi l s on. " " Eh,wi s domc ome swi t ht hewr i nkl e s : " " Yo us a i dt hi si syourl a s tt r i pt oTope ka .Doyoumi ndmea s ki ngwhy? "

J e r e mi a h' sga z ewe ntt os omef a r of fs pot .Her e ma i ne ds i l e ntf oral ongwhi l e ,t he onl ys oundst hes of tmur murofot he rpe opl e ' sc onve r s a t i ons ,t hemove me ntoff e e tdown t hec on c our s e ,t her i ngi ngofr e gi s t e r si nt hes hopsne a rt he m.Re e dr e gr e t t e da s ki ngt he que s t i on,a ndwa sa boutt oa pol ogi z ea ndt a kei tba c kwhe nJ e r e mi a hdr e wi nal ong, he a vybr e a t h." I ’ mdyi ng.Ca nc e r .Tha tde vi lc a meba c k,a ndhea i n' tl e t t i nggot hi sl i me . Iha ve n' tha dt hehe a r tt ot e l lEl s i e .I ' mt a ki nghe rt oTope kaa ndwe ' r es t a yi ng.Movi ngi n wi t ht heki ds ,s os he ' l lha ves ome bodyt owa t c ha f t e rhe r ,ma kes ur es het a ke sc a r eof he r s e l f ,whe nI ' mgone . "Hi sba ndc ove r e dhi swi f e ' s ,pr ot e c t i vea sas hi e l d. Thewi nds uc ke doutofRe e d' sl ungs .Heba r e l ykne wt hi sma n,a ndye t ,hef e l ta s or r ows os t r ong,hene a r l yc r i e d. " I ’ m…I ’ ms or r y. " " I t ' soka y. "J e r e mi a h' ss mi l ec r i nkl e da r oundhi se ye s ." We ' veha dl ot sofye a r s t oge t he r ,mea ndEl s i e .Youknowwha tIs a i da boutChr i s t ma st r e e s ?Unde rt het r e et he r e a r epr e s e nt st oo.Eve r yda ywi t ht hewoma nyoul ovei sagi f t .AndI ' veha ds oma nywi t h El s i e . "Her e a c he df or wa r da ndgr a s pe dRe e d' swr i s t ." Youf i ndt ha twoma n,Re e d.You f i ndhe rbe f or ei t ' st ooLa t e .Be c a us ei nt hee nd,l i keIs a i d,i t ' sa l lwor t hi t .I t ' swor t h e ve r yt h i ng. "Hepl a c e dat e nde rki s sonhi swi f e ' sf or e he a d. El s i es t i r r e d,t he na woke ,bl i n ki nga ga i ns tt hel i ght ." I si tt i met ogo? " " Al mos t ,myde a r ,a l mos t . "The nJ e r e mi a hc r a dl e dhi swi f ea ga i ns thi m,a st e nde ra nd s e c ur ea sakni ghtgua r di ngat r e a s ur e . Re e dga vehi mas mi l eoft ha n ks ,mout he d" Me r r yChr i s t ma s , "t he nwa l ke da wa y,hi s vi s i onbl ur r e d.Buthi she a dahe l lofal otc l e a r e r . Ma r i e t t as a tdowna ga i ns tt hewa l lbyga t eC31,dr a pi ngt hega r me ntba gc a r e f u l l y ove rhe rl a p.Themoni t or sa bovehe rwe r es t a r t i ngt of l a s haf e wde ­ pa r t ur et i me s ,a nd s he ' ds e e nonef l i ghtt a keof fas e c onda go.Ai r l i nes t a f fbe ga nt omovea r oundbe hi ndt he c ount e r .I ts e e me da si ft hef l i ghtt oLosAnge l e smi ghtge tunde rwa ys oon. The nwhydi ds hef e e ls omi s e r a bl e ?Whydi ds heke e pl ooki ngoutt hewi ndo w, hopi ngf ora not he rs nows t or m?I twa ss i mpl yt heda yc a t c hi ngupwi t hhe r ,t ha twa sa l l . " La di e sa ndge nt l e me n,we ' r epl e a s e dt oa nnounc et ha tUni t e dFl i ght115t oLos Ange l e swi l lbe gi nboa r di ngs hor t l y.Wet ha nkyouf oryourpa t i e nc e . "Ac ol l e c t i vec h e e r we ntupf r omt hec r owda r oundMa r i e t t a . Sher os e ,c l ut c hi ngt hedr e s s .Sheha daf i r s tc l a s st i c ke t ,oneoft hef e wl uxur i e ss he ' d i ndul ge di nwhe ns he ' dgot t e nt hedownpa yme ntf orPe ne l ope ' sdr e s s ,whi c hme a nts he ' d beoneoft hef i r s tt oboa r d.Ma r i e t t af i s he douthe rboa r di ngpa s sf r omhe rpoc ke t ,t he n ma dehe rwa yove rt ot hec ount e r ,e ve r ys t e ps e e mi ngt owe i ghmor et ha nt heonebe f or e . Shegl a nc e dove rhe rs houl de r .Wha t ,wa ss het hi nki ngRe e dwoul dma kes omel a s t di t c he f f or tt oc onvi nc ehe rt os t a y? Andwha twoul ds hes a yi fhedi d? She ' ds a yno.J us ta ss heha dbe f or e .Shea ndRe e dha da l wa ysbe e nmovi ngi nt wo di f f e r e ntdi r e c ­ t i ons .Hewa nt e dt heonet hi ngs hec oul dn' tgi vehi mc ommi t me nt , pe r ma ne nc e .Al i f e ,ahome ,af a mi l y.Hebe l i e ve di nt heve r yt hi ngss he ' dl e a r ne dnott o c ounton. He rc e l lphoner a nga ga i n.Ma r i e t t ar ol l e dhe re ye s ,t he nf l i ppe di tope n.Att hi spo i nt , i t ' dbeabl e s s i ngwhe nt hepi l otor de r e da l lpa s s e nge r st ot ur nof fe l e c t r oni cde vi c e s ." Hi , Pe ne l ope . " " Ho w' dyouknowi twa sme ? " " Gu e s sI ' mge t t i ngal i t t l eps yc hi ct oo.Wha t ' supnow? "

" It hi nkBr oc ki sge t t i ngc ol df e e ta nd. . . we l l ,Imi ghtbet oo. "Pe ne l opes i ghe d." Iwa s hopi ngyouc oul dt a l kmei nt ot hi s . " " Pe nny,noones houl dha vet ot a l kyoui nt oma r r i a ge ,youknowt ha t .I fi t ' st her i ght t hi ngt odo,you' 11knowi nyourhe a r t . "Ornotdo,Ma r i e t t at hought .Tha twa swhys he ' d br oke ni tof fwi t hRe e da l lt hos ey e a r sa go. Butha dn' ts heha daf e wdou bt st he nt oo?Avoi c ei nhe rhe a ds a yi ngt hi swa st he wr ongc hoi c e ?Tha tt he r ewa sawa yt owor kt hi ngsout ? She ' dqui e t e dt ha tvoi c ewi t ht hepr a c t i c a l ,s e ns i bl es i de .Thema t ht ha ta dde dupt o Re e dwa nt i ngt os t a yi nWhi s t l eCr e e k,f a r m hi sf a mi l y' sl a nd,a ndhe rwa nt i ngaf a s t pa c e dc a r e e r ,onet ha ts hec oul dn' tf i ndi nt hes ma l lt own.The i rpa t hsha dl a i ni nt wo di f f e r e ntdi r e c t i onst he nAndc l e a r l y,s t i l ldi d. " Idon' tknowwha tmyhe a r ts a ys , "Pe ne l opes a i d. " Mypubl i c i s ts a yst hi si sar e a l l ygoodoppor t uni t yf orme .Andt ha tdr e s si ss o pr e t t y. Ic a n' twa i tt owe a ri t . " Ma r i e t t apul l e dt hephonea wa yf r omhe re a ra nds t a r e da ti tf oras e c ond.Sheha dnot he a r dPe ne l opes a yt ha t ,ha ds he ?" Di dyouj us ts a yt ha tyou' r ege t t i ngma r r i e dt oBr oc k be c a us et hi si sgoodf oryourc a r e e ra ndbe c a us eyoul i ket hedr e s s ? " " Ma r i e t t a ,Idi dn' tge tt owhe r eIa mi nHol l ywoodbyma ki ngs t upi dbus i ne s s de c i s i o ns .Whe nBr oc kpr opos e d,Iha dt ol ooka ta l la ngl e s . " Ma r i e t t awa nt e dt os c r e a m.Sheha ds pe nts i xmont hsofhe rl i f es l a vi ngove rt hi s we ddi ngdr e s s ,de a l i ngwi t hac l i e ntwhoc a l l e dhe rf ourt hous a ndt i me sada y,c ha nge d he rmi ndt wi c ea smuc h,a ndmos tofa l l ,Ma r i e t t aha di nve s t e dhe rhe a r ti nt ot hi sde s i gn, a ndt hi swa st her e a s onPe ne l op ega vef orge t t i ngma r r i e d?" You' r er e a l l ynotge t t i ng ma r r i e dbe c a us eyoul oveBr oc k? " " He ' sha nds ome ,goodi nbe d, ' butdoIl ovehi m?We l l ,Igue s s .Ye s . "Buthe rvoi c e ki ndofs hookont ha tl a s ts yl l a bl e ,a ndMa r i e t t as us pe c t e dPe ne l opewoul df l unkal ove pol ygr a ph. " An dt hi sdr e s s . . . ? " " Wa sa l la boutma ki ngmet hes t a r , "Pe ne l opes a i d." Ipi c ke dyoua st hede s i gne r be c a us eyouha dt hes ki l l st oc r e a t es ome t hi ngt ha twoul dge tmeonama ga z i nec ove r .I c oul dn' tj us twe a ra nydr e s s .Youdon' tunde r s t a ndHol l ywoodwe ddi ngs ,Ma r i e t t a .I t ' sa l l a boutt hes how. " " No ,Pe nny,youdon' tunde r s t a nd, "Ma r i e t t as a i d,f or c i nghe r s e l fnott os hout ,he r f r us t r a t i onwi t hPe ne l opebubbl i n gove ri nt oa nge r ." Idon' tde s i gndr e s s e sf orbr i de swho t hi nkma r r i a geha sa ne xpi r a ­ t i onda t e ,Pe nny. " " He y,t ha t ' snotve r yni c e . " " I ' ms or r y,buti t ' st het r ut h.The s edr e s s e sme a nt oomuc ht omea ndIc a n' ts e l lyou t hi sone . " " Wha t ?Howc a nyoudot ha t ?I t ' smydr e s s ! " Ma r i e t t akne ws hes houl dpul lba c k,r e wi ndt heve r ba lt a pe ,buts hec oul dn' t ." No,i t ' s mi ne ,unt i lIha ndi tove rt oyoua nda sf a ra sI ' mc onc e r ne d,yous houl dn' tbewe a r i n ga we ddi ngdr e s sl i ket hi si fyou' r ege t t i ngma r r i e dt opr omot eamovi ea ndge tyourf a c e pl a s t e r e dont hes upe r ma r ke ts t a nds .Thi si st heki ndofdr e s sawoma nwe a r st oma r r ya ma ns hel ove s . " St unne ds i l e nc eont heot he re nd.

" We ' l lnowbe gi nboa r di ngourf i r s tc l a s spa s s e n­ ge r sf orUni t e dFl i ght115t oLos Ange l e s , "t hewoma na tt hega t ea nnounc e di nt oami c r ophone ." Pl e a s eha veyour boa r di ngpa s sr e a dy. " Ma r i e t t agl a nc e da tt het i c ke tc ount e r .The na the rboa r di ngpa s s .Ha l fac oun t r y a wa y,s he ' dj us tputhe r s e l foutofbus i ne s s . Wha twa ss het hi nki ng?Ma r i e t t adr e wi nabr e a t h.Swa l l owe dba c kt hes ourt a s t eof r e gr e t . Shewa sa boutt oa pol ogi z ea ndge tont hepl a newhe ns hehe a r dt hel of ts oundsof Pe ne l opec r yi ng.Oh,damn.Shootmenow. Whyha dn' ts hej us tke pthe rmout hs hut ?Fl ownt oL. A. ,dr oppe dof ft hedr e s sa nd goneo nhe rme r r ywa y?Wha tdi ds hec a r ea boutwhyPe ne l opeBl a c kbur n—ora nyone e l s ef ort ha tma t t e r —wa sge t t i ngma r r i e d? " Pe nny?Youoka y? " As ni f f l e .As ob.The nal oud,honki ngnos e ?bl owi ng." No. . . ye a h. " " I ' ms or r y.Ine ve rs houl dha ves a i da nyoft ha t .I t ' sa l lt hi sbe i ngs t uc ki nt hea i r por t a ndt hes nowa nd—"" St op,Ma r i e t t a .J us ts t opa pol ogi z i ngbe c a us e —" Pe ne l opes i ghe d." You' r er i ght . " " Pe nny,r e a l l y,Iwa sme a na n dI ,oh,da mn,If e e lr e a l l yba d. " " Do n' t ,I ' ms e r i ous . "Pe ne l opedr e wi nabr e a t h. " Li s t e n,noonea r oundhe r ee ve rt e l l smet het r ut h. I ' ml i keapoodl e .The yge tmewha tIwa ntwhe ne ve rIwa nti t ,ma kemel ookpr e t t y a ndoo ha nda hha l lda ya boutho wa ma z i ngIa m.Af t e rawhi l e ,yous t a r tt ot hi nkt ha t e ve r yt h i ngi sa l la boutyou. " Ma r i e t t abi the rl i ps os hewoul dn' ta gr e et oor e a di l y." Ic a ns e ewhe r et ha twoul d ha ppe n. " " An dwhe npe opl es t a r t e dt e l l i ngmema r r yi ngBr oc kWa ynewa sas ma r tmove ,we l l , Iki ndofl ooke da ti tl i keIwa sMa r i eAnt oi ne t t e ,youknow?Shema r r i e dt ha tLoui sguy be c a us ei twa sgoodf ort heFr e nc hors ome t hi ng. " " I tdi dn' te nds owe l lf orhe r ,t hough, "Ma r i e t t as a i d." Ma r r i a ge sofc onve ni e nc eor pol i t i c sore ve nc a r e e r s ,a r e n' ta l wa ysagoodi de a .I fe ve r . " " Ho ws ma r ti sge t t i ngma r r i e df orl ove ?1l ooka r oundmea ndpe opl eouthe r ea r e br e a ki n gupa l lt het i me .Thi swa y,It houghta tl e a s tI ' dha vemyc a r e e ri ft hi ngsdi dn' t wor koutwi t hBr oc k. " Comi ngf r omPe ne l ope ,a l lt ha tpr a c t i c a l i t ys ounde ds o. . . s a d.Soe mpt y. Ge t t i ngma r r i e df orl ovewa st a ki ngar i s k.Ope ni ngyourhe a r tt os ome onea nd hopi ngt he ywoul dn' tbr e a ki t . Ma r i e t t aha ddonet ha tonc e —a ndt he ndonet hebr e a ki ngupbe f or ei tc oul dbedone t ohe r ,be c a us es he ' ds e e nt hewr i t i ngont hewa l l ,a ndde c i de dt ohe a dof ft het r a i nwr e c k whi l es hec oul ds t i l ls e et hebr e a ki nt het r a c ks . Butwoul dRe e dha vebr oke nhe rhe a r t ?Wha ti fs heha dn' tl e f thi m?Coul dt he yha ve f oundawa yt oma kei twor k?Tos ome howma r r yhe rc i t ya mbi t i onswi t hhi ss ma l l t own r oot s ? " Tha t ' st hec ha nc eyout a kewhe nyouge tma r r i e d, "Ma r i e t t as a i d,t houghe ve na ss he s a i di t ,s hewonde r e dwha tki ndo fwi s doms heha dont het opi c . " Butyou, "Pe ne l opes a i d," youmus tbe l i e vei nha ppye ndi ngs .Be c a us eyouma ke we ddi ngdr e s s e sf oral i vi ng. "

Ma r i e t t agl a nc e da tt hega r me ntba gi nhe ra r ms .Me ?Pe nny,Iha ve n' tda t e da nyone i nt hel a s tye a r .Ha ve n' tf a l l e ni nl oves i nc e —" Si nc eRe e d.Thet houghtofhi ms uc k e dt hea i rtoutofhe r .Shegl a nc e dup,ha l f e xpe c t i ng—ha l fpi ng—he ' dbet he r e . Buthewa s n' t . ` The nwhya r eyouma ki ngwe ddi ngdr e s s e s ? " Whywa ss he ?Ma r i e t t ahe l dt hehe a vygownt ohe rc he s t ,he a r i ngt her us t l eoft he f a uxa ndr e a ldi a mondsi ns i de ,t hewhi s pe roft hes a t i n,a l lofi ts oundi nga l mos ta si ft he dr e s swe r et a l ki ngt ohe r .Eve r yone oft hedr e s s e ss heha dc r a f t e dove rt heye a r sdi d e xa c t l yt ha t ,wi t he a c hs t i t c h,e a c hbe a d,e a c hpi e c eofe mbr oi de r y.The yt ol dt he i rs t or y, whi s pe r e dat a l e ,a nds hewor ke di ti nt ot hede s i gn. " Igue s sIs t i l lbe l i e ve ,de e pi ns i de ,t ha ti t ' spos s i bl e , "Ma r i e t t as a i ds of t l y." Tha tt he f a i r yt a l ec a nwor kout .Some how.Fora l lofus . " Pe ne l opes i ghe d." Eve nf orme ? " " Eve nf oryou.Butyouha vet oma r r yf orl ove ,Pe nny.Nott ohe l pboos tope ni ngda y s a l e s : ' Ma r i e t t agl a nc e da tt hemoni t or sa nds a wt hef l i ghtde pa r t ur e sf l a s honea f t e ra not he r , pl a ne sl e a vi ngi napa r a deofnumbe r sa ndl e t t e r s . Andt he n,be s i det heonet oBos t on,Re e d' sf l i ght ,s hewa t c he di tc ha ngef r om BOARDI NGt oCLOSED,a ndt he namome ntl a t e r ,t hef l i ghtwa sgone .Andwi t hi t ,he r he a r ts a nk. " Yo uknow,whe nIwa sal i t t l egi r l ,Ius e dt odr e a mofawe ddi ngwi t hMr .Ri ght , " Pe ne l opes a i d." Thewhi t edr e s s ,t hef l owe r s ,t hewhol ef a nt a s y.He ' dl ooka tmewi t h s t a r si nhi se ye sa ndI ' dl ooka thi mt hes a mewa y.Whydoe st ha tdr e a mgoa wa ywhe n yougr owup?Whydi dIl e ti tgo? " " Idon' tknow, "Ma r i e t t as a i d." Iwi s hIdi d. "" You' r er i ght .Iknowyoua r e .Ic a n' t ma r r yBr oc k. Ine e dt of i nds ome oneIl ove .Is t i l lwa ntt ha tdr e a ma ndIt hi nkIs houl dhol doutf or s ome t h i ngbe t t e r .Some t hi ngr e a l . "Pe ne l opel e touta not he rs i gh." Butwha ta mIgoi ngt o t e l le ve r yone ?Ime a n,Ia l r e a dypa i df ort her e c e pt i ona ndt hec a kea ndt hef l owe r s . Eve r yt hi ng. " " Ma kei tamovi el a unc hpa r t y. "Ma r i e t t af or c e dc he e ri nt ohe rvoi c e ." Ca l li ta publ i c i t ys t unt .You' r ePe ne l opeBl a c kbur n.Iknowyouc a npul ls ome t hi nga ma z i ngof f . " Ac r os st hec ont i ne nt ,anot a s hi ghma i nt e na nc e ­ a nymor ea c t r e s sl a ughe d." Ye a h,I a m,a r e n' tI ?Andbe s i de s ,I ' m pa yi ngf ori t .Ic a nc a l li twha t e ve rIwa nt .Andwho knows ?Ma ybeMr .Ri ghtwi l lbet heones e r vi ngt hec a ke .The nIc a nha vemyc a kea nd e a ti tt oo,j us tl i keMa r i eAnt oi ne t t e . " The nPe ne l opewa sgone ,l e a vi ngMa r i e t t awi t hawe ddi ngdr e s si nhe ra r ms . Andnowhe r et ogo. CHAPTERSI X I TTOOKRe e df i ves e c ondst or e a l i z ehewa sa ni di otHewa t c he dhi spl a nede pa r t , note ve nc a r i ng, :be c a us ebyt ha tt i me ,hewa sr unni ngdownt hec onc our s et oGa t eC31,

hopi ngt oge tt he r ebe f or eMa r i e t t aboa r de dhe rpl a ne ,a l lt hewhi l et hi nki ngt hi swa s s omes c e neoutofamovi ea nda l lhene e de dwa sadi r e c t ort oc uet hemus i cf orat e a r y r e uni on. Butwha thegoti ns t e a dwa sac l os e ddoora ndapl a net a xi i nga wa yf r omt hega t e . AndnoMa r i e t t a . " Da mn! "Hes puna r ound,butdi dn' ts e ehe ra nywhe r e .Thea i r por twa ss t i l lc r owde d, ba c ke d upt r a ve l e r sc a mpe doute ve r ywhe r e ,as e aofChr i s t ma sf e s t i vi t y.Nowt ha tt he s t or mha dl i f t e d,s ot ooha dpe opl e ' ss pi r i t sa ndhec oul dhe a raha ppyhubbubofvoi c e s c ha t t i nga boutt r a ve lpl a ns ,c onne c t i ngwi t hl ove done s .Af e wpe opl eha de ve ns t a r t e d s i ngi ngChr i s t ma sc a r ol s ,c r e a t i nga ni mpr ompt uc hoi ri nt hec or ne r . Hes a nki nt ooneoft hee mpt yc ha i r sa tt hega t ea ndf l i ppe dope nhi sc e l lphone .He ' d c a l l e dwor ka ss oona si tl ooke dl i kehi sf l i ghtmi ghtbede l a ye d,butt he nt ur ne dt he phoneof ft hemi nut ehe ' ds e e nMa r i e t t a ,knowi nga tt ha tmome ntt ha tt he r e ' dbe e n not hi ngmor ei mpor t a nti nhi sl i f et ha nr e c onne c t i ngwi t hhe r .Butnows hewa sgone ,a nd whe t he rhel i ke di tornot ,heha daj obt ha thene e de dt or e t ur nt o.Al i f e . Ei t he rwa y,hewa sgoi ngt ot r a c kMa r i e t t adown.dbyChr i s t ma sorNe wYe a r ' s — wha t e ve ri tt ook,s ome da yve r ys oon,he ' dbeonhe rdoor s t e ponc ea ga i n.Re ga r dl e s sof wha tMa r i e t t aWe s t mor emi ghtha ves a i d,Re e dha dnoi nt e nt i onsofl e t t i nghe rgoa ga i n. Thec e l l phonel e toutat r i l la si tpowe r e don,t he nas e r i e sofbe e psa nnounc i ngvoi c e ma i l s .Theof f i c e .Re e dc a l l e di n,c onne c t e dwi t hhi sbos sa nds a tba c ka ga i ns tt hec h a i r , pr e pa r e df oral e c t ur e . " Re e d!Whe r eha veyoube e n?I ' vebe e nt r yi ngt or e a c hyoua l lda y. " " St uc ki nChi c a go,Don.How' dt heme e t i ngi nBos t ongo? " " The yl ove dyourpr opos a l .Looksl i kewes i gne da not he rne wc l i e nt ,t ha nkst oyou. You' r ear e a la s s e tt ot hi sc ompa ny,e ve nwhe nyou' r enoti nt her i ghts t a t e . "Don c huc kl e d." Be f or eyouknowi t ,you' l lbeapa r t ne rhe r e .Tha ts houl dbeha ppyne wsf or yourChr i s t ma s . " Ambi t i on.Lof t ygoa l s .Tho s eha dne ve rr e a l l ygoneha ndi nha ndwi t hRe e d Ha r t s t one .Al lhi sl i f e ,he ' dwa nt e dnot hi ngmor et ha nt of ol l owi nhi sf a t he r ' sf oot s t e ps a ndwor kt heHa r t s t onel a ndi nWhi s t l eCr e e k.He ' df a l l e ni nt oaf i na nc i a lc a r e e rbe c a u s e he ' dha dt o,a ndf oundhi ms e l fa dv a nc i ngbe c a us eheha dakna c kf ornumbe r s . Butha dhebe e nha ppy? Cont e nt .Sa t i s f i e d.Ye s ,butha ppy?No. Hes a ti naha r dpl a s t i cc ha i ri nabus ya i r por t ,r e ­ pl a yi ngt heda ywi t hMa r i e t t a ,hi s mi ndc ombi ngove rt hede c i s i onshe ' dma de ,s e a r c hi ngt heme mor i e soft hel a s ts e ve n ye a r s ,gr a s pi ngf ort hel a s tt i met ha the ' df e l tt r ueha ppi ne s s . Andl i keabr oke nr e c or d,hi smi ndke ptr e t ur ni ngt ot heve r yc a mede s t i na t i on. " So , "Donwe nton," whe nyouge tba c ki nt heof f i c ea f t e rt hehol i da y,we ' l ls t a r t s t r a t e gi z i ngf ort heHowea c c ount .The r e ' sabi gpi e c eoft hepi ea va i l ­ a bl et he r et oo,a nd I ' ms ur ewi t hyour —" " No , "Re e ds a i d. " Wha t ? " " Is a i dno.Iwon' tbet he r ea f t e rt hehol i da y. " " Yo une e ds omet i meof f ?He y,Iunde r s t a nd.Youwor kl i keadog.Whe nwa st hel a s t t i meyout ookava c a t i on?Gots omes un?Youne e dawe e konabe a c hwi t hagor ge ous

gi r l .Goa he a d—t a ket hewe e k,goc l ownt oJ a ma i c aors ome t hi ng.TheHowea c c ount wi l lbet he r ea f t e rNe wYe a r ' s ? " " Ime a ntI ' mnotc omi ngba c ka ta l l . " " Ha vewegotaf a ul t yc on ne c t i on?Be c a us eIt houghtyouj us ts a i dyouwe r e qui t t i ng. " " Ia m, "Re e ds a i d,t hede c i s i onf i na lnowa ndf e e l i ngs or i ght ,i tne a r l ye xpl ode di n hi sc he s t .Howc oul di tha vet a ke nt hi sl ongf orhi mt oma kei t ?" I ' mgoi nghome ,Don,t o Whi s t l eCr e e k.Goi ngt oope nmyownbus i ne s s .A s ma l lone ,not hi ngf a nc y,but s ome t h i ngmor emys t yl e . " " Ar ey ounut s ?"Don' svoi c ee xpl ode dt hr ou ght hephone ,s ol oudaf e woft hepe opl e ne a rRe e dt ur ne dt os t a r e ." Youha veaf ut ur ema deofgol dhe r e ,Re e d:Whyone a r t h woul dyout hr owi ta wa yt ogol i vei nt hemi ddl eofnowhe r e ? " Re e ds mi l e d." Exa c t l yf ort ha tr e a s on.Be c a us ei t ' st hemi ddl eofnowhe r ea nd be c a us e —"hehe l dupt hepa pe rba gwi t ht het woc of f e emugsi ni t ,he a r i ngt he mc l i nk t oge t he ra shedi d" —Ine e das he l f . " " Yo u' r enotma ki ngs e ns e ,Re e d. " " Fo rt hef i r s tt i mei nal ongt i me ,I ' mma ki ngpe r f e c ts e ns e . "Her os e ,hi sc he s tl i ght a ndf ul lofs ome t hi ngheda r e dt oc a l lhope ." Youha veaMe r r yChr i s t ma s .And,Don, whe nyoupi c koutyourChr i s t ma st r e e ,ma kes ur eyouge tt heonet ha tne e dst hemor t wor k. " The nRe e dhungupa ndhe a de doutoft hea i r por t . Fi na l l yonhi swa yhome . Ma r i e t t awa sc r a z y. She ' dhur r i e doutoft het e r mi na la ndonhe rwa yout ,pa i dt oomuc hf oraChi c a go Bul l swi nt e rc oa ti nt hea i r por t ,be c a us es heha dn' tr e a l l yha da nyt hi ngwa r mwi t hhe r —a wi nt e rc oa twoul dn' tha vebe e nane c e s s i t yi nLosAnge l e s —a ndt he npa i da ne ve nmor e r i di c ul ouss um f oral a s t mi nut er e nt a lc a r .She ' dc a l l e di nf or ma t i on,got t e nt henumbe r f orRe e d' sof f i c ei nSout hBe nd,a ndl e f thi mavoi c ema i l ,wi t hhe rc e l lphonenumbe r , buthewa spr oba bl ys ome whe r eove rNe wJ e r s e yr i ghtnow,onhi swa yt oBos t on. Ande i t he rwa y,nott a l ki ngt ohe r . Sos hedr ove .Shepi c ke dupama pa tt hec a rr e nt a lde s k,us e di tne got i a t et het a ngl e d we bofChi c a go' sr oa ds ,a ndt he nf ounds hekne wt her e s toft hewa ybyhe a r t ,byi ns t i nc t , na vi ga t i nga l ongt het ol lr oa d,a ndt he ndownt heI ndi a nahi ghwa yst ha tbr oughthe r t hr oughf a r mc ount r ya ndf i na l l y,i nt heda r kofni ght ,t oWhi s t l eCr e e k. Theol dmi l ls t i l ls t ooda tt hee nt r a nc et ot het own,awe l c omi ngbe a c oni nt ot hepa s t . Shes l owe dt hes e da n,he a dl i ght swi nki ngof ft hewa t e rwhe e lgl i nt i ngont hef r oz e n c r e e k.Thet i r e sc l a c ke dove rt hewoode nbr i dge ,t he nwe nts i l e ntwhe ns hehi tt hepa v e d r oa dsofdownt own. Thet ownwa sbut t one dupt i ght .I twa s ,a f t e rpa s tt e n.Theni ghtbe f or eChr i s t ma s Eve .EveEr ni e ' sBa rwa squi e t .I nWhi s t l eCr e e k,pe opl esChr i s t ma swi t ht he i rf a mi l i e s , notc huggi ngba c kbe e r swi t ht he i rbuddi e s . Ma r i e t t ar e duc e dhe rs pe e d,notbe c a us es hewor r i e da boutge t t i ngat i c ke t —c ha nc e s we r ee ve nPa ul i e ,t het ownc op,wa shomewi t hhi sf a mi l y—butbe c a us et hes i ghtoft he t ownh i the rha r de rt ha ns he ' de xpe c t e d.He rc he s tt i ght e ne d,he rt hr oa tc l ogge da nd

s ome t h i ngbur ne dbe hi ndhe re ye s .Ye a r sofme mor i e swa s he dove rhe r ,c omi ngi no ne bi gt i da lwa ve . Hownor ma lWhi s t l eCr e e kl ooke d,whe nhe rc hi l dhoodhe r eha dbe e nt heoppos i t eof nor ma l .She ' dbounc e dba c ka ndf or t hbe t we e nf os t e rf a mi l i e s ,t hea noma l yi nas e aof t wopa r e nt ,t woc a rga r a ge s .Bu ta sMa r i e t t adr ove ,t her e s e nt me nts he ' df e l ta sa n out s i de rdi s a ppe a r e d.I ns t e a d,a noddf e e l i ngofnos t a l gi as e t t l e dove rhe r ,gi vi ngwa yt o Fondne s s .Asi fhe rhe a r tha ds of t e ne dwi t ht hene wf a l l e ns nowdus t i ngWhi s t l eCr e e k' s f r i e ndl ys hopf r ont sa ndna r r ows t r e e t s . " I t ' sbe a ut i f ul , "Ma r i e t t awhi s pe r e dt ohe r s e l f .Ga r l a ndss wungbe t we e nt hel i ght pos t s ,j oi ne da tt hej unc t ur ebybr i ghtr e dbows .Wr e a t hshungove rt hedoor wa ys ,t i ny whi t el i ght st wi nkl e di nt hes ki nn yt r e e sl i ni ngt hes i de wa l ks .Eve r ys hopwi ndowha da hol i da ygr e e t i ng,abr i ghtr e d" Me r r yChr i s t ma s "orac he e r ygol d" Ha ppyHol i da ys ! " Onl yonewi ndowgl owe d,a l mos tbe c koni nghe rc omea ndvi s i t .Ci ndy' sDi ne r .Of c our s e .Ma r i e t t al e d,t he npul l e dove ri nf r ontoft her e s t a ur a nta ndt hec a r .Shegotout , pe e ki n gi nt hewi ndows . Thei nt e r i orwa ss t i l ll i t ,a nds hewonde r e di fma ybeAndt he nCi ndyhe r s e l fc a me a r oundt hec ount e r ,c a ughts i ghtoft hef a c epe e r i ngi nt hr ought hegl a s s .Theol de r woma n' sj a wdr oppe di ns ur pr i s ea nds het ouc he daha ndt ohe rgr a ybun,t he nhe rmout h, be f or ebur s t i ngi nt oa c t i on.Be f o r eMa r i e t t ac oul dmove ,Ci ndyha dhur r i e da c r os st he s hop,ope ne dt hedoora nddr e wMa r i e t t ai nwi t hat i ght ,wa r m hug.Shehe l dhe rf ora l ongt i me ,ma ki ngupf orye a r sofa bs e nc e ." Youc a mehome ! " I nt hewe l c omi nge mbr a c eofaf r i e nds oc l os es he ' dne a r l ybe e nagr a ndmot he r , Ma r i e t t adi d,i nde e d,f e e lwe l c ome d." Is t oppe di nf oravi s i t . " " We l l ,c omeoni nf ors omec of f e ea ndpi e .Andl ot sofc a t c hi ngup. "Ci ndyne a r l y ha ul e dMa r i e t t ai nt ot hes hop,pu l l e dhe rove rt oas t oola tt hec ount e ra ndha dapi e c eof c hoc ol a t es i l kpi ea ndde c a fc of f e ei nf r ontofhe ri ns e c onds ." Iwa sj us tc l e a ni ngup, a boutt ogohome ,a ndt he n,wha tdoIs e e ,butaghos tf r omt hepa s t ?I t ' sa boutt i meIs a w youi npe r s oni ns t e a doft a l ki ngt oyouove rt hephone .Wha tbr i ngsyout ot own? " Ma r i e t t ac ons i de r e dl yi ng.Butwha tgoodha dt ha te ve rdone ?Be s i de s ,i fa nyone woul dunde r s t a nd,woul dknowMa r i e t t a —i twa sCi ndy." Re e d.Ir a ni nt ohi mt oda y. " " Re e d?Ha r t s t one ?Whe r edi dyous e ehi m? " " I nChi c a goofa l lpl a c e s .Wegots t uc ka tt hea i r por tt oge t he r .Ands e e i nghi m br oughtupl ot sofunf i ni s he dme mor i e s . " " Tha tma ni sha nds omeonas t i c k.I fIwa sf or t yye a r syounge r . . . "Ci ndygr i nne d. " He ' ss t i l la va i l ­ a bl e ,f r omwha thi smot he rs a ys . " " Hei s . "Ma r i e t t af or ke dupapi e c eofpi e ." Thi si sa we s ome .Yous t i l la r et hebe s t c ooki nWhi s t l eCr e e k. " " Do n' tgoc ha ngi ngt hes ubj e c tbyt r yi ngt obut t e rmeupwi t hc ompl i me nt s . "Ci ndy c huc kl e d." Eve ni ft he y' r ewe l lde s e r ve d. "Shel e a ne df or wa r dont hec ount e r ." Nowt e l l mea l la boutRe e da ndwhys e e i n ghi m ha syouhe r e .Be c a us el a s tIhe a r d,wi l dhor s e s c oul dn' tha vedr a gge dyouba c kt ot hi st own. " " Tha t ' sbe c a us eIwa st oobus yr i di ngoneoutofhe r e . "Ma r i e t t apus he da wa yhe r pl a t e ,c r os s e dhe rba ndsi nf r ontofhe r .I twa swe l lpa s tt i mes hef a c e dwha ts he ' dl e f t be hi ndi fs hee ve rhope dt omovepa s ti t" It houghta l t e rmymot he rdi e d,t ha tI ' dbebe t t e r of fl e a vi ngt hi spl a c e .Tha tI ' dbeha ppi e rs ome whe r ee l s e . "

" Oh ,s we e t i e ,Iknowi twa sha r donyoul i vi nghe r e .Youwe r ea l wa ysba c ka ndf or t h, pr a c t i c a l l yl i vi ngoutofas ui t c a s e . "Ci ndyl a i daha ndonMa r i e t t a ' s ." We r eyouha pp i e r a wa yf r omhe r e ? " " It houghtIwa s .Unt i lIs a wRe e d. " " Ama n' l ldot ha t ,i fyoul ovehi m. "Ci ndy' sga z ef i l l e dwi t hc onc e r n." Doyou? " " Idon' tknow.Ime a n,i tc oul dj us tbeChr i s t ma sme l a nc hol yornote noughs l e e por — " 214 SNOWBOUNDBRI DE " Orl ove , "Ci ndyf i ni s he d." Fa c ei t ,s we e t i e ,youha vel ove dt ha tma ns i nc et hef i r s t da yyoume thi m.Eve nt houghyou' veha di tr ough,i tdoe s n' tme a nyoudon' tge tt oha ve t heCi n de r e l l ae ndi ng,youknow.I fyouwa nti t . " Ma r i e t t as i ghe d." Tha t ' st hepr obl e m.Idon' tknowwha tIwa nt .Twe nt yf ourhour s a go,Iha dmyl i f ea l lpl a nne dout , t he nIr uni nt oRe e d,a ndIs t a r tt owonde r . . . " " Wonde rwha t ? " " Wha tmi ghtha vebe e n. "Ma r i e t t apus he dhe re mpt ypl a t ea s i de ." Ir a na wa yf r om t hi st own,Ci ndy.It ol dRe e di twa sa boutmyc a r e e r ,buti twa smor et ha nt ha t .AndI ' m ba c kbe c a us eIr e a l i z e dt ha tIc a n' tmovef or wa r dunt i lIde a lwi t hwha tIl e f tbe hi ndhe r e , a ndwhyIl e f ti t . " Ci ndyt ookt hee mpt ypi epl a t ea ndc of f e ec upa wa ya nddumpe dt he mi nt ot he di s hpa n." We l l ,i t ' sa boutt i me ,hone y. "Shega vehe raki nds mi l e ,onef i l l e dwi t h s uppor t ." Spe a ki ngofol dt hi ngs ,Iha ves ome t hi ngf oryou.Hol donami nut e .I t ' sout ba c k: "Ci ndydi s a ppe a r e di nt ot heba c kr ooma ndwhe ns hec a meba c k,s hebl e wabi tof dus tof fas ma l lpa c ka ge" Thi swa sl e f the r e ,al ongt i mea go. " Ma r i e t t at ur ne dt hes ma l lboxove ri nhe rpa l e t .Wr a ppe di nda r kgr e e npa pe r ,i tha d onl yas i mpl ec a r dwi t hhe rna me ,not hi ngmor e ,noi ndi c a t i onwha ti twa sorwhoha d gi ve ni tt ohe r ." Whol e f ti tf orme ? " SHI RLEYJ UMP215 Ci ndys hr ugge d,bus yr i ns i ngt hemug." I ,a h,don' tr e a l l yr e me mbe r . " Ma r i e t t aga vet heboxas e c ondl ook,t he nt uc ke di ti nt ot het opofhe rpur s e .Ri ght now,s heha dbi gge rt hi ngsonhe rmi ndt ha nmys t e r i ousboxe sf r omunknownpe opl e .I t wa spr oba bl ynot hi ng—ove rt heye a r s ,ki ndl yne i ghbor sa ndt e a c he r sha dl e f tgi f t swi t h Ci ndywhe nt he ywe r e n' ts ur ewha thous eMa r i e t t awa sl i vi ngi n,t ogi vet hel i t t l egi r la bi tofaChr i s t ma s .I twa spr oba bl yl e f tove rf r omt ha tt i me . " An ywa y,I ' vegotal otoft hi nki ngt odo,s omeol dha unt st ovi s i t .Andt he n. . . "She s uc ke di nabr e a t h." Idon’ tknowwhe r eRe e da ndIwi l lgo. . . i fa nywhe r e . " " Iknowyou,s we e t i e ,a ndyou ' dr a t he rc l i mbat e l e phonepol et ha nde a lwi t ht heha r d s t uf f .I ' mpr oudofyouf ordoi ngt hi s . "Ci ndyc a mea r oundt hec ount e ra nddr e wMa r i e t t a i nt o ahug." Hone y,you de s e r veha ppi ne s s .And you e s pe c i a l l y de s e r veagood Chr i s t ma s . "Ci ndypul l e dba c ka ndwa gge daf i nge ra the r ." Anddon' tyougos ki pp i ng outoft ownbe f or eyouge tapr o pe rhol i da y.I ' m wi l l i ngt obe tyouha ve n' tha dagood Chr i s t ma si nye a r s .Eve r yt i meIi nvi t e dyoudownhe r eyou' vea l wa ysha donee xc us eor a not he rwhyyouc oul dn' tc ome .Sono, or ebe ggi ngof f .You' r ehe r ei nt hef l e s ha ndI wa ntyout os howupwi t hyourj i ngl ebe l l son. " Ma r i e t t a ' ss mi l et a s t e dbi t t e r s we e t .Ci ndyha da l wa ys t houghtofhe ra tChr i s t ma s , e ve nwhe ns he ' dbe e nal i t t l egi r l ." You' r er i ght . "

" The nbea tmyhous ebr i ghta nde a r l yChr i s t ma smor ni ng.Myhus ba nd,myki dsa nd mygr a ndki dswi l la l lbet he r e .The ma ndt he i rdogs ,a ndLor dknowswha te l s e .We ' r e goi ngt oha veaha m,ma s he dpot a t oe s ,a ndal otofc r a z i ne s s .Andpi e s ,ofc our s e . " Ma r i e t t al a ughe d." We l lt he n,c ountmei n. " Ci ndyga vehe rawa r ms mi l e . " Youknowt he r e ' sa l wa ysapl a c ea tmyt a bl ef oryou. " " Tha nkyou,Ci ndy. "Shega vehe raqui c khug,onet ha tl a i dmor et ha nMa r i e t t a c oul dma na gewi t hhe rhe a r ts of ul l ,t he nl e f tt hedi ne r .Onehur dl eha dbe e nc onque r e d, butt hebi gge s toneha dye tt obet ouc he d. Re e dope ne dt hedoor ,e xpe c t i ngami r a c l e . Hedi dn' tknow whyheha d.Ma ybebe c a us ei twa sChr i s t ma s ,onl ya nhourunt i l Chr i s t ma sEve ,a ndhewa t c he dwa yt ooma nyChr i s t ma smovi e swhe nhewa saki d.But whe nh eha dpul l e dupt ot hec a bi na nds e e nt i r et r a c ksi nt hes now,he ' dt hou ght ma ybe — Butt hes ma l lbui l di ngwa sda r ki ns i de .Col doneha dbe e nhe r ef orda ys .We e ks , pr oba bl y.Thet r a c kswe r el i ke l yf r om s omehunt e r ' st r uc ks ome onewho' dc omet oc ut downt he i rChr i s t ma st r e e . Notf r omMa r i e t t a ,t r a ns por t e dhe r ebye l ve s ,orSa nt ahi ms e l f ,f r omLosAnge l e st o c a bi ni nt hewoods . Nope ,t he r ewa snoonehe r eb uthi m. Hes hookof ft hec ol d,c r os s e dt her oom t ot hef i r e pl a c ea ndt ookaf e wmi nut e st o bui l daf i r ewi t ht hes uppl yofki ndl i nga ndne ws pa pe r ske ptbyt hehe a r t h.Af t e raf e w mi nut e s ,hef e di nac oupl eofl ogs ,t he ns a tba c ka ndwa r me dhi sha nds . De s pi t et hef i r e ,t hec a ndi e she ' d' l i t ,t hewa r mt hs pr e a di ngt hr oughoutt her oom,t he c a bi nha dl os ti t sma gi c .I tf e l ta bouta sc oz ya ndwe l c omi nga same a tl oc ke r .Re e dr os e . Wha tha dhebe e nt hi nki ng? Hewa sa boutt oputoutt hef i r ea ndgoba c kt oSout hBe ndwhe nhehe a r das ound out s i de ,ar us t l i ngt ha tc oul dbea na ni ma l ,butRe e dha daf e e l i ngwa s n' t .Hes hr ugge don hi sc oa ta nds l i ppe doutt hec a bi ndoor ,s l i di nga r oundt hes i deoft hebui l di ngt owa r ds t hewoods . I tt ookas e c ondf orhi se ye st oa dj us tt ot heda r kne s sa ndt he nhi sbr e a t hc a ught ,he l d. Hedi dn' tda r ee xha l e . Be c a us es t a ndi ngunde rt hei r i de s c e ntc ur t a i nofmoonl i ghtont hec r us tofne ws now, wa sRe e d' smi r a c l e . CHAPTERSEVEN " DI Dyouhi t c har i deonSa nt a ' ss l e i gh? " Ma r i e t t at ur ne d.Thes t a r sr e f l e c t e di nhe re ye s ,a ndRe e dda r e dt ohope ." Nor oom. Thos ee l ve sa r epr e t t yt e r r i t or i a l . " Hel a ughe d." Is a wt het i r et r a c ks .Re nt a lc a r ? " " Ye a h.Ipa r ke di ta r oundt hes i de .Idi dn' twa ntt owor r yyourmomi fs hel ooke dout t heki t c he nwi ndowa nds a was t r a ngec a rpa r ke dbyt hec a bi n. "Shege s t ur e dt owa r da s e da nt ha thenows a wi nt hes ha d owsoft het r e e s ." Ic oul dn' tgoi ns i deye t . " " Why? "Re e dt ookas t e pc l os e r .Hi sbr e a t hf r os t e di nt oac l oud.

" Ih a ds omet hi nki ngt odo.AndIc a mehe r ebe c a us e . . . "Shet hr e wuphe rha nds ." I don' tr e a l l ybe l onga nywhe r ee l s ei nWhi s t l eCr e e k.I fIe ve rdi d. " " Yo ube l ongwi t hme .Youa l wa ysdi d,Ma r i e t t a .Ri ghthe r ewi t hme . "Hedr e whe r a ga i ns thi m,pul l i ngMa r i e t t ai nt ohi swa r mt h.Shedi dn' tr e s i s t ,buts t i l ls hes t a ye ds t i f f . Anyhopehe ' dha dt ha te ve r yt hi ngha dbe e ns e t t l e d,s i mpl ybe c a us es hewa she r e , di s a ppe a r e d.Al umpdr oppe dt ot hebot t omofhi sgut ." Wha ti si t ? " Ma r i e t t apul l e da wa ya ndwa nde r e dof faf e ws t e ps .Shet r a i l e daha nda l ongoneof t hebi r c hs a pl i ngs ,i t sba r kpe e l e d,s t r i ppi ngt hef r e eba r et owi nt e r ' swr a t h." Doyouknow whyIr e a l l yl e f tWhi s t l eCr e e k,Re e d? " " Be c a us eyouwa nt e dac a r e e ri nt hec i t y.Andt he r ewe r e n' tma nyoppor t uni t i e sf or dr e s sde s i gne r si nal i t t l er i nkydi nkt ownl i ket hi s . "Hene a r l ys pa tt hewor ds ,s e nt e nc e s s i t t i ngi nhi sme mor ya l lt hi st i me ." AndIwa spa r toft ha tr i nkydi nkt ownt oo. " " I twa s n' tj us tt ha t . "Shebl e woutagus t ,t he nf a c e dhi m,as hi mme rnowc l oudi ngt he s t a r si nhe re ye s ." Whydi dn' tyouc omea f t e rme ? " Theque s t i onhove r e di nt hea i r ,t hel oneunt ouc he di c i c l et ha tha dhungi nt hes e ve nye a rwi nt e rbe t we e nt he m. " Idi dn' tj us tl e a ve ,Re e d.Youl e tmegot oo. " Tr ut h,Re e ddi s c ove r e d,we i ghe dmor et ha nl i e s .Whe ns poke n,i tf e l ll i kebr i c ks , wi t hha r d,pa i nf ult huds ." You' r er i ght . "Hes i ghe d." Idi d.Be c a us eIha dt o. " " Why? "He rvoi c ebr oke . Ri ghtt he n,Re e dwoul dha vedonea nyt hi ngt opi c kt hos ebr i c ksba c kup,s l ott he m i nt ot hepl a c e swhe r et he yha dbe e n.Buta l lhe ' de ndupdoi ngwa sbui l di ngane wwa l l a ndwhe r ewoul dt ha tl e a vet he m? " Id i dn' tknowwha te l s et odo. "Her e a c he dupa ndc uppe dMa r i e t t a ' sc hi n,wa r mi ng t hec ol dc ur veofhe rj a w." Whe nyourmot he rdi e d,youre nt i r el i f et ur ne dups i dedown a ndIkne wa l lyouwa nt e dt odowa sge ta wa yf r omhe r e .I fI ' dhe l dyouhe r e ,c on­ vi nc e d yout os t a y,youwoul dha veha t e di t .Ha t e dme .Ic oul ds e et ha ti nyoure ye st ha t Chr i s t ma s . " " Whe nIc a mehe r et ogi veba c kt her i ng. " The r e ' dbe e nnof a wnhe r et ha tye a r .Nowa r m,s we e ta f t e r nooni nt hedoubl ebe d,no whi s pe r e dpr omi s e soff or e ve r .J us tat e a r f ul ,a wf ulr e ndi ngofRe e d' she a r t ,whe ns he ' d pl a c e dt ha tr i ngi nhi spa l ma ndwa l ke da wa y. Andne ve rl ooke dba c k. Henodde da ndl owe r e dhi spa l m.He ' dwa l ka wa yr i ghtnowi fs hewa nt e dhi mt o be c a us ei nt hee nd,he ' ddowha t e ve ri tt ookt opr ot e c tMa r i e t t a ,t os a vehe r .Eve ni fi t me a ntr e l i vi ngt ha tpa i na l love ra ga i n." Ic oul dn' tl ooki nyoure ye sa nds e eyouhur tl i ke t ha ta ga i n.Il ove dyout oomuc h,Ma r i e t t a .Ic oul dn' tt i eyout oapl a c eyouha t e d,not a nymo r e .You' dbe e nt hr oughe nough. "Hedr e wi nabr e a t h,a ndt hei c et ha tc a mewi t hi t s e a r e dhi sl ungs ." SoIl e tyougo.t houghtyou' dbeha ppi e r .Buti tki l l e dmet odoi t a nd. . . "Hedr e wi nabr e a t h." I twa st hebi gge s tmi s t a keofmyl i f e . " He rt e a r sbr i mme d butdi d n' ts pi l love r ,Ma r i e t t at r e mbl i ng t o hol d ba c kt he wa t e r s he d." It houghtIwoul dbeha ppi e rt oo,butIc oul dn' tf or ge tt hi spl a c e , Re e d.Ic oul dn' tl e a vei tbe hi nd.Noma t t e rwhe r eIwe nt ,Ir e me mbe r e d. "He rvoi c e c r a c ke d,s pl i nt e r i ngl i ket hi ni c e ,br e a ki nghe rt e nuoushol donhe re mot i onsa ndf i na l l y s pi l l i ngouti nonet e a r ,t he na not he r ,a ndas t ut t e rofwor ds ." Ir e me mbe r e de ve r yt hi ng. "

Hekne ws hedi dn' tme a nj us thi m.Thi sc a bi n.Thegoodpa r t s .Buta l lt het e r r i bl e t hi ngst ha tha dha ppe ne dt oo. Br a veMa r i e t t a ,t her e s pons i bl eonei naf r a c t ur e df a mi l y.He rf a t he rgonea f t e rs he wa sbor n,he rmot he ra c t i ngmor el i keaf r i e ndt ha napa r e nt .Andwhe nhe rmot he rf e l l of ft hewa gon,Ma r i e t t awoul dge tya nke doutoft hehomef orada y,awe e k,amont h,t o l i vewi t hs t r a nge r s .The ns he ' dgoba c k,a l wa yss t a ndi ngons ha kygr oundt ha tc oul ds hi f t a ta nymome nt .Re e dr e me mbe r e dt heot he rki dsi ns c hoola l wa yss e e i ngMa r i e t t aa st he oddone ,whor a r e l yha dapa r e nti nt hea udi e nc ef orpl a ys ,amot he ra l ongonaf i e l dt r i p. Ands ohe ' dbe c omehe rpr ot e c t or ,he rf r i e nd,f r omt ha tf i r s tda yi nki nde r ga r t e n. I twa snowonde rt ha ts he ' dl a t c he dont ohi m,t ohi sgr ounde d,wor ki ngc l a nsf a mi l y. Tot hequi e t ,s i mpl ec a bi ni nt hewoods ." Tha t ' swhyyoua l wa yswa nt e dt oc omehe r e . " He rga z ewe ntt ot hec a bi na ndas of ts mi l es t ol eove rhe rf a c e ." Be c a us eIf e l ts a f e he r e , "s hewhi s pe r e d." Wi t hyou. " " An dwhe nIwa she r ewi t hyou,i twa sl i keava c a t i onf r om t hef a r m,f r om a l lt he wor kmyda dhe a pe donmys houl de r s .Youf oundNi r va naa ndIf oundJ a ma i c a . "He l ooke da the r ,s a whe rs hi ve r ,a ndr e a l i z e dt he nhowc ol di twa s ." Spe a ki ngofwhi c h,i t ' s f r e e z i ngouthe r e .Le t ' sgoi ns i dea ndge twa r m. " Hedr a pe da na r ma c r os she rs houl de r sa ndt oge t he rt he yhe a de di nt ot hec a bi n. I ns i de ,t he yhungupt he i rc oa t s ,s t ompe dt hes now of ft he i rs hoe sa ndwa r me dt he i r ha ndsbyt hef i r e .Re e ds pr e a daqui l tont hef l oor ,t hr e wdownaf e wpi l l ows ,t he nl a y downbe s i deMa r i e t t a .I fRe e dc l os e dhi se ye s ,hec oul dpr e t e ndt he y' dgon eba c ki nt i me . Hea l mos twi s he dt he ydi dn' tha vet os pe a k,t ode a lwi t ht her e a lr e a s onss he ' dc ome ba c k. " Be i nghe r eha sa l wa ysbe e nl i kee s c a pi ng, "Ma r i e t t as a i d,t he ns hes i ghe d." Andt ha t wa st hepr obl e m. " Re e dpr oppe dhi ms e l fupononee l bowa ndga z e ddowna the r .Or a ngea ndye l l ow l i ghtda nc e da c r os she rde l i c a t ef e a t ur e s ." Howi st ha tba d? " " I tke ptmef r omde a l i ngwi t ht her e a l i t y.Il e a r ne dt oe s c a pe ,a ndke ptondoi ngi t .I ne ve rl a t c he dont oa nyonebe c a us et hene xtda yort hene xtwe e k,I ' dbel e a vi ngt ogo ba c kt omymot he r . " " An ds he ' de ndupl e t t i ngyoudown, "hes a i ds of t l y. Ma r i e t t anodde d." It r i e d,Re e d,It r i e ds oha r dt oke e phe ra ndIt oge t he r ,butI c oul dn' t .Sowhe nt hea c c i de ntha ppe ne d,Idi dwha tIa l wa ysdi d.Ie s c a pe d,byr unni ng f r omyou.Andwhe nIr a ni nt oyoui nt hea i r por t ,a nda l lt hos eol df e e l i ngsc a meba c k ,I gots c a r e d. " " An ds oyour a n. " Shenodde d." Ic a n' tpl a yt hewhati fga me ,Re e d,be c a us e . . . "Shes uc ke di nabr e a t h, ope ni ngt ha tl a s tf i s s ur et ohi m,be c a us es hekne wi fs hedi dn' t ,i fs her a nnow,s h e ' d a l wa ysber unni ng.AndMa r i e t t awa st i r e dofr unni ng,ofne ve rha vi ngapl a c et ot r ul y c a l lhe rown.` Be c a us et hos ewe r ea l lt het hi ngsIa l wa yswa nt e d,t het hi ngsIda r e dt o ha veonc e ,a nde ve r yt i me ,t he y' dbet a ke na wa y.Ic oul dn' tbe a rt odr e a ma ga i na nd—" " An dwha t ? "hepr ompt e dwhe ns hedi dn' tf i ni s h. " Fi ndouti t ' sa l la ni l l us i on. "Shes hi f t e dhe rga z ea wa yf r omhi s ,notwa nt i ngt os e e he rde e pe s tf e a r .Doubti nRe e d' she a r t . Be c a us et ha tdoubts t i l ll i nge r e di nMa r i e t t a .Tha ts hewa s n' tme a ntf ort hi sl i f e ,no ma t t e rhow ba dl ys hewa nt e di t .Al wa ys ,i tha dbe e nl i ket heChr i s t ma spr e s e nts he ' d

dr e a me dof ,a ndne ve rf oundunde rt heCr e e ." Idon' tbe l onghe r e ,Re e d,Idon' tbe l ong a nywhe r e . " " It houghtyouwe r eha ppyi nChi c a go. " " Iwor kt he r e , "s hes a i d." ButIdon' tl i v et he r e .Ige tonpl a ne s ,If l ya l love rt hepl a c e a ndt he nIhol eupi nal i t t l es e wi ngr oom a ndc r e a t egownsf orwome nwhobe l i e vei n ha ppi l ye ve ra f t e ra ndwhi t epi c ke tf e nc e s . "Te a r sbr i mme di nhe re ye sa ga i n,buts he di dn' ts he dt he m.Sheha dt os a ywha ts he ' dc omes a y,a ndt he nl e thi mgo,l e thi mha vea woma nwhowoul dgi vehi me ve r yt hi nghewa nt e d.Hede s e r ve di ta l l ,awi f e ,af a mi l y. Andi fs hec oul ds e ve rt he s et i e sonc ea ndf ora l l ,t he nma ybet he ybot hc oul dmoveon. " Ic a meba c khe r et ot ha nkyou. " " Fo rwha t ? " " Fo rt oda y.Forgi vi ngmeap e e ki ns i det ha tdr e a m. " Hec uppe dhe rj a wa nds hel e a ne di nt ohi st ouc h,onemor et i me .Sowa r m.So pe r f e c t ." Wha ti fi tc oul dber e a l ,Ma r i e t t a ?Wha ti fi twa s n' tj us tadr e a m?Wha ti f Chr i s t ma sr e a l l yc a met hi sye a r ,t os t a y? " " Re e d,i ft he r e ' sonet hi ngI ' vel e a r ne d,i t ' st ha tChr i s t ma sdoe s n' tl a s t .De c e mbe r t we nt ys i xt ha l wa ysa r r i ve sa ndt he nyout a kedownt het r e ea ndputa wa yt heor na me nt s a ndi ta l lgoe sa wa y. "Shes hookhe rhe a d." Onl yaf oolke e psbe l i e vi ngi naf a i r yt a l e . " " The nme e tyourf ool , "Re e ds a i dwi t hagr i n.Hegott ohi sf e e t ,pul l i ngMa r i e t t aup wi t hhi m." Comeon,Iha ves ome t hi ngt os howyou. "t hega r me ntba g." Ibe t t e rge tt hi s t oo.Ihe a rt hos eMa debyMa r i e t t awe ddi nggownsa r ewor t hami nt : " Hewa sc r a z y—t hewhol ei de awa sc r a z y—butMa r i e t t ai ndul ge dRe e d.She ' dpa ya vi s i tt ot hehous e ,ma kehe rvi s i tt oWhi s t l eCr e e kc omef ul lc i r c l ea ndt he nl e a ve . Al i ghtbur ne dont hef r ontpor c h,r e ve a l i ngt heda r kgr e e ns hut t e r st ha thungon e i t he rs i deoft hewi ndows .Ma t c hi ngwi ndowboxe swe r ea t t a c he dt ot hes i l l y,wa i t i ngt o bef i l l e dwi t hs pr i ngbl ooms . Ma r i e t t a ' spul s equi c ke ne da st he yr e a c he dt hedoor .Wa r ni ngbe l l ss ounde di nhe r he a d." Re e d?Whos ehous ei st hi s ? " Hei gnor e dhe rque s t i on,j us tke ptgr i nni ngt hes a mes i l l ygr i nt ha tha dbe e nonhi s f a c es i n c et he y' dl e f tt hec a bi n." Whydon' tyouope nt ha tboxCi ndyga veyoue a r l i e r ? " " Ho wdoyou. . . ? "The nhe rj a wdr oppe dwhe nhepl a c e di ti nhe rpa l m. " Is a wi ts t i c ki ngoutofyou rpur s ea ndgr a bbe di twhe nIgott hedr e s s . "Anot he r , wi de rgr i n." Iknowyou,a ndIknowCi ndywoul dha vebe e noneofyourf i r s ts t opsi fyou c a meba c kt ot own.Now,ope ni t . " He rf i nge r ss hook,butt heol dwr a ppi ngpa pe rga vewa ye a s i l ya ndf e l lwi t haf l ut t e r t ot heg r ound.Shepul l e dof ft hec ove r .Ne s t l e donawhi t ec us hi onwa sake y. Shegl a nc e dupa thi m,a ndi nhi ss mi l e ,s hekne wwhe r et heke yf i t ,buts t i l l ,noneof i ts e e me dt oma kes e ns e .Shes t a r e da thi m,unt i lhege s t ur e dt owa r dt hedoor .Ma r i e t t a pi c ke dupt heke ya nds l i di ti nt ot hel oc k.Shet ur ne di t ,he a r dt het umbl e rme c ha ni s ms gi vewa y,a ndt he nt hedoorunl a t c he da ndope ne d. Shet ookat e nt a t i ves t e pi ns i de .Be hi ndhe r ,Re e df l i c ke donal i ght ,r e ve a l i ngnotj us t r ooms ,butahome . Ahomef i l l e dwi t hf ur ni t ur e .Nott oomuc h,j us te nought os t a r t .Apl umec r a nbe r r y s of a .Low s l ungc of f e et a bl e .Ma t c hi nge ndt a bl e s ,t oppe dwi t hf a br i cc ove r e dl a mps . Anddownt heha l lAye l l owki t c he n.

Shemove df or wa r d,mut e .Thi swa s n' tj us ta nyye l l ow,i twa sabut t e rc r e a m,t he e xa c tc ol ors heha dt a l ke da boutahundr e dt i me sove rt heye a r s . " I tc a n' tbe , "s hes a i d.Buti twa s ,a ndt hec ol orhi the rwi t hat i ght e ni ngofhe rgut ,a t r e mbl ei nhe rs t e p.Ma r i e t t as t oppe di nt hec e nt e roft heki t c he na nds puni nas l ow c i r c l e ,t hepi e c e sf a l l i ngi nt opl a c e ,onea tat i me ,e a c hc or ne r ,e a c hde t a i ls l a mmi ngi nt o he rhe a r t .Shehe l dhe rbr e a t h,s ur es hewa sha l l uc i na t i ng. The ns henot i c e dac a bi ne tdoor ,s l i ght l ya j a r .Ma r i e t t ac r os s e dt oi t ,knowi ngbe f or e s heope ne di twha ts hewoul df i nd . The r e ,i nde e d,s i t t i ngont hes he l f ,wa st hea ns we rt oe ve r yt hi ng. Twor e dbul l s ,but t i ngt he i rc e r a mi cmugs ha pe dhe a ds . He rvi s i onbl ur r e da ndhe rhe a r tc ons t r i c t e d." Oh,Re e d.Thi si syourhous e . " Hec a meupbe hi ndhe r ,hi sa r mse nc i r c l i nghe rwa i s t .Shel e a ne di nt ohi m,wr a ppi ng he rt ouc ha ga i ns thi s ." No,Ma r i e t t a ,i t ' snot .I t ' syour s .I ta l wa yswa s . " Shec i r c l e dt of a c ehi m." Youboughtt hi s ?Forme ?Whe n? " " Whe nyoul e f tt own.Sonoonee l s ee ve rc oul d. "Het r a i l e daf i nge ra l onghe rj a w, hi sga z es of t e ni ng,hi ss mi l et e nde r ." Ands ot ha tyouwoul da l wa ysha veapl a c et oc ome homet o.Apl a c ewhe r eyoube l onge d. " He ' dgi ve nMa r i e t t at heonl yt hi ngs he ' de ve rne e de d,e ve rwa nt e d.Thi sma n,who kne whe rl i keawe l l t humbe dbook,ha ds a c r i f i c e dhi she a r ta l lt hos eye a r sa go,a ndnow ha dgi ve ni tt ohe ri nt hi shous e ,s i mpl yt oma kehe rha ppy. He ' dl e f tt heke ywi t hCi ndy,knowi ngs ome da y,s he ' dr e t ur n,a ndknow e xa c t l y whi c hdoort ha tke yope ne d. Chr i s t ma s ,he ' ds a i d,c oul dc omea nds t a y.Ma r i e t t aha dne ve rbe l i e ve dt ha t ,ne ve r c ount e dona nyt hi ngc omi ngt os t a y,e s pe c i a l l ynothe r .Unt i lnow.He rt e a r ss pi l l e dove r , ar i ve rr unni ngdownhe rc he e ks ,buthewhi s ke dt he ma wa y,t he nki s s e dhe r ." Don' tc r y, Ma r i e t t a . " Buts hec oul dn' ts t op,c oul dn' tge tpa s tt hel umpi nhe rt hr oa t ,t hej oybur s t i ngi nhe r he a r t ." Youpa i nt e dmyki t c he n,a ndputt hemugsont hes he l f , "s hes a i d." Why? " " Yo uha vet oa s k?Be c a us eIl oveyou,Ma r i e t t a .Ia l wa ysha ve . " She ' dma deaj our ne y,noti nmi l e s ,buti nhe rhe a r t ,a ndt hi st i me ,he a r i ngt ho s e wor dsma deMa r i e t t awa ntt os t a y.Putdownr oot s .Pl a ntaga r de n.Anddr i nkf r omt ho s e mugswi t hRe e de ve r yda yf ort her e s tofhe rl i f e . " Il oveyout oo, "s hes a i d,a ndl i f t e dhe rl i pst ome e thi s .Sheha df i na l l yc omehome . EPI LOGUE MARI ETTAdi dn' ts howupa tCi ndy' shous ef orChr i s t ma smor ni ng,butCi ndydi dn' t mi nd.I ns t e a d,s hea r r i ve da t321Wi nt e r be r r yLa net ha ta f t e r noonwi t hhus ba nd,ki dsa nd gr a ndki dsi nt ow t os e eMa r i e t t aWe s t mor ema r r yRe e dHa r t s t one .Ci ndybr oughtt he ha m,t hepot a t oe sa nde ve nt hepi e sf ora ni mpr ompt ur e c e pt i on. Ma r i e t t aa ndRe e dha dgot t e nt he i rl i c e ns ea ndbl oodt e s te a r l yChr i s t ma sEve mor ni n ga ndc on­ vi nc e dRe ve r e ndEva nst oc omet ot hehous eChr i s t ma sDa yt o of f i c i a t e .Wi t hRe e d' smot he ra ndCi ndy' sf a mi l yt he r e ,i twa st hepe r f e c ts ma l lwe ddi ng Ma r i e t t aha da l wa yse nvi s i one d.I tdi dn' tma t t e ri ft he r ewe r et e nt hous a ndort e npe o pl e t he r e .

Onc es hel ooke di nRe e d' se ye sa nds a i d," Ido, " Ma r i e t t adi dn' ts e ea not he rs ou l . " Ha veIt ol dyouhowbe a ut i f ulyoul ook? "Re e ds a i dt ohi swi f e ,a f t e rt hel a s tgue s t ha dl e f t .The ys t oodbyt het r e ehe ' ds e tupt ha tmor ni ng,wi t haf i r ec r a c kl i ngi nt he f i r e pl a c e .Be s i dei ts a tt hee nor mousgi f tba s ke tPe ne l opeha ds e ntbyove r ni ghtde l i ve r y, br i mmi ngwi t hhous e wa r e s . " On l yat hous a ndt i me s . " " I ' mgl a dPe ne l opeBl a c kbur nc a l l e dof fhe rwe ddi ng.Thi sdr e s swa sme a ntf oryou, nothe r . "Re e dha dn' tbe e na bl et ot a kehi se ye sof fMa r i e t t ae ve rs i nc es h e ' dde s c e nde d t hes t a i r c a s e .Thes t unni nggownma dehe rl ookl i kes he ' dt umbl e df r om t heni ghts ky. Fr om t hewa yt hef l or a lde s i gns pa r kl e dwi t hge mst ot het r a i nt ha ts e e me dt os we e p e ndl e s s l ybe hi ndhe r ,Re e dwoul dha vet houghthewa sma r r yi nga na nge l . Andc ons i de r i ngi twa sChr i s t ma s ,ma ybehewa s ." It ol dPe ne l opet ha tIwe a vea s t or yi nt ot hede s i gnofe ve r ydr e s s , "Ma r i e t t as a i d. " An dwha t ' st hi sone ' ss t or y? " At e a s i ngs mi l el i the rf a c e ." I t ' sabe dt i mes t or y.I ’ l lt e l lyout oni ght . " Hec huc kl e d,t he ndr e whe ra ga i ns thi m,pl a c i ngal ong,s e a r i ngki s sonhe rl i ps .He wa s n' tpl a nni ngonwa i t i ngl ongf orbe dt i me . Ma r i e t t af i nge r e dt hepopc or na ndc r a nbe r r yga r l a ndr i ngi ngt hef i rt r e e ." Ne xtye a r , we ' l lge ts omer e a lor na me nt s . " " Tha tt r e e ' spe r f e c tj us tt hewa yi ti s , "Re e ds a i d. " Butl ookhowi t ' sl e a ni ngal i t t l et ot her i ght .Andt he r e ' sahol ewhe r ei t ' smi s s i ng s omebr a nc he s . Tha t ' swha twege tf orbuyi ngat r e ea tt hel a s tmi nut e . " " I t ' sat r e et ha tne e dss omeTLC.Andt ha t ' se xa c t l yt heki ndIwa nt e d. "Hedr e whi s wi f ec l os e r ,c ount i nghi sbl e s s i n gsa ndt hi nki ngofJ e r e mi a ha ndEl s i es ome whe r ei n Tope ka ,undoubt e dl ydoi ngt hes a me . " Yo u' r er i ght .Anyt hi ngwor t hha vi ngi swor t hal i t t l ewor k. "Ma r i e t t ac ur ve da ga i ns t hi m." St i l l ,If e e lba dt ha tIdon' th a veaChr i s t ma spr e s e ntf oryou. " " Awi s ema nonc et ol dmee ve r yda ywi t ht hewoma nyoul ovei sagi f t . "Hebr us h e d aki s sa l onghe rl i ps . Out s i de ,s nows t a r t e dt of a l li nbi g,t hi c kf l a ke s ." Looksl i kewemi ghtbes t uc khe r e f orawhi l e , "Ma r i e t t as a i d. " Fo r e ve rwoul dbej us tf i newi t hme . "Andwhe nRe e dki s s e dMa r i e t t a ,ne i t he rof t he mnot i c e dt hes t or m,t hedr e s s ,t heChr i s t ma st r e eora nyt hi ngbute a c hot he r . *** The i rChr i s t masVows Ma r ga r e tMc Dona gh I twa ss uc ha nhonourt obea s ke dt oc ont r i but et ot hi sChr i s t ma sWe ddi ngs a nt hol o gy.

I fyoua r ene wt oMe di c a l "r oma nc e sa ndne wt omybooks ,t he nIhopeyouwi l l e nj oys t e ppi ngi nt ot hef i c t i ona lwor l dofSt r a t hl oc ha n,a r oundwhi c hma nyofmybooks a r es e t-ont hi soc c a s i onme e t i ngFr a z e ra ndCa l l i e . Ca l l i eha sadi f f i c ul tj our ne yt oma ke ,notonl yduet ohe rf r i ght e ni ngbr us hwi t h i l l ne s s ,buta l s obe c a us et hei mpa c tofhe rpa s te xpe r i e nc e sma ke si tha r df orhe rt ot r us t . I nFr a z e r ,ha ss hef oundama ns hec a nbe l i e vei n?Ca ns het r us thi m-a ndhe r s e l f-a nd s t e pt owa r dsaha ppya ndl ovi ngf ut ur e ? Mos tofusknowofs ome onewhos el i f eha sbe e nt ouc he dbybr e a s tc a nc e r .I tma ke s usa l ls t opa ndt hi nk.Andr e me mbe rt het hi ngst ha ta r emos ti mpor t a nt . . . l i ket hos es pe c i a l i nourl i ve swhogi vel ovea nds uppor tnoma t t e rwha t .IhopeIha vec a pt ur e ds omeof t hos ef e e l i ngsi nmys t or y. Tha nkyouf orr e a di ngt hi sa nt hol ogy.Ihopeyouwi l lc omeba c ka nde nj oymor eof mybooksi nf ut ur e .Enc our a ge dbymywonde r f ule di t or ,Ia mc ur r e nt l ywor ki ngons ome e xc i t i ngne wpr oj e c t s ,butIhopet obeba c ki nSt r a t hl oc ha nt e l l i ngAnni e ' ss t or yve r y s oon. Wi s hi ngyoua l laMe r r yCh r i s t ma sa ndane w ye a rf i l l e dwi t hgoodhe a l t h,good f r i e nds hi psa ndha ppye ve r a f t e r s . Be s twi s he s ,Ma r ga r e twww. ma r ga r e t mc dona gh. c om CHAPTERONE TODAYwa st hef i r s tda yoft her e s tofhe rl i f e ,a ndCa l l i eGr oga nwa sde t e r mi ne d t ha tno t hi ngwoul dgowr ong. Ont hec us pofda wns hel e f the rc a ri nt hepa r ki nga r e aa nds t oodt os t a r ea c r os sa t t heha nga rl oomi nga dj a c e ntt ot hebui l di ngwhi c hhous e dt hea i ra mbul a nc eba s eont he out s ki r t soft own.St r e a me r sofmi s twhi s pe r e dl owove rt hei c ygr ound,whi l ef r os te dge d t hef e nc e sa ndt heba r ebr a nc he soft het r e e sa ndbus he sa r oundt hepe r i me t e r .Af i neof mi ni i c i c l e shungof ft hegut t e r sa l ongt her oof l i neoft hes i ngl e s t or e ybui l di ng.He r br e a t hmi s t e dt hea i ra nds hes t a mpe dhe rf e e t ,wi s hi ngs heha dpul l e dona ne xt r apa i rof s oc ksb e f or eput t i ngonhe rboot s .Asi twa s ,s hewa swe a r i ngt he r ma lunde r we a r ,apa i r ofj oggi ngbot t omsa ndal ongs l e e ve df l e e c eunde rhe rf l i ghts ui t .Ye s ,i twa swi nt e ri n Sc ot l a nd,buts heha dn' te xpe c t e dSt r a t hl oc ha nt obet hi sc ol d. Agr e y,we tNove mbe rha dgi ve nwa yt oaDe c e mbe rwhi c hha dbr oughtwi t hi ta bl a s tofune xpe c t e dc ol d.Wi nt e rha dt a ke naf i r mgr i p,wi t hha r df r os t s ,f og,i c ea nde v e n t het hr e a tofe a r l ys now.Noti de a lc ondi t i onsf orf l yi ng,butone st ha ti nc r e a s e dt hene e d f ore me r ge nc yc a r ewi t ha nups ur gei na c c i de nt sa ndwe a t he r i nduc e di nc i de nt s . Unde ral owe r i ngs ky,t heha nga rdoor spe e pe dope n,a nda ss hea ppr oa c he dt he bui l di n gs hec oul ds e et hee ngi ne e r i ngc r e w,whoha dwor ke donr out i nema i nt e na n c e ove r ni ght ,pr e pa r i ngt hehe l i c opt e rf ort heda y' swor k.Whe nt het hr e a tofi c el i f t e d,t h e y woul ds t e e ri toutont ot hef or e c our t ,f r omwhe r et he yc oul dt a keof fwi t hi nac oupl eof mi nut e sofa ne me r ge nc yc a l lc omi ngi n. Ca l l i ef e l tar e ne we dbur s tofe xc i t e me nt .Shec oul dn' twa i tt obe gi nhe rs hi f t .Af t e ra t e r r i bl ee i ght e e nmont hs ,t hi swa she rc ha nc eForawhol ene wl i f e .Shewa she a l t hy. She ' dt hr ownhe r s e l fi nt owor k,d e t e r mi ne dt obet hebe s ts hec oul dpos s i bl ybe .Shewa s a l s oa l one .Butt ha twa snot hi ngne w.As i def r om t hebr i e fmi s j udge me ntwi t hEd,s he

ha da l wa ysbe e na l one .Fr om nowons hea l wa yswoul dbe .I tha dt a ke nt i me ,s heha d be e na the rl owe s te bb,buts heha dputhe rl i f eba c kt oge t he r . .Nows hepl a nne dt oma ke t hemos toft heune xpe c t e doppor t uni t ymovi ngt oSt r a t hl oc ha nha dgi ve nhe r . Sheha dbe e nwor ki nga sapa r a me di ci nGl a s gowwhe ns heha dl e a r ne doft hene w a i ra mbul a nc eba s eope ni ngf ur t he rs out h,a nds heha dl os tnot i mei na ppl yi ngf ora pos i t i on.Ha vi ngc ompl e t e dhe ra ddi t i ona lt r a i ni nga nds a f e t yc our s e st owor kont he he l i c opt e r ,s heha di ma gi ne ds h ewoul dha vet os pe ndt i meont her oa da mbul a nc e s be f or eava c a nc ybe c a mea va i l a bl e .Thene wst ha ts hewa st opoft hel i s ta ndhe a de df or t hef l i ghtt e a ms t r a i ghta wa yha dde l i ght e dhe r .Unt i ls heha da r r i ve di nt owna ndhe a r d a l la boutt hepl a yboydoc t orwhowa st obehe rf l i ghtpa r t ne r .Fr a z e rMc l nne s . Ca l l i eha dbe e ni nSt r a t hl oc ha nf orawe e know.A we e kt ha tha dt ha nkf u l l y c oi nc i de dwi t hDrMc l nne s ' shol i da y.Awe e kwhi c hha dbe e nf ul lofl e a r ni ng,or i e nt a t i on a ndf i ndi nghe rf e e t .Se ve r a lt i me ss heha dbe e noutonf l i ght sa sa nobs e r ve r .Sheha d s pe ntt i mewi t ht hel a nda mbul a nc ec r e ws ,whol eba s ewa sc ombi ne dwi t ht ha toft hef i r e r e s c ues e r vi c ea ndwa ss i t ua t e daf e whundr e dya r dsa l ongt her oa df r om t hea i rba s e , wi t he a s ya c c e s st ot het owna ndt hemot or wa y.Af t e rl e a r ni nghe rwa ya r oundt hea r e a wi t ht he m,s he ' dvi s i t e dt hehos pi t a l ,e s pe c i a l l yt heA a ndEde pa r t me nt ,f a mi l i a r i s i ng he r s e l fwi t ht hel a youts os hewoul dbepr e pa r e dwhe nde l i ve r i ngac a s ua l t yf orur ge nt t r e a t me nt . Sheha dknownwha tal onga ndf i net r a di t i ont hes c ot t i s ha mbul a nc es e r vi c eha di n pr ovi di ngme di c a lc ove rt hr oughoutt hec ount r y,bot ht ot hel a nda ndt hei s l a nds ,wi t h he l i c opt e r sa ndaf i xe da i r c r a f t .Howt hene wa i ra mbul a nc eba s ei nSt r a t hl oc ha nh a d c omei nt obe i ngwa ss ome t hi ngs heha ddi s c ove r e df r om he rne w bos s ,DrAr c hi e St e wa r t ,dur i ngt he i rf i r s tde t a i l e dbr i e f i ng. ` Thepubl i c i t ys ur r oundi ngSi rMor r i s onAc ke r ma n' sf undi ngoft hene ws e l f ha r m a nde a t i ngdi s or de r sc l i ni cne a rt het owns pa r ke dl oc a lc a mpa i gnsf orf ur t he ri nve s t me nt i nSt r a t hl oc ha n' sme di c a lf a c i l i t i e s , 'Ar c hi eha de xpl a i ne d.` St r a t hl oc ha nha sgr own i mme ns e l yove rt heye a r s ,a nds e r ve sal a r ger ur a lpopul a t i ons c a t t e r e dove rava s ta r e a , nott ome nt i ont hebus ymot or wa y,r oa da ndr a i ll i nkst ha tpa l st hr ough.Ther e gi oni son t hee dgeoft hee xi s t i nga i rs e r vi c e s ,whi c hme a nsha vi ngahe l i c opt e rba s e dh e r e s i gni f i c a nt l yc ut sdownr e s pons et i me s .I tha sbe e nr unni ngf ors i xmont hsnow,a ndha s pa i df ori t s e l ft i mea nda ga i n,s a vi ngumpt e e nl i ve s . 'Ar c hi eSt e wa r t ' spr i dei nt he a c hi e ve me ntofhi ss t a f fha dbe e ne vi de nt .` Ourope r a t i oni sa f f i l i a t e dt o,ye ts e pa r a t ea nd r uns l i ght l ydi f f e r e nt l yf r om,t hema i na i rs e r vi c ei nt her e s tofSc ot l a nd.Weha veour owns hi f tpa t t e r nsa ndwe ' r ec r e we da l ongt hel i ne soft hes uc c e s s f ulREMSuni ti n London,wi t hapi l ota ndaf l i gh tt r a umadoc t ort e a me dwi t has pe c i a l l yt r a i ne df l i ght pa r a me di c . ' Ca l l i eha dl e a r ne dt ha tt he r ewe r et hr e ef ul l t i mec r e wswhowor ke dt hr e eda yson, t hr e eni ght sona ndt he nha dt hr e eda ysof f ni ghtwor ka ndba dwe a t he rs e e i ngc r e ws us i ngt hea l l t e r r a i nr oa dve hi c l er a t he rt ha nt hehe l i c opt e r .The r ewa sar e l i e fc r e w,a nd i ndi vi d ua lr e l i e fs t a f f ,whof i l l e di nf orhol i da ys ,i l l ne s sa nde me r ge nc i e s . ` Thehe l i c opt e rc a nf l ya tni ght ,butl a ndi ngsa r eda nge r ousi ft hepi l otc a nnots e e obs t a c l e s ,c a bl e sa nds oon,s owet e ndt oa voi di tunl e s sa bs ol ut e l yne c e s s a r y, 'Ar c hi e ha de xpl a i ne d.As mi l eha dc r e a s e dhi swe a t he r e df a c e .` You' 11f i ndwe ' r eagoodt e a m he r e l i keas e c ondf a mi l y. . .Wewor kt oge t he r ,wa t c houtf ore a c hot he r ,s oc i a l i s e t oge t he r .You' r eapa r toft ha tnow,Ca l l i e . '

As e c ondf a mi l y.Exc e pts hedi dn' te ve nha veaf i r s tf a mi l y.Shene ve rha ddone . Ha vi nga l wa ysbe e na t one ,ont heout s i del ooki ngi n,t hi swa sac ha nc et oe xpe r i e nc e wha ti twa sl i ket obe l ong.I fonl ys hec oul dl e tdowns omeofhe rpr ot e c t i veba r r i e r s . Tha twa se a s i e rs a i dt i t a ndone e s pe c i a l l ya f t e rEd,a nda l ls heha dbe e nt hr ought h e s e l a s tmont hs buts hekne ws hene e de dt ot r ya ndbemor es oc i a l ,t oma kea ne f f or tt of i ti n t ohe rne whomei nSt r a t hl oc ha n.Sos heha dgoneoutonee ve ni ngl a s twe e k,e nj oyi nga dr i nkwi t hhe rne w wor kma t e sa ndme e t i ngupwi t hc ol l e a gue sf r om t hehos pi t a la nd ot he re me r ge nc ys e r vi c e sa tt he i rf a vour i t eha ngout ,t heSt r a t hl oc ha nAr ms .Theba nt e r ha dbe e nf r i e ndl y,t hewe l c omewa r m. De s pi t ehe rwa r i ne s swi t hpe opl e ,s heha dpa r t i c ul a r l ybonde dwi t hAnni eWe bs t e r , oneoft heAa ndEdoc t or s .I tga veCa l l i ehopet ha ts heha dbe e nr i ghtt oc omehe r e , put t i nghe rt r oubl e dpa s tbe hi ndHowe ve r ,t hegos s i pa boutFr a z e rMc l nne s ,t hedoc t or Ar c hi eha dpa i r e dhe rwi t h,wor r i e dhe r .Oneni c e l ooki ngc a s ua l t ynur s eha dbe e n out s poke nonhe rvi e wsoft hea l l e ge dr ome o,buthe runs ubt l ec omme nt sa boutFr a z e r ' s s uppos e dpr owe s sa ndl ove t he ma ndl e a ve t he ml i f e s t yl eha dma deAnni er ol lhe re y e s i ndi s t a s t e . ` Ta kenonot i c eofOl i vi aa ndhe rc l a i me dc onque s t s ,Ca l l i e .Sheha she re yeone ve r y ma na r oundhe r eunde rs i xt y,butt ha tdoe s n' tme a nt he yr e t ur nhe ri nt e r e s t .Fr a z e rma ybe oneofSt r a t hl oc ha n' smos ts ough t a f t e rba c he l or s ,a ndhec e r t a i nl ye nj oysagoodt i me , buthe ' sal ove l yguy.He ' sa l s oagr e a tdoc t or , ' Anni eha dr e a s s ur e dhe r . Atl e a s t ,Ca l l i ea s s ume dt hewor dsha dbe e nme a nta sr e a s s ur i ng.The yj us tha dn' t e nt i r e l yha dt ha te f f e c t .Eve r yt hi ngs heha dhe a r da boutFr a z e rMc l nne sma dehe r ne r vousa ndbr oughtf r e s hwa ve sofdoubt .Buts hewoul dke e puphe rgua r da ndr e s e r ve j udge me ntunt i ls heme thi m.An dt oda ywa st heda y.Al lhe rs t r uggl e sa ndpr e pa r a t i ons ha dl e dhe rhe r e ,t ot hemome nts hewoul dbe gi nhe re xc i t i ng,l ongdr e a me dofne wj ob a sf l i ghtpa r a me di c ,whe na l lt hee xt r at r a i ni nga ndha r dwor ks heha ddonewoul dpa y of f .Pr of e s s i ona l l y.Pe r s ona l l ys hes t i l lha dave r yl ongwa yt ogo. He s i t a t i ngout s i det hee nt r a nc e ,s het wi s t e dt hena r r owgol dba ndonhe rr i ngf i nge r be f or es l i di ngi tof fa ndf i xi ngi tt oac ha i na r oundhe rne c k,outoft hewa yf orwor k.She di dn' tl i kewha ti ts a i da bouthe r ,t hef a c tt ha ts hewa si ns e c ur ee nought owe a ri t ,us i ngi t a sa ne mot i ona ls hi e l d,apr ot e c t i ves c r e e n.She ' dhope ds heha dc omef ur t he rt ha nt ha t t he s el a s te i ght e e nmont hs .Appa r e nt l ynot .As hi ve r onet ha tha dnot hi ngt odowi t ht he c ol dr i ppl e ddownhe rs pi ne . He a r i ngnoi s e si nt heha nga r ,s hepul l e dhe r s e l ft oge t he ra nds uc ke di nas t e a dyi ng br e a t h,t r yi ngt oc a l mt hene r ve st ha twe r er a mpa gi ngi ns i dehe r .Ti met ohe a di ns i dea nd pr e pa r ef orhe rf i r s tpr ope rs hi f t .Andf a c ehe rf i r s tme e t i ngwi t ht hema nwhowoul dbe he rwor kpa r t ne rf ort hef or e s e e a bl ef ut ur e . DrFr a z e rMc I nne sj ogge da c r os st hef r os t yc a rpa r kt owa r dst heba s e ,hi sBor de r t e r r i e r ,Ha mi s h,t r ot t i nga thi she e l s ,i ft hef o r e c a s twa st obebe l i e ve da ndf r omt hei c y bl a s tt ha tha dgr e e t e dhi mt hi smor ni ngi twa s-heha da r r i ve dba c ki nSt r a t hl oc ha na f t e r t e nda y si nPe r t hs hi r e ,c l i mbi ngMonr oe swi t hf r i e nds ,j us ti nt i me . Hel ove dt hi st i meofye a r t her unupt oChr i s t ma s ,t hef e s t i ves pi r i t ,t hepa r t i e s ,t he f unbuti ta l s obr oughtal otofha r dwor k,a ndt hee xt r a ha r s hwe a t he rt hi sDe c e mbe rwa s awa r ni ngt ha tt he r ec oul dbee v e nmor epr obl e mst ha nus ua la he a doft he m.Nott ha t ha r dwor kbot he r e dhi m.Hel ov e di t .Love dwha thedi d.Thebuz zofbe i ngaf l i ght doc t or ,ofne ve rknowi ngwha twa sgoi ngt oha ppe nne xt ,a l wa ysbr oughtabur s tof

a dr e na l i n.I twa swha te ve r yones a i da bouthi mt ha thewor ke dha r da ndpl a ye dha r d.As f a ra shewa sc onc e r ne dl i f ewa sf orl i vi ng,a ndhea l wa yspl a nne dt ol i vei tt ot hef ul l e s t . Thehol i da yha dbe e ngr e a t ,butheha das mi l eonhi sf a c ea shepus he dt hr ought he door ,a nt i c i pa t i ona tbe i ngba c kwi t ht het e a ma ndge t t i ngonwi t ht hej obbubbl i ngi ns i de hi m.He a r i ngc ha ta ndl a ught e rc omi ngf r oma l ongt hec or r i dor ,hes t owe dhi sbe l ongi ngs i nhi sl oc ke ra ndt he nma dehi swa yt ot hec r e wr oom,whe r et het e a m goi ngof f s h i f t we r ep r e pa r i ngt oha ndove rt ohi sownbe f or ehe a di ngf orhome .Hepa us e df ora mome nt ,s oa ki ngupt hea t mos phe r e ,s ke t c hi ngawa vet ohi spi l ot ,Cr a i gDa l gl i s h,who wa she l pi nghi ms e l ft oamugofc of f e ei nt her e f r e s hme nta r e awhi c hhous e df ooda nd dr i nks uppl i e s ,af r i dge f r e e z e ra ndami c r owa ve .Ther e s toft hel a r gebutc omf or t a bl e r oomwa sf i l l e dwi t he a s yc ha i r s ,s of a ,t a bl e s ,awor ks pa c e ,as ma l lpoolt a bl e ,api a no, s he l ve sofbooksa ndaTVwi t ha s s or t e dDVDs . AsHa mi s h,unof f i c i a lba s ema s c ot ,ma dehi ms e l ft hec e nt r eofa t t e nt i on a nd r e a c qu a i nt e dhi ms e l fwi t hhi sa do r i ngpubl i c ,Fr a z e rgl a nc e da r oundt her oom,hi ss mi l e br oa de ni nga shes pi e dhi squa r r y.I nhe rf or t i e s ,ma r r i e dwi t ht wot e e na geboys ,Me l Wa t s onwa shi sf r i e nda ndc ol l e a gue .The yha dagr e a twor ki ngr e l a t i ons hi pa ndwe r e a l wa yspl a yi ngpr a nksone a c hot he r .I nf a c t ,heowe dhe rf ort ha tl a s tpr a c t i c a lj oke be f or ehi shol i da y,a ndwi t hhe rr e a re ndpoi nt i ngs t r a i ghta thi ma ss hebe ntove rt or e a c h s ome t h i ng,he ' dbe e ngi f t e dwi t ht hepe r f e c toppor t uni t yt oge thi sownba c k.I twa swa y t oomu c ht e mpt a t i ont or e s i s t . Si l e nt l y,hemove dupbe hi n dhe ra ndt e a s i ngl yf ondl e dhe rs ha pe l yc ur ve s .Fora mi l l i s e c ondune a s enudge dhi sbr a i nt ha tt hede l e c t a bl ef e mi ni nef or mbe ne a t hhi sha nds wa s n' ta sf a mi l i a ra si ts houl dha vebe e n.Thene xtmome nt . . . Ba m! Thebl ow c a ughthi m unpr e pa r e d.De l i ve r e dwi t hs ur pr i s i ngf or c ea nda c c ur a c y,i t dr ovea l lt hea i rf r om hi sl ungsa nddr oppe dhi ml i keas a c kofpot a t oe s .St unne d,he l a nde donhi sba c ks i de ,agr untofs hoc ke s c a pi nga shes pr a wl e dunc e r e moni ous l yont he f l oor .Hi sa s s a i l a nt notMe l ,her e gi s t e r e dnowi twa sf a rt ool a t e s punr ounda ndgl a r e d a thi m,f i s t sc l e nc he da the rs i d e s ,he rf e e tpl a nt e dhi pwi dt ha pa r ta si fr e a dyi ngf or ba t t l e .Wow!I fheha dma na ge dt or e ga i na nybr e a t ha ta l l ,hewoul dha vel os ti ta l la ga i n j us tl ooki nga tt heunknownwoma n.I nhe rTa t et we nt i e s ,s hec oul dn' tbemor et ha nf i ve f e e tf our ,a ndt ha twa sbe i ngge ne r ous ,s ohowone a r t hc oul dhe rl e gspos s i bl ys e e mt o goonf ore ve r ?Theye l l owNome xf l i ghts ui ts hewor ewa sagoodt wos i z e st oobi g, ma s ki n gt hef e ma l es ha peheha da l lt oobr i e f l yf e l tbe ne a t hhi sha ndsa nds wa mpi nghe r s ma l lf r a me .Shor tda r kbr ownha i r ,l a ye r e da ndf e a t he r y,f r a me dde l i c a t ef e a t ur e s ,ac ut e nos ea ndl us h,r os yl i ps ,whi l et hemos ta ma z i nge ye sheha de ve rs e e n,s ur e l yt he y c oul dn' tr e a l l ybepur pl e ? f i z z e dwi t hf i r ea ndf ur y. Si l e nc ede s c e nde dont her oomf ors e ve r a ldr a wnoutmome nt s .The nhi sc ol l e a gue s l a ughe dupr oa r i ous l ya thi spl i gh t .The i rr e a c t i on,howe ve r ,ma det hewoma ne ve nmor e a ngr y,a ndher e gr e t t e dt hef l a s hofhumi l i a t i onhec oul ds e ei nhe re ye s .He ' dne ve rdo a nyt hi ngt os hows ome oneup.Th i sha da l lbe e nagha s t l ymi s t a ke .Hi sha ndwe ntt ot he poi ntofpa i na thi smi dr i f f ,whe r ehe re l bowha dde l i ve r e dt heki l l e rbl ow,a ndhet r i e dt o s uc ks omemuc hne e de doxyge nb a c ki nt opa i nf ul l ys t a r ve dl ungss ohec oul ds pe a k. Buts hedi dn' twa i ta r oundt oc onc e r nhe r s e l fwi t hhi sa pol ogy. . .orhi sr e c ove r y. I ns t e a d,s hes t e ppe da r oundhi m,gi vi nghi mawi debe r t h,t he nma r c he df r omt her oom.I t wa sa ni mpr e s s i vema r c h,t oo,f ors uc hat i nyt hi ng.Now heha ds e e nt hewhol e

i mpr e s s i vepa c ka ge ,hec oul dn' tunde r s t a ndhowheha de ve rmi s t a ke nt hes t r a nge rf ort he t a l l e r ,mor er obus tMe l ,whowa sa l s oade c a deormor eol de rt ha nt hef i r e br a ndwh o' d j us tde c ke dhi m.Ashes a tt he r e ,be mus e da ndbe wi l de r e d,hi sf r i e nds 'me r r i me nt c ont i nue da thi se xpe ns e .Onl yHa mi s hc a met oc he c konhi swe l l be i ng.Tha nkf ulf ora t l e a s tonedi s pl a yofl oya l t y,Fr a z e rs c r a t c he dt hedogbe hi ndt hee a r s ,hi sf i nge r ss i nki ng be l owt heha r s hout e rc oa tt ot hes of t e ronebe l ow. ` Tr us tyout oma kes uc hagr e a tf i r s ti mpr e s s i on,Fr a z e r , ' Cr a i g,t hepi l otonhi sf l i ght t e a m,t or me nt e dhi m. ` Ye a h,Iwi s hIwa s n' tgoi nghome , 'Ri c kDunc a n,apa r a me di cc omi ngof f s h i f t , a dde dwi t he vi de nte nj oyme nt .' I ' dl ovet obea r oundf ort hef i r e wor kst oc ome .You' ve me tyourma t c hnow,buddy. ' St i l lwi nde d,Fr a z e rf r owne d. ` Whowa st ha t ? ' ` Thene wf l i ghtpa r a me di c . ' As i c kf e e l i ngofdr e a ds e t t l e di ns i dehi ma tCr a i g' sgr i n.` Whos e ? ' ` Your s ! ' Da mna t i on. ' Gr oa ni ng,hel e v e r e dhi ms e l fupof ft hef l oor ,hi sdi gni t ywe l la ndt r ul y s hott opi e c e s . Ri c k' ss mi l ewa sdi s t i nc t l yun s ympa t he t i c .` Tha t ' l lt e a c hyou.Se eyouguysi nt hr e e da ys i fyou' r ea l ls t i l la l i ve ! ' We l c omeba c k,Fr a z e r , 'Cr a i gc huc kl e da sRi c ka ndt heot he r sl e f t .Hepour e da s e c ondmugofc of f e ea ndha nde di tove r .` He r e ,you' r egoi ngt one e di t .Ar c hi ewa nt st o s e eyou. ' Fr a z e rgr a t e f ul l ya c c e pt e dt hec a f f e i nef i x,a ndwonde r e dwha tt he i rbos s ,af or me r f l i ghtdoc t orhi ms e l f ,a ndnowba s edi r e c t or ,woul dha vet os a y.` Whe r e ' sMe l ?Wha t ' s be e ngoi ngona r oundhe r e ?I ' veonl ybe e na wa yt e nda ys . ' ` Ar c hi ewi l le xpl a i n. ' ` Te r r i f i c . Het ookas l ugofhotc of f e e ,wi nc i nga tt hebur nonhi st onguea nddownhi st hr oa t . Heha dt hedi s t i nc tf e e l i nghewa snotgoi ngt ol i kewha t e ve rne wswa st oc ome . . .a nd t ha tt hemi s t a keheha dj us tma dewi t ht hene wpa r a me di cwa sgoi ngt or e t ur nt oha unt hi m. Af e wmome nt sl a t e rhewa l ke da l ongt ot heof f i c et ol e a r nhi sf a t ea ndr a ppe dont he door . ` Comeoni n,Fr a z e r , 'Ar c hi ec a l l e d.Theol de rma nl ooke dupwi t has mi l e ,r unn i ng oneha nda c r os shi sr e c e di ngha i r l i ne .` Howwa st hehol i da y? ' ` Wonde r f ul .Buti t ' sgoodt obeba c k. ' Ar c hi enodde d.` Goodt oha veyouba c k.Ta keas e a t . ' ' Sowha t ' st hes t or ywi t hMe l ? ' hea s ke d,pul l i ngac ha i rupt ohi sbos s ' sde s k. ` She ' sgr ounde d,Fr a z e r .He a l t hr e a s ons . ' Anot he rda r tofs hoc ks t a bbe dhi m.` Wha t ? Buts hej us tha dat ouc hoff l uwhe nIl e f t . ' ` Tha t ' swha twea l lt hought . ' Ar c hi es hookhi she a d.` Tur nsoutMe lha sa ni nne re a r pr obl e m.Shewa spoor l yf ors e ve r a lda ys ,a ndt heme di c a la dvi c ei st ha ts hes houl dn' tf l y a ga i n. Atl e a s tnoti nt hef or e s e e a bl ef ut ur e . ' ` Da mn.PoorMe l .Howi ss he ?Wha t ' ss hegoi ngt odo? ' ` She ' sphi l os ophi c a la bouti t s a yss hewa sge t t i ngabi tl ongi nt het oot ht ogoon. ' ` Rubbi s h. ' Fr a z e rs wor e ,br i ngi ngagr i nt ohi sbos s ' sf a c e .` I ' l lt a l kt ohe r . '

Hi ss mi l ef a di ng,Ar c hi ewa t c he dhi m amome nt .` She ' l lbede l i ght e dt os e eyou,of c our s e .Buthe rmi ndi sma deup,Fr a z e r .Thi sha sj us tbr oughtf or wa r dhe rde c i s i on, t ha t ' sa i l .Bepl e a s e df orhe r .She ' sl ooki ngf or wa r dt owor ki ngpa r t t i mewi t hal a ndc r e w whe ns hef e e l supt oi t ,a nds pe ndi ngmor et i mewi t hJ ohn.He ' st a ki nge a r l yr e t i r e me nt ne xtye a ra ndt he yha vepl a ns . ' ` Is e e . ' Hedi dn' t .Thi swa sa l lne wst ohi m.Andi thur tt ha tMe lha dne ve rc onf i de di nhi m t ha ts h ewa st hi nki ngoft a ki ngaba c ks e a t .The yha df or me dac l os ef r i e nds hi pa nd wor ki ngpa r t ne r s hi pt he s el a s ts i xmont hs ,a ndMe lha dgi ve nnos i gnt ha tt hi ngswoul d c ha nge . ` Iknow i ti s n' tt hes i t ua t i o nyoue xpe c t e dt oc omeba c kt o, 'Ar c hi es a i dnow, s huf f l i ngs omepa pe r s ,s ympa t he t i cunde r s t a ndi ngi nhi sha z e le ye s .` ButCa l l i eGr og a n j oi ne dusawe e ka gof r omGl a s gowa ndyou' 11bepa r t ne r i nghe rf r omnowon. ' ` Gr e a t , ' hemut t e r e d,wi t hadi s t i nc tJ a c kofe nt hus i a s m.Andnotj us tbe c a us eheh a d ma det hewor s tf i r s ti mpr e s s i ononhi sne wf l i ghtpa r a me di c .Heha dana s t yf e e l i nghi s wor ki ngr e l a t i ons hi pwi t hCa l l i ewa snotgoi ngt obea ss moot ha ndl i ght he a r t e da st he oneheha de nj oye dwi t hMe l . ` She ' sgood,Fr a z e r .Thi si she rf i r s tpos t i ngwi t haf l i ghtc r e w,buts hei sde di c a t e d, c ommi t t e da nde xt r e me l yqua l i f i e d.Ands he ' st a ke ne ve r ya ddi t i ona lc our s ea va i l a bl et o e nha nc ehe ra l l r ounds ki l l s .Ca l l i et oppe dt hes hor t l i s ti ne ve r ywa y,a ndhe ror i e nt a t i on we e khe r ei mpr e s s e dusa l l . ' Fr a z e rt r i e dt oc onc e nt r a t ea shi sbos ss a ngCa l l i e ' spr a i s e s ,buta l lhec oul dt h i nk a boutwe r et hos ee ye s ,a ndt hea nge ra nddi s da i ni nt he mwhe ns heha dl ooke da thi m. ` Ca l l i e ' sne wt oSt r a t hl oc ha n.Iwa ntyout ot a kehe runde ryourwi ng,he l phe rs e t t l e i n. ' Hes t i f l e dagr oa na tAr c hi e ' sdi r e c t i on,nota ta l ls ur et ha thi sne wc ha r gewo ul d we l c omehi si nput .` I ' l ldomybe s t . ' Thepr omi s ewa sr e l uc t a nta ndf ul lofmi s gi vi ngs . ` I ' l lha vehe rj oi nusa ndi nt r oduc eyougi veyouaf e wmome nt st oge ta c qua i n t e d be f or ea nyc a l l sc omei n. ' Ha vi ngs e ntf orCa l l i e ,Ar c hi el e a ne dba c ka ndc ont i nue d,` We ne e dt oke e pourwi t sa boutus ;Iha veaba df e e l i ngDe c e mbe ri sgoi ngt obeadi f f i c ul t mont h. ' J us ta st heof f i c edoorope ne da ndhi sne wt e a mme mbe rs t e ppe di n,gl a nc i nga thi m a si fhewa ss ome t hi ngs he ' ds c r a peof fhe rboot s ,t hee me r ge nc ya l a r ms ounde d,l e t t i ng t he m know t he yha dac a l l out .Fr a z e rr os et ohi sf e e t ,f oc us i ngonAr c hi e ,whowa s t a ki ngt hes he e tofpa pe rt ha tc l a t t e r e doutoft hepr i nt e rwi t ht hef i r s tba s i cde t a i l soft he i nc i de nt . ` Wha tdoweha ve ,bos s ? ' ` Thr e e c a rpi l e upont hemot or wa y.Nor t hbound,t e nmi l e sSout hofus .Of fyougo. We ' l lha veourwe l c omec ha ta ndbr i e f i ngl a t e ron. ' Fr a z e rc a ughtupwi t hCa l l i ei nt hes uppl yr oom,whe r et he i re me r ge nc ypa c ksa nd dr a gswe r es t or e d.Hegr a bbe dhi spa c k,pa us i ngt os mi l ea the ra nds e ei fs hene e de da ny a s s i s t a nc e ,onl yt obeme twi t ha ne xpr e s s i onofc ol di ndi f f e r e nc e .Ge e ,we l c omeba c k. Sc owl i ng,hef ol l owe da sCa l l i et ur ne da wa yf r omhi ma ndr a nf ort heha nga r .Somu c h f ort hef e s t i ves e a s on,pe a c ea ndg oodwi l lt oa l lme n.Ye a h,r i ght !

Theye l l ow he l i c opt e rwa sbe i ngr ol l e df r om t heha nga r ,t hei c yc ondi t i onss t i l l t r e a c he r ousout s i de .Cr a i gwa sa l r e a dya boa r d,doi nghi spr e f l i ghtc he c ks ,a ndFr a z e r move dupbe s i deCa l l i ea st he ywa i t e df ort hea l l c l e a rt oj oi nhi m. ` Eve r yt hi ngOK? 'hea s ke d,a t t e mpt i nga not he rc onc i l i a t or ys mi l e ,c onc e r ne ds he mi ghtbene r vousa bouthe rf i r s tof f i c i a lf l i ght . Ca l l i egl a nc e da thi mwi t ha ne xpr e s s i ona sc hi l la st hewi nt r ywe a t he r .` Fi ne . ' ` Look,Ca l l i e ,wes t a r t e dof font hewr ongf oot .Ima deami s t a ke .I ' ms or r y,It hought youwe r es ome onee l s e . ' Hepa us e d,f i l l e dwi t ht hes e ns et ha thewa sdi ggi nghi ms e l fde e pe ri nt oahol e .Nota f l i c ke rofi nt e r e s tort ha wi ngs howe di ne ye st ha twe r et hemos tunus ua lc ol ourheha d e ve rs e e n.The yr e a l l ywe r eat r uepur pl e .Hef r owne d,t r yi ngt or e j e c ta nune xpe c t e d s ur geofa t t r a c t i ona ndge thi ms e l fba c kont r a c k.Thi sa pol ogya ppa r e nt l ywa s n' t wor ki ng.Di s c onc e r t e d,hewa sun a bl et or e me mbe rat i mewhe nheha dnotbe e na bl et o t a l kawoma nr ound. ` Wha t ' st hema t t e r ? ' s hes na ppe da thi m,a ndher e a l i s e dheha dbe e ns t a r i ng. ` Not hi ng. 'Hega vehi ms e l fame nt a ls ha ke ,dr a wnba c kt or e a l i t ya st het e c hni c i a ns c l e a r e dt hea i r c r a f ta ndoneoft heguysope ne dt hedoorf ort he m.` I ' vej us tne ve rme t a nyonewi t hs uc ha ma z i nge ye s . ' ` Oh,pl e a s e .Youdon' tr e a l l yf e ndt ha tki ndofl i newor ks ,doyou? ' ` I twa s n' tal i ne , ' hepr ot e s t e d,c utbyhe rs c or n.` Sha l lwege ton,DrMc I nne s ? ' Outofs or t s ,Fr a z e rf ol l owe da sCa l l i emove df or wa r d.I ns t i nc t i ve l y,hewe ntt ohe l p he r ,buts heba t t e dhi sha ndsa wa y.I ' mqui t ec a pa bl e ,t ha nkyou.Idon' tne e dyoupa wi ng me . ' ` Iwa s n' t ! ' Shes wungt of a c ehi m,c ol da nge re vi de nt .` Le t ' sge ts ome t hi ngs t r a i ght .Ke e pyour ha ndsa ndyourc ome l yc ha t upl i ne st oyour s e l fa ndwe ' l lge tonwi t hourwor kj us tf i ne . ' Si mme r i nga tt hei nj us t i c eofi t ,Fr a z e rt r i e dt oi gnor ehe ra st he yt ookt he i rpl a c e s . Thehe l i c opt e rc a met ol i f ewi t hac ha r a c t e r i s t i cwhi ne ,t her ot orbl a de spi c ki ngups pe e d, a ndheha dt of oc usont hee me r ge nc yc a nt ha tl a ya he a d.Butheha das i nki ngf e e l i ng t ha tbe i ngpa r t ne r e dwi t hf e i s t y,pr i c kl ya ndi nt r i gui ngl ya t t r a c t i veCa l l i eGr oga nwa s ne ve rgoi ngt owor k. CHAPTERTWO ' HELI Me dEc hoTwoSe ve n ,c l e a rt ogo. ' Cr a i g' svoi c e ,c onf i r mi ngt a ke of fa ndt he i rc our s et ot hema pr e f e r e nc eoft he a c c i de nts i t e ,s ounde dt hr oughh e re a r pi e c ea sCa l l i es t r a ppe dhe r s e l fi nt ohe rs e a ton boa r dt hehe l i c opt e ra ndputonhe rhe l me t .Shet e s t e dt oe ns ur ehe rmi c r ophonewa s f unc t i ona l .I nf l i ghti twa snoi s y,a ndt he yne e de dt hes ys t e mt oc ommuni c a t ewi t he a c h ot he ra ndt hegr ound.Thehe l i c opt e rwa sne wa nds t a t e of t he a r t ,c ompl e t ewi t ha c ompr e he ns i veme di c a lbul khe a dwi t he ve r yt hi ngt he ywoul dne e dt oha nd.The r ewa s s e a t s ,mor ei nt e r na ls pa c e ,s ot he yc oul dwor kont hepa t i e ntdur i ngaf l i ghta ndgi ve t he m wha t e ve rt r e a t me nta nd moni t or i ng wa sne c e s s a r y.Ca l l i ef or c e d he r s e l ft o c onc e nt r a t e on doubl e c he c ki ng e qui pme nts uppl i e s a nyt hi ng butt hi nki ng a bout wr e t c he dFr a z e rMc I nne s ,whoha dt ur ne doutt obee ve r ybi tba da ss he ' de xpe c t e d.

` Fr az e rmi ghtl ookl i k eapl ay boy ,hemi ghte v e nac tl i k eones ome t i me s ,butI ' v e ne v e rme tabe t t e rdoc t ororamor el oy alf r i e nd.The r ei snoonee l s eIwoul dr at he rha v e onmys i dei fIwasi nj ur e d,ori nat i ghts pot . ' Qui t ea ne ndor s e me nt ,Ca l l i er e c a l l e d,a nds hedi dn' ti ma gi neAr c hi eSt e wa r ts uf f e r e d f ool sgl a dl y.Buthe rowni mpr e s s i onsofFr a z e rha dc onf i r me da l lhe rwor s tf e a r sa b out t hema n.Wi c ke d.Tha twa st hef i r s twor dt ha tha dc omet omi ndwhe ns heha dl ooke da t hi ma ndbe e ns ubj e c t e dt ot ha tpr a c t i s e d,l e t ha ls mi l e .I twa sas mi l et ha tpr omi s e de ve r y ki ndofs e ns ua ls i na ndc a r ve dt wi ndi mpl e si nhi sl e a nc he e ks .The r ewa snodoubta bout i t .Bya nys t a nda r dFr a z e rwa ss t unni ngl y,i mpos s i bl ygor ge ous .Heooz e dc ha r ma ndt he ki ndofs moul de r i ngs e xua l i t yt ha tma def e ma l ekne e swe a ke na tf i f t ypa c e s .Hi sha i rwa s c uts hor t ,t het hi c k,l us t r ouss t r a ndsha vi ngas i l kybl a c ks he e n,whi l et hemi s c hi e vous gl e a mi ne ye st hec ol ourofme l t e dda r kc hoc ol a t ewa sda nge r oust oa nywoma n' swe l l be i ng.Shedi dn' te ve nwa ntt ot hi c ka bouthi smout h,orwha tt hos epe r f e c t l ys ha pe d mobi l el i psc oul ddot oawoma n,howt he ywoul df e e l ,howhewoul dki s s ,how. . .St opi t ! Ca l l i ewa sf ur i ouswi t ht hema n.Buts hewa se ve nmor ef ur i ouswi t hhe r s e l fa ndhe r owni ne xpl i c a bl er e a c t i ont ohi m.Thos ef e whe a r t s t oppi ngmome nt swhe nt heunknown ma s c ul i neha ndsha dt ouc he dhe rha df i r e das hoc ki ngr e s pons et hr oughhe rbody,s t i r r i ng t hi ngs de e p,s ur pr i s i ng,s c a r yt hi ngs s heha dnotf e l tbe f or e .Howc oul dt ha tbe ?Notonl y wa st h ema nas t r a nge r ,a ndr e put e dt ogot hr oughwome nt hewa yot he rpe opl ewe nt t hr oughhotdi nne r s ,buts heha da s s ume dhe r s e l fr e s i s t a nt ,uni nt e r e s t e d,i mmune .I tmus t ha vebe e nt hes ur pr i s eoft hemome ntt ha tha dma dehe rpul s er a c el i keama dt hi nga nd c a us e da na c het oknotl owi ns i dehe r ,Ca l l i er e a s s ur e dhe r s e l f .Anyot he re xpl a na t i on wa si mpos s i bl e a ndf a rt oof r i ght e ni ngt oc ons i de r . ' ETAonemi nut e , ' Cr a i gi nf or me dt he m,dr a wi nghe rf r omhe rdi s t ur bi ngt hought s . Anunwa nt e dt i ngl er a i s e dt heha i r sont heba c konhe rne c kwhe nFr a z e r ' st hr o a t y voi c er e s ponde d.` Anyupda t eonc a s ua l t i e s ? ' hea s ke d,a nds hes ne a ke dagl a nc ea thi m. Howc oul dher ounds e xyj us ta s ki ngas i mpl ewor kr e l a t e dque s t i on? ` The r ea r ef ourr e por t e d,onewi t hs e r i ousi nj ur i e s . ' Cr a i gpa us e damome nta shef l e w ove rt hes c e neoft hec r a s ha ndl ooke dForas a f epl a c et ol a nd,br i ngi ngt hea i r c r a f tdown ont hea r e aofc a r r i a ge wa ya tha dbe e nc or done dof ff ort he ma sc l os ea spos s i bl et ot he s i t e .` Thef i r es e r vi c ea r ec ut t i ngoutami ddl e a ge dwoma nnow.You' r ene e de dt he r e . ' Ast hehe l i c opt e rl a nde d,Ca l l i euns t r a ppe dhe r s e l fa ndgr a bbe dhe rpa c k,f e e l i nga r us hofa dr e na l i ns pi l lt hr oughhe rve i nsa ss hef a c e dhe rve r yf i r s tc a l l .Tooba di tha dt o bei nt hec ompa nyofFr a z e rMc I nne s ,s hegr ous e dt ohe r s e l f ,f ol l owi ngc l os eonhi she e l s a sher a nt owa r dst het a ngl e dwr e c ka ge .He rne wboot s ,pr ot e c t e dwi t hs t e e lt oe c a psa nd a nkl es uppor t s ,s t i l lf e l tc umbe r s ome ,whi l et hef ul lpa c ks hec a r r i e dwa she a vy,buts he ke ptupa st he ywe r edi r e c t e dbyawa i t i ngpol i c e ma nt owa r dst hewor s toft hei nj ur e d. Theot he r ,l e s ss e r i ousc a s ua l t i e s ,we r ea l r e a dybe i nga s s e s s e da ndt a ke nt ohos pi t a lby r oa d. ` He l l o,Ror y,wha tdoweha ve ? 'Fr a z e re nqui r e da st he yc a met oaha l tbe s i det he ma ngl e dr e ma i nsofac a r . ` Hi ,Doc , ' t hepa r a me di cons c e negr e e t e dhi m,gi vi ngba s i cde t a i l soft hepa t i e nta nd he rc ondi t i on,whi l ehi spa r t ne r ,Ti m,r e ma i ne di nt hec a nt o moni t orhe ra st he f i r e f i gh t e r swor ke d.` He rna mei sBa r ba r aAl l e n,f i f t yoneye a r sol d.Weha veane c k c ol l a ronhe ra sapr e c a ut i ona nds he ' sr e c e i vi ngoxyge n.She ' sc ons c i ous ,butha vi ng di f f i c ul t yt a l ki nga ndbr e a t hi ng,a nds he ' sc ompl a i ni ngofc he s tpa i ns .Nohe a di nj u r y,

a nda sf a ra swec a nt e l lhe rl e gsa r ec l e a r .Thepr obl e mwa st hebuc kl i ng,a ndt hewa y t hes t e e r i ngc ol umnc a ve di nt ohe rc he s ta nda bdome n. ' Fe a r i ngi nt e r na li nj ur i e s ,Ca l l i es e toutt he i rpa c ksa ndr e a di e dhe r s e l f ,wa i t i ngf or t he i rc a s ua l t yt obef r e e d.Anot he rf e w mome nt sa ndt hef i r e f i ght e r sha dge nt l ya nd s ki l f ul l yr e move dt hewoma nf r o mhe rc a r ,aba c kboa r di npl a c ea sapr e c a ut i on.Fr a z e r kne l toppos i t ehe r ,s pe a ki ngr e a s s ur i ngl ya shec a r r i e douthi spr e l i mi na r ya s s e s s me nt . ' Ca nyouhe a rme ,Ba r ba r a ?Myna me ' sFr a z e r ,I ' m adoc t or ,a ndt hi si sCa l l i e ,a pa r a me di c .Iknowyoua r es c a r e d,a ndi npa i n,butwe ' r egoi ngt odoa i lwec a nt oma ke youmor ec omf or t a bl ea ndge tyouof ft ohos pi t a l , ' het ol dhe r ,hi svoi c ec a l m,i ns t i l l i ng c onf i de nc e .Ca l l i ehe l dBa r ba r a ' sha nd,f e e l i ngt hes l i ghts que e z eofhe rf i nge r sa sFr a z e r c ont i nue d.` Ar eyouhur t i nga nywhe r ee l s ebutyourc he s t ,Ba r ba r a ?Anypa i ni nyo ur t ummy? ' ` No. 'Ther e s pons ewa swe a k,a ndpl a i nl yt hewoma nwa sf i ndi ngi ti nc r e a s i n gl y di f f i c ul tt obr e a t he . Ca l l i es mi l e da tRor ya st heot he rpa r a me di ct ookove rmoni t or i ngt heoxyge nf l ow a nds a t ur a t i on,r e pl a c i ngt hema s kove rBa r ba r a ' sf a c e ,l e a vi ngCa l l i ef r e et oc a r r youthe r ownobs e r va t i onsa nddowha tne e de dt obedone . ` Ai r wa yi sc l e a r ,s a t ur a t i onn i ne t yt wope rc e ntonoxyge n,r e s pi r a t i onst we nt yo ne , pul s eonet we nt y,bl oodpr e s s ur eone t e nove rs e ve nt yf i ve ,pupi l se ve na ndr e a c t i vet o l i ght , 's hei nf or me d Fr a z e rwh e n heha df i ni s he dl i s t e ni ng t ot hepa t i e nt ' sc he s t . ` Une qua la i re nt r y, ' her e por t e dwi t haf r own.` He rl e f tl ungs oundsc l e a r ,buts heha s br oke nr i bsont her i ghta ndhe rr i ghtl ungi shype r r e s ona nt ,nobr e a t hs ounds . ' ` Pne umot hor a x? ' Fr a z e rnodde d,s pa r i nghe ragl a nc ef r om t hos er i c hda r ke ye s onet ha tmi ghtha ve be e nbr i e fbuts t i l lha dt hee f f e c tofaphys i c a lt ouc h,s e ndi ngapr i c kl eofunwa nt e d a wa r e ne s sa l onghe rs pi n. ` Le t ' sge tt owor k. ' Ca l l i ewa st ha nkf ult os na phe r s e l foutofhe rmome ntofma dne s sa ndf ol l owFr a z e r ' s de c r e e . I mpr e s s e dbyCa l l i e ' squi e te f f i c i e nc y,Fr a z e rnot e dt ha ts heha da l r e a dyi ns e r t e done l a r ge b or ec a nnul aa ndwa sr u nni ngt hec ol l oi di nf us i onheha dr e que s t e dbe f or e obt a i ni ngas e c ondI Va c c e s s .Hega vet heor de rf ora na l ge s i a ,c onf i r mi ngt hec or r e c t dos a gebe f or ei twa sa dmi ni s t e r e d.Whi l ehepr e pa r e dt ode c ompr e s st hepne umot hor a x, gi vi ngl oc a la na e s t he t i ct oe a s et hepa t i e nt ' sdi s t r e s s ,Ca l l i es pokequi e t l yt oBa r ba r a , r e a s s ur i nghe r . Whe nhewa sr e a dyt opr oc e e d,Ca l l i eha das i xt e e nga ugec a nnul awa i t i ngf orh i m, a ndhef e l tf ort hei nt e r c os t a ls pa c ebe t we e nt hes e c onda ndt hi r dr i bsi nt hemi dc l a vi c ul a rf i nebe f or ei ns e r t i ngi t ,s a t i s f i e dwhe nhehe a r dt hehi s sofga sa shewi t hdr e w t hene e dl e .Ta pewa spr e pa r e df orhi mwi t houtt hene e dt oa s k,a l ongwi t ha l lher e qui r e d t oi ns e r tac he s tdr a i nont hea f f e c t e dr i de .Hema det hei nc i s i ona bovet hes i xt hr i ba nd s pr e a dt het i s s ue sdownt ot hepl e ur a ls pa c e .Af t e rpunc t ur i ngt hepl e ur awi t ha r t e r y f or c e ps ,hef e l twi t hagl ove df i nge rt oma kes ur et hepa s s a gewa sc l e a rbe f or ei ns e r t i ng t hedr a i n,c onne c t i ngi tt ot hes e a la nds e c ur i ngi ti npl a c e .Ta ki nghi ss t e t hos c ope ,he l i s t e ne da ga i nt ohi spa t i e nt ' sc he s ta ndnodde d.

' OK,I ' mdone .Eve r yt hi ngs e t ? ' AtCa l l i e ' sc onf i r ma t i on,a nda f t e ra not he rr undown ofBa r b a r a ' sobs ,t he ybe ga npa c ki ngupa ndr e a di e dt he i rpa t i e ntf ort r a ns f e r .` Le t ' sge t youof ft ohos pi t a l ,Ba r ba r a . ' Wi l l i ngha ndsa i de dt he ma st he yhur r i e dt hes t r e t c he rba c kt ot hehe l i c opt e r ,whe r e Cr a i gwa swa i t i ng,a ndFr a z e rt ha nke dpa r a me di c sRor ya ndTi mf ort he i rva l ua bl ehe l p. Onc eonboa r d,hewa si mpr e s s e dwi t ht hewa yCa l l i ehe l dBa r ba r a ' sha nd,he rga z ea l e r t a ss hec ons t a nt l yc he c ke dt hemoni t or sf ora nyc ha ngei nobs e r va t i onr e a di ngsor c ondi t i on,whi l et i l lf i ndi ngt i met os pa c es omer e a s s ur i ngwor ds . Tha nkf ul l yi twa sas hor tf l i ghtt oSt r a t hl oc ha nHos pi t a l ,a ndwi t hi nmi nut e st he y we r ewhe e l i ngt hes t r e t c he ri nt oA a ndEt obeme tbyWi l lBr own,oneoft hed ut y doc t or s ,whowhi s ke dt hei nj ur e dwoma ns t r a i ghti nt oRe s us ,whe r et hewa i t i ngt e a ms e t t owor k. Cons c i ousofCa l l i e ' s. pr e s e n c ebe s i dehi m,t hef a i nthi ntofhe rs e xyc oc onuts c e nt t e a s i ng hi m,he s t e ppe da wa y ,di s t ur be d by hi sa wa r e ne s s .For c i ng hi ms e l ft o c onc e nt r a t e ,Fr a z e rga vef ul lde t a i l soft het r e a t me ntgi ve na ndt hes t a t eofBa r ba r a ' s c ondi t i ona tt hes c e neoft hea c c i de nta ndont hej our ne y. ` Goodj ob,Ca l l i e . 'Hes mi l e da the ra st he ywhe e l e dt he i rs t r e t c he rba c kt ot he he l i c opt e r ,ke e pi nghi spr a i s eu nde r s t a t e da shes e ns e dhe re a s enow t hee me r ge nc y s i t ua t i onwa sove r .Tha nkyouyoudi dwe l loutt he r e . ' Abr i e fnodwa she ronl yr e s pons ebe f or es hec l i mbe da boa r da nds t r a ppe dhe r s e l f ba c ki n . Fr a z e rs i ghe d. He ha d be e n pl e a s a nt l ys ur pr i s e da tf i ndi ng Ca l l i ec a i r n, knowl e dge a bl ea nde f f i c i e nt ,nott ome nt i onc a r i ngoft he i rpa t i e nt .Shemi ghtl ooka si fa gus tofwi ndwoul dknoc khe rove r ,buts heha ds howns ur pr i s i ngphys i c a ls t r e ngt h,a nd me nt a l l ys hea ppe a r e da st ougha sna i l s .Andnotr e mot e l yr e a dyt of or gi vehi m.Cl e a r l y t hi ngswe r enotgoi ngt or uns mo ot hl ywi t ht her e s toft he i rwor ki ngr e l a t i ons hi p,a ndhe woul dha veaj obonhi sha ndst ome ndf e nc e sa ndma keupf ort he i runf or t una t es t a r t . The yha dha r dl ya r r i ve dba c ka tba s e ,t a ki ngt i met or e s t oc kt hee me r ge nc ypa c ks , c he c kt hedr ugsa ndf i l li nt her e qui r e dpa pe r wor k,be f or et he ywe r ec a l l e douta ga i n.I t s e tt hepa t t e r nf ort her e s toft heda y.The yha dar us he dl unc hont her un,a ndt h e r e wa s n' te ve nl i mef ort he i rc ha twi t hAr c hi eSt e wa r t . Thef r e e z i ngwe a t he rha dbr oughtwi t hi ta nups ur gei nr oa dt r a f f i cc ol l i s i ons ,a swe l l a sot he ri nc i de nt s ,a ndont opoft he s et he r ewa sac a l l outt oawoma ns uf f e r i ngahe a r t a t t a c k,a ndt oat e e na ge ra ta nou t l yi ngf a r mwhos eGP,ConorAnde r s on,ha ddi a gnos e d abur s ta ppe ndi xa ndwhone e de dt oge tt ohos pi t a la ss wi f t l ya spos s i bl ef ora nur ge nt ope r a t i on. Now t he ywe r eont he i rwa yba c kt oSt r a t hl oc ha na f t e rt he i rl a s tj oboft hed a y: t r a ns f e r r i ngapa t i e ntwi t hana s t yhe a di nj ur yt ot hene ur ol ogi c a luni ti nGl a s gow.Hi s c ondi t i onha dgi ve nc a us ef orc onc e r nont hef l i ght ,a ndFr a z e rha dbe e nr e l i e ve dt oha ve Ca l l i e ' se xpe r the l pbe f or et he yha nde dt hepa t i e ntove rt ot hes pe c i a l i s tt e a mwhowoul d c a r ef o rhi m. Fr a z e rgl a nc e da c r os sa tCa l l i e ,he re ye sc l os e da ss her e l a xe dont hef l i ghthome . Thr oughouta ni nor di na t e l ybus yda yheha dke ptas ur r e pt i t i ouse yeonhi sne wpa r t ne r , f i ndi nghi ms e l fmor ea ndmor ei nt r i gue dbya l lhe rc ont r a di c t i onsa sl i mewe nton.He ha ddi s c ove r e dt ha tCa l l i ewa smos tc omf or t a bl ewhe ns hewa soc c upi e di nhe rr ol ea s pa r a me di c .He rune a s ewa sonl ya ppa r e nti npe r s ona ls i t ua t i ons .Whi l es hepr oj e c t e d

mos to ft hec hi l lont ohi m,s hewa sr e s e r ve dwi t he ve r yoneout s i deawor ks e t t i ng,a nd unwi l l i nga nda wkwa r dwhe na s ke dque s t i onsa bouthe r s e l f .Ye ts hewa swa r ma nd f r i e ndl yt opa t i e nt sa nda nyc ol l e a gue swor ki ngwi t hhe r .Onc et hei nc i de ntwa sove rs he c l os e di nonhe r s e l fa ga i n.I nt e r e s t i ng.Hes e ns e dt he r ewa smuc hbe ne a t ht hes ur f a c et ha t Ca l l i ewa shi di ngf r omt hewor l d. Gi ve nt he i rdi s a s t r ouss t a r t ,Fr a z e rha de xpe c t e dwor ki ngwi t hCa l l i et obet or t ur ous . Butnot hi ngpr ove df ur t he rf r omt het r ut h.He ' dr a r e l yha dt oa s kf ora nyt hi ng.Ca l l i ewa s a na ma z i ngl yc ompe t e ntpa r a me di ca nds e e mi ngl yunf l a ppa bl e .Hewa ss t unne da thow qui c kl ys hes e e me dt oa nt i c i pa t ee ve r yt hi nghene e de d,f r ome qui pme ntt ome di c a t i ons .I t wa sa si fs hewa si ns i dehi she a d,i nt e r pr e t i nghi st hought sbe f or ehe ' de ve nr e gi s t e r e d t he m.Wha t e ve rdi f f i c ul t i e st he yha dge t t i nga l ongonape r s ona ll e ve l ,t he y' dma dea uni que l ys pe c i a lt e a mont hej obs ome t hi ngt ha tus ua l l yt ookwe e ksormont hst obui l d. He ' dn e ve rwor ke dwi t ha nyones oa t t une dt ohi m. . .a ndc e r t a i nl ynoti nt hes pa c eofa da y.Whi c hwa sabi ts c a r y,t oo. Hewa st hi nki ngf a r ,f a rt oomuc ha boutCa l l i eGr oga n. I twa sda r kbyt het i met he yc a met ol a nda tt heba s ei nSt r a t hl oc ha n,a ndt he t e mpe r a t ur ewa sdr oppi nge ve nf ur t he r ,s i gna l l i nga not he ri c yni ghtt oc ome .Whi l eCr a i g di dhi sownc he c ksoft hea i r c r a f t ,a ndt a l ke dt ot het e c hni c i a nswhowoul dwor koni t ove r ni ght ,Fr a z e ra c c ompa ni e dCa l l i et ot hes uppl yr oom,r e s t oc ki ngt hepa c ksa nd c he c ki ngt hedr ugs ,ma ki ngs ur ea l lwa si nor de rf ort hec r e wwhowoul dbet a ki ngove r f r omt h e m` Ti r e d? ' Fr a z e ra s ke d,l ooki ngupwi t ha nunde r s t a ndi ngs mi l ea ss hes t i f l e da ya wn. ` Abi t . ' She ' dgonea l ls t i f fa nda wkwa r dwi t hhi ma ga i n,henot e d.` Ie nj oyt hewo r k, t hough. ' Fr a z e rnodde d,f i l l i ngi na ni n c i de ntr e por tf or mwa t c hi nghe routoft hec or ne rofhi s e ye .` Ic a ns e ct ha t .Youwe r ee xc e l l e ntt oda y. ' ` Tha nks . ' Wa st ha taf a i ntt i ngeofc ol ours t a i ni ng,he rc he e ksa thi sa ppr ova l ? ` Fa nc yc omi ngoutForadr i n k? ' hea s ke dc a s ua l l y.hopi ngt oe ndt heda yonal i ght e r a ndmor ef r i e ndl ynot ea f t e rt heunf or t una t ewa yi tha dbe gun.` We ' r egoi ngt obe wor ki ngc l os e l yt oge t he r ,a ndi t ' sbe es obus yt oda yweha ve n' tha dac ha nc et oge tt o knowe a c hot he r . ' Themi nus c ul ehi ntofwa r mt hs heha ds hownwa sr e pl a c e dwi t hwa r i ne s s ,he rwhol e bodyt e ns i ng,da r ks ha dowsf or mi ngi nt hos ei nc r e di bl epur pl ee ye s .' No,t ha nks . ' ' Ca l l i e ,Ir e a l l ywa ntt oma kea me ndsf ore a r l i e r . ' t r i e da not he rs mi l e ,buts hemov e d t owa r dst hedoor ,put t i ngdi s t a nc ebe t we e nt he m. ` Iha veot he rt hi ngst odo. ' Hewa t c he da ss het ookar i ngof ft hec ha i na r oundhe rne c ka nds l i ppe di tonhe r f i nge r .Fr a z e rs t a r e da tt hes i mpl egol dba nd,c onf us e da tt hef e e l i ngsc hur ni ngi ns i de hi m.` You' r ema r r i e d? ' Theque s t i onpoppe dout ,a ndhec ur s e dt het e l l t a l es hoc ki nhi s voi c e . ` Mmm. ' ` Idi dn' tr e a l i s e . 'Tha twa s n' tas i c ke ni ngs e ns eofdi s a ppoi nt me ntc hi l l i nghi m.No wa y.Hedi dn' te ve nknow he r-di dn' tl i kehe r .Shewa spr i c kl ya nddi f f i c ul t .No,he wa s n' ti nt e r e s t e di nCa l l i eGr oga ni na nywa yot he rt ha ne s t a bl i s hi ngac omf or t a bl e wor ki ngr e l a t i ons hi p.

` Wha t ' st hema t t e r ?Af r a i dmyhus ba ndwi l lbema dwhe nhehe a r sa boutt hewa yy ou " i nt r oduc e d"your s e l ft hi smor ni ng? ' Hi sj a wt i ght e ne da tt hemoc ki ngs a r c a s mi nhe ri c e .` No. ' Idon' ti ma gi nedi s gr unt l e dhus ba ndsa r ee nt i r e l yne wt oyou' ` Wha tt hehe l ldoe st ha tme a n ? ' hegr i t t e d,ba nki ngaf l a r eofa nge r . Shega veadi s mi s s i ves hr ug.` I nt hes hor tt i meI ' vebe e nhe r e ,e ve r yoneha ss e e me d i nt e ntonf i l l i ngmei nonyourl e ge nda r yr e put a t i on. . .Appa r e nt l yt he yc a n' ts e ehow uni nt e r e s t i ngt ha ti s .Exc us eme .Iha veahomet ogot o. ' Andahus ba ndwa i t i ngf orhe rt oge tt he r e .Fr a z e rwa nt e dt ogr owloutl oud.Tha tor t hr ows ome t hi ngBl oodywoma n.She ' dgotunde rhi ss ki n.Noti nagoodwa y,butl i kea n a nnoyi ng,pe r s i s t e ntgr a s ss e e d,wor mi ngi t swa yi nt ohi sf l e s h,i r r i t a t i nghi ma nd r e s i s t i nga i le f f or t st or e movei t .He ' da l wa ysl a ughe dof fhi se xa gge r a t e dr e put a t i on,but t hes c a t hi ngwa yCa l l i eha dl ooke da thi m ha ds t ung.Hewa s n' tdi eki ndofma ns he t houghthewa s .Da mne di fhekne wwhyi ts houl dma t t e rwha ts het houghtofhi m,bu ti t di d.Andt ha tma dehi mma dde rt ha ne ve r . Ha mi s hnuz z l e da ga i ns thi m,a ndFr a z e rs c r a t c he dt hel oya ll i t t l edogbe hi ndt hee a r s . Atl e a s thec oul dc ountons ome body.Tohe l lwi t hCa l l i eGr oga n.Shewa snot hi ngt o hi m.I twa sabonust ha tt he ywor kwe l lt oge t he r ,buti twa sc l e a rt ha ta nyf r i e nds hi por unde r s t a ndi ngbe yondt ha twa sn e ve rgoi ngt oha ppe n.Sobei t .I ft ha twa st hewa ys he wa nt e dt hi ngs ,i twa sf i newi t hhi m.Hewoul dn' tgi vet hei nf ur i a t i ngwoma na not he r t hought . Al owwoofdr e whi mf r omhi sr e ve r i e . ` You' r er i ght ,Ha mi s h.Li f ei st oos hor t .Le t ' sgoutofhe r ea ndha ves omef un. ' Thedogt r ot t i nga thi she e l s ,hewe ntt oc ompl e t et heha ndove rt ot hes hi f tc omi ng onf ort heni ght ,l e f tapi l eofpa pe r wor konAr c hi e ' sde s ka nd,a f t e rphoni ngt hehos p i t a l t oc he c kont hec ondi t i onoft hec a s ua l t i e st he yha ds e e nt ha tda y,f e e l i ngpl e a s e da l lwe r e s t a bl e ,we ntt oc ol l e c thi st hi ngsbe f or ehe a di ngf orhome .He ' dpi c kups omef l owe r sa nd pa yav i s i tt ot heonewoma nwhoa l wa ysga vehi mawa r mwe l c ome .Hi sgr a ndmot he r , Li l y.Thede c i s i onma de ,l i es l i ppe douthi sc e l l phonea ndpr e s s e dt heke yf oroneoft he f e wnumbe r sheha dons pe e ddi a l . ` Hi ,s we e t he a r t ,i t ' sme , ' hegr e e t e d,s mi l i nga tt her oundoft hef a mi l i a rvoi c e . ` How' smyf a vour i t ewoma n?No,I ' ml e a vi ngnow.It houghtI ' dpi c ks ome t hi ngup a nds pe ndt hee ve ni ngwi t hyou.Ofc our s e !YouknowI ' ddoa nyt hi ngf oryou!Se eyou s oon. ' Fr a z e r ' ss e xyvoi c ea ndi nt i ma t ewor dsr a ngi nCa l l i e ' se a r s .Sheduc ke dba c ki nt ot he f e ma l el oc ke rr oom,c ur s i nghe r s e l ff ore a ve s dr oppi ng,e ve ni fi tha dbe e na c c i de nt a l . Andt ot hi nks heha dc ons i de r e da pol ogi s i ngf ort ur ni ngdownFr a z e r ' si nvi t a t i on.I t ha dn' tt a ke nhi ml ongt of i ndupa not he rda t ef ort hee ve ni ngwi t honeofhi sma ny wome n,ha di t ?Howf ool i s hofhe rt oe ve rt hi nkheha dbe e ns i nc e r e ,ge nui ne .Col l e c t i ng he rt hi ngs ,t ha nkf ult oa voi ds e e i nghi ma ga i n,s hema dehe re s c a pe ,f r e t t i nga l lhe rwa y homet ot hes ma l lhous es heha dr e nt e dt own. She ' dba i t e dFr a z e ronpur pos e ,a nde ve nt houghs hewa sa nnoye da tt hewa yheha d r e a c t e d,t ur ni ngs wi f t l yt ooneofhi swome n,s henowf e l tba da bouthe rowna c t i ons . Mos t l ybe c a us ehe rr e a s oni ngwa ss os ke we d.She ' dbe e ns c a r e dofwe a ke ni ng,s os he ha dde l i be r a t e l yc r e a t e dmor eofaba r r i e rbe t we e nt he mj us ta ss heha dus e dhe rwe ddi ng

r i nga sa ne mot i ona ls hi e l d,s l i ppi ngi tba c konhe rf i nge ri nf r ontofFr a z e ra sa s t a t e me nt .I tc e r t a i nl ywa s n' tbe c a us es hewa nt e da nyr e mi nde roff e c kl e s s ,unc a r i ngEd, t hema nwhoha ddonear unne ra f t e raf e wmont hsofma r r i a ge ,r e j e c t i nghe rt hemome nt t hi ngsha dbe c omer e mot e l yt ough.Ac yni c a ls mi l et wi s t e dhe rl i psa ss het houghtoft he vowst he yha dma dea tt her e gi s t e rof f i c e .Forbe t t e rorwor s e ,i ns i c kne s sa ndi nhe a l t h. Ye a h,r i ght .Ba s t a r d. Onc ehome ,s het e l lt het e ns i onoft heda ydr a i noutofhe r .Shewa se xha us t e dt he y ha dbe e nma ni a c a l l ybus ya ndye tt hee xhi l a r a t i onoft hej obwa se ve r yt hi ngs heha d i ma gi ne di twoul dbe .Thebuz z ,t hea dr e na l i nr us h,ne ve rknowi ngwha twa sgoi ngt o ha ppe nne xt .I fonl yi twa sa i ll i ket ha t ,wi t hnoneoft hedi f f i c ul tmome nt swi t hFr a z e ri n be t we e n,orCr a i ga ndt heot he r sa s ki ngque s t i onsa bouthe rt ha ts hedi dn' twa ntt o a ns we r . Eye swa t c he dhe ra ss hef l opp e ddownont hes of a . ` Youwa ntt oknowa boutmyda y? ' s hea s ke dofhe rs i l e nta udi e nc e ,t ha nkf ult oha ve s ome onewi t hwhoms hec oul dl e tof fs t e a m.` Ima dea ni di otofmys e l f .Thewor kpa r t wa sgood,t hough.Mor et ha ngood.Il ove di t .Butme e t i ngFr a z e rMc l nne swa sa n e xpe r i e nc e1' l lne ve rf or ge t . ' Fr a z e r .J us tt hi nki nga bouthi mbr oughtami xofuns e t t l i ngs e ns a t i ons .Shec oul ds t i l l r e me mbe rt hef e e lofhi sha ndsonhe rf ort hos ebr i e fmome nt s ,t hea wa r e ne s st ha tha d r i ppl e dt hr oughhe r ,t hene e dyr e s pons eofhe rbody.I tha ds hoc ke dhe r .Thel a s tt hi ng s heha de xpe c t e dwa st obea t t r a c t e dt ohi m.Andhowe ve rmuc hs hewi s he dt ode nyi t a nds hewoul dne ve ra dmi ti tt oa not he rl i vi ngs oul Fr a z e rwa st hemos tde l i c i ous l ys e xy ma ns heha de ve rme t .Nowond e rheha dwome nf a l l i ngove rt he ms e l ve st oc a t c hhi s a t t e nt i on.Tha tbr oughtar e t ur nofhe rs c owla ss hewonde r e dwhohewa swi t ht ha tni ght , whoha df i l l e dt hega pa f t e rs heha dt ur ne ddownadr i nkwi t hhi m.Nott ha ts hewa s i nt e r e s t e d. Ont hepr of e s s i ona ls i de ,Fr a z e rwa sa na ma z i ngdoc t or notj us ts ki l l e d,butc a i r na nd e mpa t he t i cwi t hpa t i e nt s ,t oo.Shea dmi r e dt ha t .Shedi dn' twa ntt o,di dn' twa ntt ol i ke a nyt hi nga bouthi m,buthe ' ds l i ppe dunde rhe rs ki ni nj us toneda y.I nf ut ur es hes houl d ha vet obec a r e f ult oma kes ur es hema i nt a i ne dhe rdi s t a nc e ,be c a us es heve r ymuc h f e a r e ds hec oul dbea sf ool i s ha st hene xtwoma na ndl os ehe rhe a di fs hea l l owe dt ha t s t e a l t hyc ha r ma ndbl a t a nts e xua l i t yt oa f f e c the r . ` Tha nkyou.Ic oul dus eac uddl er i ghta boutnow. ' Shes mi l e da she ra udi e nc eoft wo r e s c uec a t ss i dl e dCl os e ra ndvi e df orpr i mepos i t i oni nhe rl a p,pur r i ngwi t hc ont e nt me nt a ss hes t r oke dt he i rs of tf ur .` Andheha sadog. ' Thepur r i ngbr i e f l yc e a s e d,a nds hec oul d a l mos ts e ebot hc a t sna r r owt he i rgr e e ne ye sa tt heme nt i onoft he` d' wor d.` Exa c t l y.You woul dn' tl i keHa mi s h,woul dyou ?Showsj us thowpol a roppos i t eFr a z e ra ndIa r e .We ' r e a sdi f f e r e nta s . . . we l l ,c a t sa nddogs .Anywa y,not hi ngc oul de ve rc omeofa nyunl i ke l y a t t r a c t i on. ' Noti fFr a z e r ora nyma nf oundoutt het r ut ha bouthe r ,s hea dde ds i l e nt l y,he r j a ws t i f f e ni ngwi t hs t ubbor npr i dea ss hef oughtba c ka nyhi ntofs e l fpi t y.` Muc ht hebe s t t hi ngt of oc usonwor ka ndwor ko nl y.Whone e dsama n,a nywa y? ' Pa wsge nt l ykne a de dhe rt hi gha ndCa l l i es i ghe d. di s gr unt l e dwi t hhe rt hought s , t ur ni nghe ra t t e nt i onba c kt ohe rc ompa ni ons .Bot hc a t sha dbe e ns t uc ki nas he l t e ri n Gl a s gowf oral ongt i me ,unwa nt e dbe c a us et he ywe r e n' tpe r f e c t .Pe c a nha dl os tpa r the r t a i l ,a n dMa pl eha dne e de donef r ontl e ga mput a t i ona f t e rbe i nghi tbyac a r .Ca l l i ekne w a l la boutnotbe i ngpe r f e c t ,a nda boutr e j e c t i on,s os heha di mme di a t ebe e ndr a wnt ot he

t womi ddl e a ge ds i nt e r s .The r ene ve rbe e na nydoubtt ha tt hepa i rwe r ec omi ngho me wi t hhe r .The ywe r ebot ha nunus ua lda r kt or t oi s e st he i rc oa t ss t r e a ke da ndmot t l e dwi t h s ha de sofgol dbuf f ,c oppe ra ndbr own.Sheha dc hos e nt he i rna me ' spa r t l yduet ot h e i r c ol oura ndpa r t l yduet ohe rf a vor i t ef l a vour si nDa ni s hpa s t r i e sa ndi c ec r e a m,f orwhi c h s heha das i nf ulpa s s i on. Shewa sdi s c onc e r t e dt ha tt ho ught sofs i nf ulpa s s i onbr oughtFr a z e rba c kt omi nd.No wa ywa ss hegoi ngt he r e .Buts heha dbe e na ma z e da thow we l lt he yha dwor ke d t oge t he r a si ft he yha dbe e ndoi ngi tf orye a r sa ndwe r ea l r e a dya ne s t a bl i s he dt e a m. Wha t e ve re l s es het houghtofhi ma nds her e a l l ydi dn' twa ntt os pe ndt ool onga s s e s s i ng he rdi s t ur bi ngpe r s ona lr e a c t i ont ot hema nFr a z e rwa sa ne xc e pt i ona ldoc t or .Tha t i mpr e s s i onha donl ybe e ne nha nc e da she rf i r s tda ywhi z z e dby,l e a vi nghe rl i t t l et i met o wor r ya boutFr a z e rt hema na ss h ewor ke da l ongs i dehi mwi t hi nc r e a s i nga dmi r a t i onhi s me di c a ls ki ps . He rne wl i f ei nSt r a t hl oc ha nwa sf i l l e dwi t ha ndpr omi s e .Shet houghtofAnni e We bs t e rr e a l i s e ds heha dt heopp or t uni t yt oma kehe roner e a lf r i e nd.Ma ybemor et ha n one .Pe r ha psc oul de ve nc omet of e e la si fs hebe l onge ds ome whe r ef ort hef i r s tt i mei n he rl i f e .Andma ybe ,j us tma ybe ,t hi sChr i s t ma swoul dn' tbeal one l yone .Al ls heha dt o dowa sf i ndt hec our a ger e a c houta ndt a kewha ts hes e ns e dwa spos s i bl e . I ta l mos ts ounde de a s y,buts h ekne wi tc oul dn' tbe . Asf orwor k,t hej obi t s e l fwa se ve r yt hi ngs heha di ma gi ne d.Theonl ypr obl e mwa s Fr a z e r .Buts hec oul dn' ta l l owt h epl a yboydoc t ora ndhe runwa nt e dr e a c t i ont ohi mt o s poi lt hebe s tc ha nc es heha df oras t a r t .I nt heda ysa ndwe e ksa he a ds hej us thope ds he c oul dke e puphe rgua r da nde ns ur et ha ta nyde a l i ngswi t hFr a z e rr e ma i ne ds t r i c t l y pr of e s s i ona l . CHAPTERTHREE ` LI Es t i l l ,Pa ul . ' Fr a z e rhe a r dt hee dgeofe xa s pe r a t i oni nCa l l i e ' svoi c ea ss hes t r uggl e dt oi ns e r tt he f i r s toft wol a r ge bor ec a nnul a ewhi l ec opi ngwi t ht he i rf r a c t i ouspa t i e nt .` He ' si n hypovol a e mi cs hoc k, 'hec omme nt e d,knowi ngt ha ta c c ount e df ors omeoft heyoung ma n' sc onf us i ona nda ggr e s s i on. Thee me r ge nc yc a l lha dc omei na tf ouri nt hemor ni ng,wa ki ngt he mf r om al i ght doz ea f t e rwha tha dbe e nt hequi e t e s ts hi f ts of a r t hef i na lonei nt he i rf i r s ts i xda y r ot a t i ont oge t he r .Nowt he ywe r ekne e l i ngont heha r dwe tt a r ma c .I twa sda r k,r a i ni ng a ndf r e e z i ngc ol d,a ndt heonl ya va i l a bl el i ghtc a mef r omt hehe a dl i ght soft he i rve hi c l e a ndt ha toft hepol i c ec a rons c e ne .The yha da r r i ve da tt hes i t eoft hea c c i de ntt of i nd t we nt yt woye a r ol dPa uli npa i na ndunc oope r a t i vet os a yt hel e a s t .Hi spul s e r a t ewa s hi gh,hewa st a c hyc a r di c ,hi sbl o odpr e s s ur es howe dnor ma ls ys t ol i cbutr a i s e ddi a s t ol i c l e ve l s , hewa sc ol da ndc l a mmya ndhi ss ki nha da nunna t ur a lpa l l or . ` Ge tof fme , ' t hema nc ompl a i ne d,notf ort hef i r s tt i me . Ca l l i e ' svoi c er e ma i ne da dmi r a bl yc a l m.` Le tushe l pyou. ' Pa ulha ds uf f e r e das e r i ousl e gi nj ur ywhe nheha dbe e nknoc ke dof fhi sbi ke ,t r yi ng t oc yc l eba c kt oa nout l yi ngvi l l a gef r omoneoft heni ght c l ubsi nSt r a t hl oc ha n.Ahi ta nd r un,a c c or di ngt ot hel oc a lpol i c e ma nwhoha dbe e nf i r s tont hes c e ne ,a ndwhor e ma i n e d

nowt oa s s i s tt he m,wi t hhi spa r t ne rt a ki nge vi de nc e .Pa ulha daba dl ybr oke nl e f tl e g, wi t hope nf r a c t ur e sofbot hf i bul aa ndt i bi aa ppa r e nt .Cons i de r a bl ebl oodl os s ,c ombi n e d wi t hpos s i bl ei nt e r na li nj ur i e sa ndbl e e di ng,ha dr e s ul t e di nhi mgoi ngi nt ohypovol a e mi c s hoc k.AsCa l l i ec onc e nt r a t e donge t t i ngf l ui dsi nt ohi m,a l ongwi t ht hea na l ge s i ah e ' d pr e s c r i be d,Fr a z e rwa swor ki ngt os t e mt heha e mor r ha gei nt hel e g. . . br i ngi ngt hebone s ba c ki nt of i net or e s t or ec i r c ul a t i ont ot hef oot ,ma i nt a i ni ngpr e s s ur ea ndr a i s i ngt hel i mb t oc ont r olt hebl e e di ng. ` How' shedoi ng? 'Fr a z e ra s ke d,wa i t i nga sCa l l i er e c he c ke dt hevi t a ls i gns ,c a l l i ng t he mof ft ohi m. ` Ca pi l l a r yr e f i l li ss l ow,pul s eone t we nt y,noc ha ngei nbl oodpr e s s ur e ,r e s pi r a t i on t we nt ype rmi nut e ,s a t ur a t i onni ne t yt wope rc e ntonoxyge n. ' ` Tha nks .Runas e c ondpa c ko fHa r t ma nn' si n,pl e a s e ,Ca l l i e . ' Ass hemove dt odoa sr e q ue s t e dPa ull a s he dout ,t hr a s hi ngont hegr ound.Hi s powe r f ula r mc a ughthe rwi t hahe a vybl owont hes houl de r ,s e ndi nghe rs pr a wl i ng,a nd s hec r i e douta ss hei mpa c t e dwi t ht hec r a s hba r sont hef r ontoft he i ra l l t e r r a i nve hi c l e , s ma s hi ngt her i bshi ghuponhe rr i ghts i de .` Ca l l i e ! ' Hi she a r tt huddi ngwi t hc onc e r n,f r us t r a t e dbe c a us ehewa suna bl et ol e a vehi spos t a ndr e duc epr e s s ur eonPa ul ' sl e g,Fr a z e rc oul donl ywa t c ha soneoft het wopol i c e me n r a na c r os st ohe l phe r .Gi nge r l ys hes t e a di e dhe r s e l f ,buthes a w he rwi nc e ,he rha nd br i e f l ys t r a yi ngt oapl a c ehi gho nhe rr i ghts i de .Cur s i ngunde rhi sbr e a t h,hea c c e pt e d t hepol i c e ma n' sa s s i s t a nc et oc ont r olt hepa t i e nt ' smove me nt s . ` Ca l l i e ,a r eyoua l lr i ght ? 'hede ma nde d,hi sga z er a ki ngove rhe ra ss her e t ur ne dt o he rpl a c ea nds e tupt hee xt r aI Vf l ui di nf us i onheha da s ke df or . ` I ' mf i ne . 'Hewa ss ur es hewa sl yi ng.Shet r i e dt oma r ki t ,buthec oul dhe a rt he s ha ki ne s si nhe rvoi c e .' I ' mr unni ngt heHa r t ma nn' snow. ' Fr a z e rbe c kone dt ot hepol i c e ma n.' Cmyoupul ls omegl ove sona ndputpr e s s ur eon t hi sl e g?Tha t ' si t j us tt he r e .Tha nks .Ca l l i e ,I ' mgoi ngt os e da t ea ndt ubehi m.Anywor d ont heot he rpa r a me di ct e a ma r r i vi ng? 'heque r i e d,movi ngupt ot heot he rs i deoft he pa t i e nt . ` ETAf i vemi nut e s , ' t hes e c ondpol i c e ma nc onf i r me d. Aga i nt hepa t i e ntpul l e dof ft heoxyge nma s k,a ndFr a z e rmove dt or e pl a c ei twhi l e Ca l l i epr e pa r e dt hei t e mshene e de d. ` He ' snotr e s pondi nga squi c kl ya sIwoul de xpe c ta f t e rt hef l ui dr e pl a c e me nt . ' Fr a z e r f r owne d,t r yi ngt odoa not he rc he c koft hevi t a ls i gnswhi l ec a t c hi nghol dofPa u l ' s f l a i l i nga r m.' OK,buddy,c a i r ndown.We ' r et r yi ngt ohe l pyouhe r e .I ' mwor r i e dhemi ght ha vea ne xs a ngui na t i ngha e mor r ha gef r omape l vi ci nj ur y.Re a dy,Ca l l i e ? ' ` Re a dy. ' Ass heha nde dhi mt her e qui r e ddos e sofe t omi dea nds uxa me t honi um,hes wi f t l y a na e s t h e t i s e da ndi nt uba t e dPa ul ,r e ga i ni ngs omec ont r oloft hes i t ua t i on.Atl e a s tt h e y c oul dnowwor kwi t houtf ur t he rr i s kt ot hepa t i e ntort he ms e l ve s . ` Ma i nt a i nf l ui dr e s us c i t a t i on,pl e a s e ,a ndwe ' l lt opupt hes e da t i onwi t hs omepr opof ol a sne c e s s a r y. ' ` Doyouwa ntt hepe l vi cs pl i nta swe l la st hel e gone ? ' Ca l l i ea s ke d,a ndhef r own e d a shenot e dt hewa ys heunc ons c i ous l ypr e s s e daha ndt ohe ri nj ur e ds i de ,ne a rt hec u r ve ofhe rbr e a s t . ` I ' l lge tt he m. '

Fr a z e r ' sga z el i nge r e donhe rf oramome ntbe f or ehemove dof ft ot he i rve hi c l e , r e t ur ni nga f t e rac oupl eofmome nt swi t ht hei t e mshene e de d.Ashef i t t e dt hepe l vi c s pl i nt ,t os t a bi l i s ea nyda ma gea ndr e duc epos s i bl ebl e e di ng,her e f l e c t e da ga i nonhow we l lhea ndCa l l i ewor ke dt oge t he r a ndye ts hewa sa smuc hofamys t e r yt ohi mnowa s whe nt he yha df i r s tme t .Sheha dbe e npa r t i c ul a r l yunc omf or t a bl eonc et he i rni ghts hi f t s ha ds t a r t e d.Atf i r s theha dwonde r e di fhe rne r vous ne s swa sduet ohe rhus ba nd.Wa she di f f i c ul t ?Di dhedi s l i kehe rha vi ngt os t a yove r ni ghta tt heba s e ?Ye tt ohi sknowl e dge s heha dne ve rt e l e phone da nyone ,a ndnophonec a l l sha da r r i ve df r om he rhus ba nd, c he c ki ngs hewa sa l lr i ght .Nott ha tCa l l i ewa se ve ra nyt hi ngl e s st ha ne f f i c i e nta nd i nde pe nde nt .Shewa sj us te dgy,di f f i c ul tt oge tt oknow,r e s e r ve d.De s pi t ea l lhi se f f o r t s ove rt hel a s ts i xda ysheha dbe e nuna bl et odr a whe rout ,a nds her e ma i ne ddi s i nc l i ne dt o t a l k.Abouta nyt hi ng.Onl yont hej obwa ss her e l a xe d,voc a la nda te a s e .` Thea mbul a n c e i she r e . ' Hel ooke dup,t ha nkf ult oha vet heba c kupt ot r a ns f e rt hepa t i e ntt ohos pi t a l .' I ' m goi ngt os pl i ntt hel e gnow,t he nIwa ntPa uloutofhe r ea s a p. ' Af t e rc ompl e t i ngt het a s k, s e c ur i ngt hel e g,hemove dba c kt of a c eCa l l i e .` Ar eyoua l lr i ghtt odr i veba c ki fIgoi n t hea mbul a nc e ? ' ` Ofc our s e .I ' 1lc l e a ruphe r ea ndme e tyoua tt hehos pi t a l . ' Thef a l s ec he e r i ne s si nhe rt onedi dn' tf oolhi mf oras e c ond.Fr a z e rhe s i t a t e d, wa nt i ngt oa r gue ,buts heke pthe rga z ea ve r t e d,he rha ndsbus y,a ndhekne whec oul d n' t de l a ya nyl onge r .The i rpa t i e ntne e de dur ge nts ur gi c a li nt e r ve nt i on.Pul l i ngof fhi s bl oodi e dgl ove s ,her e a c he douta ndc a ughthe rc hi n,hol di nghe rga z et ohi s .Fora mome nthewa ss i de t r a c ke dbyt hef e e lofi mpos s i bl ys of ts ki n,a ndhi sf i nge r sl i nge r e d, c a r e s s i nghe rc he e k,be t r a yi nghi m.Hes a wt hos es t unni nge ye swi de nwi t hs hoc ka nda n une xpe c t e dvul ne r a bi l i t y.J us tf oramome nt ,s obr i e fhewa ss ur ehemus tha vei ma gi ne d i t ,s hepr e s s e dhe rf a c et ohi spa l e t ,a ndhet r i e dt oi gnor et hes udde na ndi na ppr opr i a t e f l a r eofhe a tt ha tc our s e dt hr oughhi sbodyi nr e s pons e . ` Bec a r e f ul , 'hei ns t r uc t e dhe r ,hi svoi c ehus ki e rt ha nhe ' di nt e nde d,knowi ngt he wor dsc oul de qua l l ya ppl yt ohi ms e l fa ndhow hewa sf e e l i nga boutt hi se ni gma t i c woma n. Thi se ni gma t i c ,mar r i e dwoma n. Theuns e t t l i ngt houghtma dehi mr e t r e a t .Dr oppi nghi sha nd,f e e l i ngbur ne da nd a r ous e df r om t ha ta l l t oos hor tphys i c a lc ont a c twi t hhe r ,c onf us e dbyhi sj umbl e d e mot i ons ,her os et ohi sf e e ta ndputdi s t a nc ebe t we e nt he m.Pul l i ngonf r e s hgl ove s ,he he l pe dt het wopa r a me di c st r a ns f e rPa ult ot hea mbul a nc e ,t he nc l i mbe di ns i de .Fora mome nt ,be f or et hedoorc l os e d,hegl a nc e dba c ka tCa l l i e ,s e e i ngt hec a r e f ulwa ys he he l dhe r s e l fwhi t et r yi ngt opr e t e ndnot hi ngwa swr ong.Hedi dn' tl i kel e a vi nghe r .Nota t a i l .Andhewa s n' tbuyi nghe ra c t .Themi nut eheha dhe rs a f e l yba c ka tt heba s ehewa s goi ngt os a t i s f yhi ms e l fa boutt hee xt e ntofhe ri nj ur ywhe t he rs hel i ke di tornot . Ca l l i eha dnoi de ahows hema dei tt oSt r a t hl oc ha n.Af t e ra c c e pt i nghe l pf r om t he youngpol i c e ma nt opa c kt heki tb a c ki nt ot hef our byf our ,s hel e f thi ma ndhi spa r t ne rt o t he i ri nve s t i ga t i onsoft hehi ta ndr una c c i de nta nddr oves l owl yt ot hehos pi t a l ,mi ndf ul oft hea ppa l l i ngr oa dc ondi t i ons .He rs i debur ne dwi t hpa i n,butt ha nkf ul l yi twa s n' tt he s i des heha dt ous et oc ha ngege a r s .I twa s ,howe ve r ,t hes i deofhe rbodyt ha tha dbe e n t hes i t eoft hepr obl e mswhi c hha ds t a r t e de i ght e e nmont hsa go.

Theonl yt hi ngt ha ts t oppe dt hedi s c omf or tf r om s wa mpi nghe rwa st heunne r v i ng me mor yoft hef e e lofFr a z e r ' st ouc h.He rs ki nt i ngl e de ve nnow f r om t hef e e lofhi s f i nge r s ,t hege nt l eye tma s c ul i nebr us hoft he m,whi c hha ds e ntabol tofe l e c t r i cc ur r e nt t hr oughhe rbody,c e nt r i ngonat hr obbi nga c hede e pwi t hi nhe r .Ands hewa smor t i f i e d t ha ts heha ds oughthi st ouc h,ha dl i nge r e d,ha dpr e s s e dhe rf a c et ohi m.Whyha ds he donet ha t ?Shec oul dn' tf e e la nya t t r a c t i onf orFr a z e r .Shej us tc oul dn' t .Ands heha dt o hi dehowmuc hs hehur torhewoul dge ts us pi c i ousa ndnowa ywa ss hee ve rl e t t i nghi m s e e .I twa st oot e r r i bl et oc ont e mpl a t et ha thes houl df i ndouta bouthe r ,knows hewa s n' t whol e ,wa s n' tnor ma l . Sher e me mbe r e dhi st e a s i ngwi t honeoft heguysove raf a mouss i nge r ' s` a s s e t s ' i nt he c r e wr oomac oupl eofda ysa go. ' Don' tyouj us tl oveawoma n' sbr e a s t s ? ' oneoft het e c hsha ds i ghe d,c l e a r l ys mi t t e n wi t ht hebus tbl ondei nt hema ga z i ne . ' I ' mal e gma nmys e l f , ' Cr a i g,t he i rpi l ot ,ha ddr a wl e d,be f or ec omme nt i ngl ovi ngl yon hi swi f e .` Af a c tEveus e sunme r c i f ul l yt ot or me ntme . ' Fr a z e rha dl a ughe d.` Il ovea l lofawoma n. ' Ca l l i ef e l tc ol dr e me mbe r i n g.Hel ove da l lofawoma n. . . i fs hewa spe r f e c t , unda ma ge d.Shec oul di ma gi nehowdi s gus t e dhewoul dbei fhekne wa bouthe r ,i fhe s a whe r .Whi c hwa sne ve rgoi ngt oha ppe nShec oul dn' te xpl a i nt hewa ys her e a c t e dt o Fr a z e r .Shewa ss c a r e dbe c a us eh ema dehe rf e e lt hi ngst ha twe r ea l i e nt ohe r ,ma dehe r de s i r et hi ngss hekne ws hewoul dne ve rbea bl et oha ve .Hewa swa yt ogor ge ousa nd s e xyf o rhe rpe a c eofmi nd,a nbe c a us es hewa s n' ti mmunet ohi ms heha dt odos hec o ul d t oputba r r i e r sbe t we e nt he ma ndke e pa tba y. Sheha da l wa ysf oundi tdi f f i c ul tt ot r us t ,t or opehe r s e l ft oa not he rpe r s on.Theone t i mei nhe rl i f es heha dt r i e di t ,t a ki ngac ha nc eonEda thi smos tc ha r mi nga ndma r r yi ng hi m,s h eha dbe e nbe t r a ye ds oona f t e r wa r ds .Heha ds hownhe rwha tami s t a kei twa st o t r us ta nyonebuthe r s e l f .I twoul dn' tha ppe na ga i n.Shepl a nne dne ve rt ol e ta nyonee l s e ge tc l os et ohe ra ga i n.I thur tt oomuc h. Shewoul dne ve rf or ge tt het hi ngsEdha ds a i dt ohe ra tt hee nd.Thewhol ema r r i a ge e xpe r i e nc eha dbe e nadi s a ppoi nt me nta shi sc ha r mha dbe e nonl ys ur f a c e de e p.Unl i ke hi sl i e sa ndde c e pt i on.Butt hos eh a donl ybe e nr e ve a l e donc et hepr obl e msha dbe gun. Shene ve rs houl dha vema r r i e dhi ms heha dnoi de anowwhys heha ddones o.Onl y t ha ts heha df e l ta nove r whe l mi ngne e dt obe l ong,t oha veaf a mi l y.I tha dn' tha ppe ne d. Nowi tne ve rwoul d. ` I t ' snotwor ki ngbe t we e nus ,Ca l l i e .I tne ve rha s . Se xwi t hyoui sbor i ng.Youwe r ea l wa yspl a i na ndor di na r y,a ndyoune ve rl e tgo, butnowyou' r enotac ompl e t ewoma na nymor ea nyde s i r eIonc eha dha sdi e d.l ' veme t s ome onee l s e s ome ones e xya ndf e mi ni ne .I ' ml e a vi ngyout obewi t hhe r . ' Ca l l i eha dbe e nf ur i ous ,a nds ohur t .Edha dc a ughta the rl owe s te bb,s t i l lr e c ove r i ng f r oms ur ge r y,s t i l ls c a r e doft heout c omea ndl ongt e r mpr ognos i s .Thet i mes he ' dr e a l l y ne e de ds ome one ,t hef i r s tt i mes heha de ve ra l l owe dhe r s e l ft ot r us ta nyone ,a nds hebe e n l e tdowni nt hemos tc r ue la nds a va gewa y.Buts heha dl e a r ne dt hel e s s on.Ne ve ra ga i n woul ds hede pe ndona nyonebuthe r s e l f .Ne ve ra ga i nwoul ds hegr a nthe rt r us ta ndr i s k he rbodyorhe rhe a r t . Fr a z e rwoul dbenodi f f e r e ntf r om Ed.Noma nwoul d.Shebl oc ke dhe rmi ndt ot he r e s tofEd' sde c e pt i on,t heot he rma j or ,unf or gi va bl et hi ngs heha donl yf oundouta she

ha dl e f the r .Soont hedi vor c ewoul dc omet hr ougha nds hewoul dbef i ni s he dwi t ht ha t pa i nf ul ,hor r i bl ee pi s odef orgood.He r ei nSt r a t hl oc ha ns hehope dt oma keane w l i f e . . . bu tonewi t houtama n. Thepa s s e nge rdooroft heve hi c l es wungope na nds hega s pe di ns ur pr i s e ,ha vi ng be e ns ol os ti nhe rt hought ss heha dn' ts e e nFr a z e rwa l ki ngt owa r dshe rf r omt hedi r e c t i on ofAa ndE. ` Ca l l i e ,howa r eyou? 'hede ma nde d,t hei nt e r i orl i ghtr e ve a l i ngt hec onc e r nonhi s f a c e . ` I ' mf i ne . 'Shepul l e dhe r s e l ft oge t he r ,hi di ngbot hhe rme nt a la ngui s ha ndhe r phys i c a ldi s c omf or t .` Wha t ' st hene wsonPa ul ? Fr a z e rr a nt hel i nge r sofoneha ndt hr ought hes pr i ngyt hi c kne s sofhi sha i r ,l ooki ng di s c onc e r t e da the rc ha ngeofs u bj e c t .` The y' ves t a bi l i s e dhi ma ndhe ' sgoi ngupt ot he ope r a t i ngt he a t r enow. ' ` Ihopehe ' l lbeOK. ' ` Me ,t oo.I ' l lc a l ll a t e rf ora nupda t e .Wa ntmet odr i veba c k? ' hea s ke d,he s i t a t i nga t t hepa s s e nge rs i de . ` Nota ta l l . ' I gnor i ngt hea c hea c r os she rr i bs ,s hes t a r t e dt hee ngi ne .` Shutt hedo or . You' r el e t t i ngi nt hec ol d. ' Thes hor tj our ne ywa sc ompl e t e di na nunc omf or t a bl es i l e nc e ,a nd,f e e l i ngFr a z e r ' s i nt e ns ega z euponhe r ,Ca l l i ewa sgl a doft hepr ot e c t i ont heda r kne s sga vehe r .Ba c ka t ba s es hewa squi c kt oe s c a pe ,t ha nkf ulwhe nFr a z e rwa swa yl a i dbyoneoft he t e c hni c i a ns .Shepl a nne dt oc ompl e t ehe rt a s ksa ndma kehe rwa yhomea squi c kl ya s pos s i bl e .Shewoul dha veaho tba t ha ndt a kes omepa i nki l l e r s .Hope f ul l yhe rs i de woul dn' ts t i f f e nupa nds hewoul dbea l lr i ghtt owor khe rne xts hi f ti nt hr e eda ys ' t i me . Nowa ywa ss hegoi ngt os howa nywe a kne s s . *** Pa pe r wor kc ompl e t e ,t hes hi f tne a r i ngi t se nd,Fr a z e rwe nti ns e a r c hofCa l l i e ,we l l a wa r es heha dbe e na voi di nghi m.Wi t hHa mi s ha thi she e l s ,het r i e dt hec r e wr oom,t he s uppl yr oom,t het wos ma l ldor msa ndt heof f i c ewi t houts uc c e s s .Knowi ngs hewoul dn' t bei nt h egym,t ha tj us tl e f tt hel o c ke rr oom,a ndt hef a c ti twa sl a di e sonl ywa s n' tgoi ng t os t ophi m. Thedoorwa sa j a r .Hepe e pe di ns i de ,hi sc onc e r ni nc r e a s i nga shes a wCa l l i es i t t i ng ont hebe nc h,be ntf or wa r da ndc l ut c hi nghe rs i de .Emot i onwe l l e di ns i dehi ma the r de t e r mi na t i ont oke e phe r s e l fa pa r t ,t opr e t e nds hewa st ougha nddi dn' tne e da nyone . St e ppi ngi ns i dewi t hHa mi s h,hequi e t l yc l os e dt hedoora ndwa l ke da c r os s ,s qua t t i ng downi nf r ontofhe r . ` Ca l l i e ? ' Hewa t c he da ss hej e r ke dupr i ght ,wi nc i nga tt hepa i n,as t a r t l e dmoa ne s c a pi nghe r ,a t hr e a doff e a ri nhe re ye sbe f or es hema s ke di t .` Wha ta r eyoudoi ngi nhe r e ? ' ` Che c ki ngonyou. ' Her e ma i ne dc a l m,r e a l i s i nghe rf i r s ti ns t i nc twa st oa t t a c k,a si fi t wa ss o meki ndofde f e nc eme c ha ni s m.` You' r emor ehur tt ha nyoua r el e t t i ngon. ' ` I ' mf i ne . ' ` You' r el yi ng,Ca l l i e .Butf ors omer e a s onyou' dr a t he rke e ppe opl ea tadi s t a nc et ha n e ve ra c c e pta nyhe l porf r i e nds hi p. ' Hec oul dt e l lhi swor dshi thome .Ada r ks ha dowc l oude dhe re ye s ,t ur ni ngt he ma de e ppur pl e ,be f or es hes h r ugge da ndt ur ne dhe rf a c ea wa y,ma ki nghi me ve nmor e

c e r t a i ns hewa shi di ngmuc hmor et ha nt hei nj ur ys heha dr e c e i ve dt ha tni ght .Andhewa s e ve nmor ede t e r mi ne dt ha thewa sgoi ngt ounc ove rhe rmys t e r i e s .Hes houl dn' tbe t hi nki n ga boutama r r i e dwoma n.I twa s n' thi ss t yl e .He ' dne ve rpoa c he dona not he rma n' s t e r r i t or y,ha dne ve rwa nt e dt o.Wha twa si ta boutCa l l i et ha tga vehi mnope a c ea nddr e w hi mi na ga i ns thi swi l l ?Buthec oul dn' tt hi nka bouthi sdi s t ur bi ngr e a c t i ont ohe rnow.He ha dmo r ei mpor t a ntma t t e r st oa t t e ndt o,a ndha dt ot r e a the rl i keaf r i e nda ndc ol l e a gue . Shes t i f f e ne da shet ookoneofhe rha ndsi nhi s ,he rbr e a t hi ngs hor ta ndr a s pya ss he t r i e dt oa voi dpa i n.` Ca l l i e ,youne e dt ol e tmet a keal ooka tyou. ` Abs ol ut e l ynot ! ' ' Don' tbes i l l y.I ' madoc t or ,a ndyou' Sheba t t e dhi sha ndsa wa ya ndr os euns t e a di l yhe rf e e t ,put t i ngdi s t a nc ebe t we e n t he mbe f or er e pe a t i nghe rma nt r a .` I ' mf i ne . ' ` Webot hknowt ha ti s n' tt r ue . ' Af r ownc r e a s e dbr owa ss hec ont i nue dt or e t r e a tf r om hi m.Heba c konhi she e l s ,wa t c hi nghe r ,puz z l e da tt hei nt e ns i t yofhe rr e s pons e ,t her e a l f e a rs hec oul dn' thi de .` Wha t ' sgoi ngon? ' ` Not hi ng.Ij us tdon' tne e dyourhe l p. ' ` Youc a n' ti gnor et hi s ,Ca l l i e .Ei t he ryoul e tmee xa mi neyouor . . . ' Pa ni cda nc e da c r os she rf a c el i keal i vi ngt hi ng.` Orwha t ? ' ' OrIt a keyout ot hehos pi t a lt obec he c ke doutt he r e . ' ` Fi ne .I ' 11got ot hehos pi t a l . 'Shegl a r e da thi m,as t ubbor ns e tt ohe rc hi n,ma ki ng hi mwa ntt os mi l ede s pi t ehi swor r ya nda nnoya nc e .` ButIc a ngobymys e l f .Idon' tne e d you. ' Une xpe c t e dhur tt wi s t e di ns i dehi ma the rde t e r mi ne dr e j e c t i on.` Tough.Tha t ' st he de a l ,Ca l l i e .Ta keorl e a vei t , 'hei ns i s t e d,ha r de ni nghi she a r ta nddoi ngwha thekn e w wa sbe s tf orhe r . Cl e a r l yf ur i ous ,s hec ol l e c t e dhe rt hi ngsf r om he rl oc ke r ,ba ngi ngt hedoors h ut , r e f us i nghi sof f e rofhe l p.Si ghi ng,hef ol l owe da ss hes t a l ke dout s i de ,de f t l ys na ggi nghe r c a rke ysf r omhe ra nds t e e r i nghe ra c r os st ohi sownf our byf our .Nowa ywa shel e t t i ng dr i vea ga i nt oda y. ` We ' l lt a kemyc a r . ' Cons c i ousoft hes l i ppe r ygr ound,notwa nt i nga nymor ea c c i de nt s ,heke ptac a r e f ul hol donhe rl e f ta r m,wa t c hi ngwi t hi mpa t i e nc ea ss hes hr ugge dof fhi she l pa nd a wkwa r dl yl e ve r e dhe r s e l fi nt ot heve hi c l e ,c l e a r l yunc omf or t a bl e .Nott ha ts hewoul d a dmi tt ha tt ohi mora nyonee l s e ,hewa ss ur e .Exa s pe r a t i ngwoma n.Wi t hHa mi s hs a f e l y i ns t a l l e di nt heba c k,Fr a z e rs l i ppe dbe hi ndt hewhe e la ndhe a de da wa yf r om t heba s e . Hec ou l dl i t e r a l l yf e e lhe rt e ns i on,f e e lhe rne r vous ne s sgr owi ngt hec l os e rt he yc a met o t hehos pi t a l .Why?Wa ss hewor r i e ds heha ddonemor eda ma get ha ns hewa nt e dt o a dmi t ?Orwa st he r es omeot he rr e a s onf orhe ra nxi e t y?Her e gr e t t e dt hel a t e ne s soft he De c e mbe rda wn,t hec ur r e ntda r kne s spr e ve nt i nghi mf r om r e a di nghe re xpr e s s i on.But onewa yora not he r ,wi t horwi t houthe rc oope r a t i on,hewa sgoi ngt oe ns ur es hewa s s a f ea ndt a ke nc a r eof . Byt het i meFr a z e rpul l e di n t oapa r ki ngs pa c ene a rt hec a s ua l t yde pa r t me ntCa l l i e wa sl i t e r a l l ys ha ki ng.I twa ss t u pi d.Shec a mehe r ee ve r yda yf orwor ka ndi tne ve r bot he r e dhe r ,butt heunde r l yi ngf e a rt ha tha unt e dhe rwhe ns hewa sapa t i e ntwa sba c k wi t have nge a nc e .Sher e a l l ydi dn' twa ntt obee xa mi ne d.Theonl yr e a s ons hewoul dgo t hr oughwi t hi twa sbe c a us ei twa spr e f e r a bl et oha vi ngFr a z e rs e ehe r ,t ouc hhe r ,e ve ni n

apr of e s s i ona lc a pa c i t yShec oul di ma gi nehi sr e a c t i on.Unc ha r a c t e r i s t i ct e a r spr i c ke dhe r e ye sbuts hef oughtt he ma wa yAwa r eFr a z e rwa sl ooki nga the rwi t hc onc e r n,s he s l i ppe doutoft heve hi c l euna i de da ndhe a de dt owa r dst hee nt r a nc e ,f r owni nga thi ma s hef ol l owe d. ` Youdon' tha vet os t a y. ' ` Ofc our s eI ' ms t a yi ng, 'her e f ut e dwi t hi nf ur i a t i ngc a l r n,t a ki ngc ont r oloft he s i t ua t i on,hi sha ndr e s t i nga tt hes ma l lofhe rba c ka shes t e e r e dhe rt owa r dst her e c e pt i on de s k. ` Ic a nma na ge . ' ` Toda yyoudon' tha vet o.Ge tus e dt oi t . ' Shec oul dn' tge tus e dt oi t .Al lhe rl i f es heha dbe e na l one ,f e ndi ngf orhe r s e l f .No wa ywa sDrHi gha ndMi ght ygoi ngt or i der oughs hodove rhe rwa nt sa ndne e ds . Tha nkf ul l y,whi l ehewa st a l ki ngt oanur s e ,Ca l l i es pot t e dAnni eWe bs t e rc omi ngoutof ac ubi c l ene a r by.Shes l i ppe da wa yf r omFr a z e ra ndwe ntt ome e the rf r i e nd. ` Ca l l i e !Hi ,I 'Bl uee ye sda r ke ne dwi t hc onc e r nAnni e ' ss mi l ef a de d.` Wha t ' s ha ppe ne d? ' ' Ihur tmys e l fa twor k.Fr a z e ri ns i s t sIge tc he c ke dbuti t ' snot hi ng. ' Anni edr e whe ri nt oava c a ntc ubi c l ea ndc l os e dt hec ur t a i n.` I fFr a z e rt hi nksi ts houl d bel ooke da t ,I ' mwi t hhi m. ' ` Gr e a t: ' Cutt hes a r c a s m,ToughGi r l . Is e er i ghtt hr oughi t . ' Anni e ' ss mi l ewa sba c k,ki nda nd c onc e r ne d.` I ' l lgoa ndge tFr a z e r . ' No! ' Pa ni c ke d,Ca l l i egr a bbe dhe ra r m. Anni ehe s i t a t e d,s c a nni nghe rf a c e .` OK.Wa ntt omewha t ' sgoi ngon? ' ` Not hi ng. 'Ca l l i es uc ke di nar a gge dbr e a t h,wi nc i nga tt hepa i n.` Anni e ,pl e a s e .I fI ha vet odot hi sa ta l l ,Idon' twa ntt os e ea nyonebutyou. 'Shepa us e d,ha t i nghe r we a kne s s .` I fyoudon' tmi nd. ' ` Ofc our s eIdon' tmi nd,Ca l l i e . . .Look,l e tmege tt hec ha r t ,a ndt he nwe ' l lha veac ha t a ndal ooks e e a l lr i ght ? ' Anxi ous ,s c a r e d,Ca l l i enodde d.' Don' tl e tFr a z e rc omei n,Anni e .Pr omi s eme . ' ` Sur e . ' He rf r i e nds e nthe rac ur i ousa ndwor r i e ds mi l e .` I ft ha t ' swha tyouwa nt . ' He a r i ngFr a z e r ' svoi c ea sAnn i educ ke doutoft hec ur t a i n,Ca l l i ef r oz e . ` Anni e .I ' ml ooki ngf orCa l l i e .Onemi nut es hewa sbymys i de ,t hene xt ' ` She ' sf i ne , 'he rf r i e ndi nt e r r upt e d.m wi t hhe rnow,Fr a z e r .Yougoa ndwa i ti n Re c e pt i on. ' ` Ine e dt os e ehe r .Idi dn' tknowt hede t a i l st oputc l ownf orne xtofkhi . Ca l l i es mot he r e dagr oa nofde s pa i r . ` Shedoe s n' tha vea nyne xtofki n, ' Anni er e s ponde d.` Ofc our s es hedoe s !Wha ta bout he rhus ba nd,f orgoodne s s ' s a ke ? ' ` No,t ha ti s n' tr i ght .He ' snot ' Tha nkf ul l yAnni e ' svoi c es na ppe dof f ,a ndCa l l i ehe l dhe rbr e a t h,wa i t i ngt ohe a r wha tha ppe ne dne xt . ` He ' snotwha t ? ' Fr a z e rde ma nde d,s oundi ngt hwa r t e da ndf r us t r a t e d. ` Not hi ng.I ' l ls e et oe ve r yt hi n g.Le a vei twi t hme , 'Anni er e a s s ur e dhi m,a ndCa l l i e r e l e a s e dhe rbr e a t hi napa i nf ulr us h. I ts e e me dFr a z e rwa s n' ta boutt ol e ti tgo.` But —'

` Thi swa y, 'Anni eur ge d,a ndCa l l i eha dt os mi l e ,wi s hi ngs hec oul ds e et he e xpr e s s i ononFr a z e r ' sf a c e .` Youc a nt a l kt oCa l l i ewhe nI ' vef i ni s he da ndnotbe f or e . ' ` But ' Ther e ne we dpr ot e s tdi e da ndCa l l i ehe a r dt he i rf oot s t e psr e t r e a t i ng.Tha nkgoodne s s . Sheha daf e wmome nt s ' r e pr i e vebe f or eAnni ewa sba c ka ga i n. ` Fr a z e r ' sr e a l l ywor r i e da boutyou, ' s hec omme nt e d,c l os i ngt hec ur t a i n. ` I t ' shi sj ob. ' Anni es hookhe rhe a d.` Hec a r e sa boutyou,Ca l l i e . ' ` Nons e ns e . 'I twa ss ome t hi ngs hedi dn' twa ntt oc ons i de r .Sheha de nought r oubl e t r yi ngt oi gnor ehe rownc onf us e da ndgr owi ngf e e l i ngsf orhi m,knowi ngt he yc oul d ne ve rc omet oa nyt hi ng.Sher e a l l ydi dn' twa nthi mi nt e r e s t e di nhe r .' I ' mj us tawor k c ol l e a gue . ' ` I st ha twhyyouha ve n' tt ol dhi ma boutyourma r r i a gebe i ngove r ? ' ' I t ' snoone ' sbus i ne s s , ' s hemut t e r e d,wa r mt hhe a t i nghe rc he e ks . Anni epa us e damome nt ,he rga z ec ons i de r i ng.Whe t he rornots her e a ds ome t hi ngof he rde s pe r a t i on,Ca l l i ewa sr e l i e ve dwhe ns hel e tt hes ubj e c tdr op.Fornow.` Al lr i g ht , l e t ' ss e ewha twec a ndof oryou,s ha l lwe ?Ta keal ooka tt ha ts i de ?Ca nwel os et he c l ot he s ? ' Si t t i ngont hebe d,Ca l l i eundi dhe rf l i ghts ui ta ndpe e l e di tdownt ohe rwa i s t .He r f i nge r ss hooka ss het he nt ookof ft hej umpe ra ndTs hi r ts hewor ebe ne a t h,he s i t a t i ng f ur t he ra ss hec a met ohe ra da pt e dbr a .Shec oul dn' tdoi t . Anni egl a nc e da c r os sa nds mi l e d.` Ne e ds omehe l p? 'Ca l l i es hookhe rhe a d,s t upi d t e a r st h r e a t e ni nga ga i n.Shec l os e dhe re ye sa ga i ns tt he m. ` Ca l l i e ? ' Bi t i nghe rl i p,i gnor i ngt hepa i ni nhe rs i de ,s her e a c he dt ounhookhe rbr aa nds l owl y s l i dt hes t r a psof fhe rs houl de r s ,una bl et ol ooka tAnni ea st hega r me ntdr oppe da wa y. Shehe a r dhe rf r i e nd' ss ha r pi nt a keofbr e a t ha ndwa i t e df ort hei ne vi t a bl er e j e c t i on,t he r e vul s i onwhe nAnni es a wwha tr e ma i ne dofhe rr i ghtbr e a s t . CHAPTERFOUR CALLI Ewa sa ma z e dwhe nAnni es t e ppe df or wa r da nde nve l ope dhe ri nahug.` Oh, God!Ca l l i e . ' She ' dne ve rbe e nhugge dbe f o r e ,ha dne ve rha daf r i e ndors ome onewhoc a r e da bout he r .Note ve nEd.A s obe s c a pe d.Shet r i e dt oc hokei tba c kbuts hec oul dn' t .Te a r s s que e z e dbe t we e nhe rl a s he sa ndt r i c kl e ddownhe rc he e ks .Shene ve rc r i e d.Anni e ' sa r ms t i ght e ne da ss hehe l dhe r ,a ndwhe ns hef i na l l ys t e ppe dba c kapa c et ol ooka the r ,Ca l l i e wa ss t unne dt os e ea ns we r i ngt e a r sonhe rf r i e nd' sf a c e . ` Howl ong? ' Anni ea s ke d,he rvoi c ewa ve r i nga ss her e a c he df orat i s s ue . ` Ei ght e e nmont hs . ' ` Anda r eyoua l lr i ght ?Wha t ' st hene ws ? ' Ca l l i ewi pe da wa yt hes a l t ywe t ne s sf r om he rf a c e .[ ' m OK, 's her e a s s ur e dhe ra nd f i l l e dhe ri nonwha tha dha ppe ne dt heme di c a lde t a i l s ,a tl e a s t .` Theonc ol ogi s ti s opt i mi s t i c .The r e ' snos i gnofa nyf ur t he rpr e c a nc e r ousc e l l s ,a ndt he r ewa snos pr e a dt o a nyt i s s ueornode sunde rmya r m.The yc a ughtt hi ngse a r l ya ndI ' vebe e nc l e a rs i nc e .

Anot he rsmont hsa ndi twi l lbet woye a r s t hea l l i mpor tmi l e s t one .Idi dn' tne e d c he mot he r a pyorr a di ot he r a py.TheDCI Sduc t a lc a r c i nomai ns i t upr e c a nc e rwa sofa l owgr a de ,s ot her i s ki ss ma l l , ' s hee xpl a i ne d,he rs mi l ewa ve r i nga ga i n. ` Ma nywome nne ve rha vea not he re pi s ode ne ve rgoont ode ve l opc a nc e r , 'Anni e c omme nt e d,of f e r i nghe ra not he rt i s s ue .` Ar eyouonme di c a t i on? ' Ca l l i enodde d.` Iha vet ot a kei tf ora not he rfmont hs .The y' r egoi ngt oa s s e s si ta tmy ne xtc he c k' Wha ta boutr e c ons t r uc t i on? ' ` Iknow. . . i tl ookshor r i bl e . 'He rvoi c ewobbl e da nds hel ooke da wa yf r om t he s ympa t hyi nf r i e nd' sbl uee ye s . Anni ec a ughthe rba nd.` Tha t ' snotwha tImeCa l l i e .Ij us twonde r e dhowyouf e l t , buti t ' sc l e a ri ta f f e c t syoude e pl y. ' ` Thewi del oc a li nc i s i onwa s n' tme a ntt obet hi s .The yha dt oc uta wa ymor et ha n e xpe c t e d.The yt r i e ds omer e c ons t r uc t i on,butt hi ngswe ntwr ong,Ir e a c t e dba dl yt oi ta nd gota ni nf e c t i on. ' Shes uc ke di nas t e a dyi ngbr e a t h,t r yi ngnott or e a c tt ome mor i e soft ha t t i me .` Att hemome ntIc a n' tf a c et r yi nga ga i ne ve ni fi twoul dhe l pt hi st i me .Iwa ntt o l i vemyl i f ea nddomywor k. ' ` Oh,Ca l l i e ,i tmus tha vebe e ns oa wf ulf oryou.a boutyourhus ba nd?Wa s n' thet he r e t os upp or t` Ha r dl y. ' Shet r i e dt oda mpdownt hepa i n.' I t ' swhyl e f tme .Hes a i dIwa sno l onge rac ompl e t ewoma n. ' ` Ba s t a r d! ' Anni epa c e dt hes ma l lf l oor ,he rf ur ye vi de nt . ` Hedi dmeaf a vour .I ' mbe t t e rof fwi t houthi m.Idon' tne e da nyone . ' Anni e ' se xpr e s s i onwa ss a da ss het ur ne dba c kt o` Is uppos eFr a z e rdoe s n' tkn ow a boutt hi s ,e i t he r ? ' ` Ofc our s enot ! ' Shes t a r e da the rf r i e ndi nhor r or .` Nooneknows .Andt he ya r eno tt o know.Anni e ,pr omi s eme . ' `Ipr omi s e .Buti ft hi si swhyyoua r eke e pi ngyourdi s t a nc ef r omFr a z e r ,It hi nkyou a r edoi nghi madi s s e r vi c e .Andyour s e l f .You' dbegoodt oge t he r . 'As pe c ul a t i vegl e a m a ppe a r e di nAnni e ' sbl uee ye s . ` Ha r dl yyouknowwha tFr a z e ri sl i ke ,pl a yi ngt hef i e l d. ' ' Tha t ' sr umoura ndgos s i p, 'Anni epr ot e s t e d.` He ' ss omuc hmor et ha nyout hi nk, Ca l l i e . ' ` We l l ,I ' mnotf i na l l ydi vor c e dye t .I ' vebe e nt hr oughal ot ,Anni e ,a ndI ' mnotr e a dy f ora ny t hi nge l s e . 'Shemi ghtne ve rbe ,s hea dmi t t e dt ohe r s e l f .Butwhe ns hewa s ,i t woul dn' tbewi t hs ome onel i keFr a z e r ,whowe ntf ormode l t ype swi t hpe r f e c tbodi e s . Sheke pts i l e nt ,c onc e nt r a t i ngone xa mi ni nghe rda ma ge ds i de ,whe r ebr ui s e swe r e a l r e a dyma r ki nghe rs ki n.` I ' dl i keyout oha vea nXr a y,j us tt oe ns ur enot hi ngi sbr oke n, butIt hi nkyou' vej us tba dl yba nge dyour s e l f .Don' twor r y, 's hea dde d,s e e i ngt hepa ni c Ca l l i ec oul dn' tc ont a i n.` I ' l lr i ngr a di ol ogya nds pe a kt oFr a nc e s c aSc ot t .She ' sl ove l y, Ca l l i e t r ul y.I ' l le xpl a i na nds he ' l lbef i ne nott ome nt i ononehundr e dpe rc e ntdi s c r e e t ' . ' OK. ' ` Sl i pyourf l i ghts ui tba c konf ornowwhi l eIc a l lI fFr a nc e s c ai s n' ti nye t ,Ikn ow s he ' l lb eha ppyt ohe l pusa ndc omes t r a i ghthe r e .Le a vei twi t hme . ' Ca l l i edi da ss ugge s t e d,f e e l i ngl e s svul ne r a bl ea ss hec ove r e dhe r s e l fa ga i n,l i s t e ni ng a sAnni ema det hec a l l .I ts e e me dFr a nc e s c awa sa l r e a dyonhe rwa yt ot hehos pi t a l ,a nd woul dc omet oCa s ua l t yf i r s ta ndbeha ppyt ohe l p.Be f or et he yc oul ds pe a ka ga i nnur s e Gi naMc Na ughtpoppe dhe rhe a da r oundt hec ur t a i n.

` Sor r yt obot he ryou,Anni e ,butDrMc I nne si sge t t i ngve r yi mpa t i e nt . 'Theyoung woma ngr i nne dknowi ngl y,c a s t i nga ni nt e r e s t e de yeove rCa l l i e . ` Tha nks ,I ' 11beouti nami nut e . 'Whe nGi naha dgone ,Anni es que e z e dhe rha nd. ` I ' l lgoa nds pe a kt ohi m,s t ophi m wor r yi ng,a ndt he nI ' l lme e tupwi t hFr a nc e s c aa nd we ' l lge tt hos eXr a yss or t e dout . ' ` Youwon' ts a ya nyt hi ng. . . ' ` I ' myourdoc t ora swe l la syourf r i e nd,Ca l l i e .M a dvi c ei nbot hc a pa c i t i e si st ha tyou gi veFr a z e rc ha nc e ,butI ’ l lr e s pe c tyourwi s he s , ' s her e a s s ur e dhe r .` Tha nks . ' AsAnni edi s a ppe a r e da ga i n,Ca l l i ec oul ddonomor et ha ns i ta ndf r e ta ndpr a yt ha t Fr a z e rwoul dne ve rf i ndout . I nc r e a s i ngl yf r us t r a t e d,Fr a z e rpa c e dt hewa i t i nga r e a .Wha t e ve rwa st a ki ngs ol ong? He ' ds us pe c t e dCa l l i ewa shur t ,butt hewr e t c he dwoma nha dt oughe di tout ,r e f us i ngt o gi vei nunt i ls hec oul dn' tbi det hepa i na nyl onge r .I di ot .Shema dehi ms oma d s ome t i me s .Hedi dn' tknowwhi c hde s i r et ogi vei nt ot os pa nkhe rorki s she rs e ns e l e s s . Ei t he rwoul dl i ke l yge thi sf a c es l a ppe d.Orhi se yebl a c ke ne d.ByCa l l i ehe r s e l fi fnothe r hus ba nd. Atl a s thes a wAnni epopoutf r ombe hi ndt hec ur t a i n.Shegl a nc e dt owa r dshi ma nd t ookas t e pf or wa r d,onl yt ohe s i t a t ea ndt ur nr ound,s e t t i ngof ft heoppos i t edi r e c t i ont o me e tupwi t hs ome one . Fr a nc e s c aSc ot t ,henot e d,oneoft hehos pi t a l ' sr a di ogr a phe r s ,a ndhef r owne da sb ot h wome nc l os e t e dt he ms e l ve si nas ma l lgl a s s pa r t i t i one dof f i c e .Anni ec l os e dt hedoor ,but hec ou l ds e et he mt hr ought hewi ndow,de e pi ndi s c us s i on,a l t houghhec oul dn' the a r wha tt he ywe r es a yi ng.Some t hi n gwa sde f i ni t e l ynotr i ghta boutt hi ss i t ua t i on,a ndhi s i ns t i nc twa spr oddi nghi m,houndi nghi m.Wha twa sgoi ngonwi t hCa l l i e ?De t e r mi n e d, hes e tof ft owa r dst hec l os e dc ur t a i noft hec ubi c l e ,gr owl i ngi nf r us t r a t i ona st heof f i c e doorope ne da ndhewa sc utof fa tpa s s .Aga i n. ` Fr a nc e s c a ,howa r eyou? ' ` Fi net ha nks ,Fr a z e r .Andyou? ' Hema deanonc ommi t t a lr e pl ya st het a l l ,a t hl e t i cr a di ogr a phe r ,whoha da ma z i ng da r kr e dha i rt ha tf e l li nl ongc or k s c r e wc ur l sdownhe rba c k,s mi l e da thi m.Ar a r es mi l e . TheI c eMa i de n,a st hehos pi t a lgr a pe vi neunf a i r l ydubbe dhe r ,di dn' tc ountma nype opl e a sf r i e nds ,butt he yha dapl a t oni chi s t or ya ndhel i ke dhe r .Hekne ws hea ndAnni ewe r e f r i e nds ,t oo,whi c hga vewe i ghtt ohi ss us pi c i onst ha ts ome t hi ngwa sgoi ngon. Be f or ehec oul da s kque s t i ons ,Anni el i nke dhe ra r mt hr oughhi s .` Fr a z e r ,youc o me wi t hme .Tha t ' sFr a nc e s c a . ' Ast her e dhe a ddi s a ppe a r e dbe hi ndt hec ur t a i ns e eCa l l i e ,Fr a z e rr e l uc t a nt l ya l l owe d Anni et ohi mt owa r dst heof f i c e .Hes t udi e dhe rc l os e df r owni ng,be c a us ehe re ye s s e e me dove r br i ght ,a ss heha dbe e nc r yi ngr e c e nt l y. ` OKt a l k. ' Hepa c e dt hes ma l lr oom.` Wha the l li sgoi ngon? ' ` Not hi ng:Shes mi l e d,bute va de dhi sga z e . ` Iwa ntt oknowa boutCa l l i e .Howi ss he ? ' Anni es a tdown,c l os i ngaf i l ea ndl e a ni nga r msoni t .Ca l l i e ' sf i l e .` She ' sdoi ngf i ne , Fr a z e r .Ia s ke dForapr e c a ut i ona r yXr a y,j us tt obeont hes i de ,butI ' ms ur et he r e ' s not hi ngbr oke n.He rs i deba dl ybr ui s e da ndve r ys or e ,t hough.Pr ovi di ngXr a ysa r ec l e a r , a sIa ms ur et he ywi l lbe ,I ' l lbes e ndi nghe rhomewi t hs omea nt i i nf l a mma t or i e sa nd pa i nki l l e r sa nds he ' l lbeba c ka twor ki naf e wda ys . '

` Andt ha t ' si t ? ' ` Tha t ' si t . ' Hedi dn' tbe l i e vehe r .Hi sj a wc l e nc he d.` Anni e . . . ' ` Fr a z e r ,Ca l l i ei sf i ne .The r ea r ej us taf e wbr ui s e sf r omwha tha ppe ne dt oda y.Tha t ' s a l l . ' Thephoner a ng,c ur t a i l i nghi sne xtba r r a geofque r i e s ,a ndAnni el ooke dr e l i e ve dt o pi c ki tup.Her e a l i s e ds t r a i ghta wa yt ha tt hec a l lwa sf r omFr a nc e s c aa ndt ha tt heXr a ys we r eove r . ` I ' l lbeba c ki naf e wmi nut e s , 'Anni et ol dhi m,r i s i ngt ohe rf e e t .` I ' mj us tgoi ngt o c he c kt hepi c t ur e st he nCa l l i ec a ngo. ' ` I ' dl i ket os e et he m. ' Shel ooke ds hoc ke d.` Nowa y!Youa r enothe rdoc t ora ndyouknowa smuc ha bout pa t i e ntc onf i de nt i a l i t ya sIdo. ' Hedi d,a ndheha dnos wa yhe r et oi mpos ehi swa ybuthedi dn' tl i kei t .The r ewa s s ome t h i ngAnni ewa s n' tt e l l i nghi m.Hej us tkne wi t .Some t hi ngi mpor t a nta boutCa l l i e . Anni ewa sbe i nge va s i ve ,c a r e f uls hes a i d.Butwhy?Wha twa sgoi ngoni nhe rl i f et ha t hewa snots uppos e dt oknow?Ashewa i t e df orAnni et or e t ur n,het houghtba c kove r wha tha dha ppe ne ds i nc eCa l l i eha dbe e nhur t . Sheha dbe e na da ma ntt ha ts h edi dn' twa ntt obee xa mi ne d.Atf i r s theha dt houghts he j us tha da na ve r s i ont ohi m,buts heha dbe e ns c a r e dofc omi ngt ohos pi t a li nawa ys he ne ve rwa si nawor kc a pa c i t y.OK,s oma nype opl ewe r ene r vousi nme di c a ls i t ua t i ons . Ye tt hi ss e e me dmor e .Ca l l i eha dbe e nr e l i e ve dt of i ndAnni e ,af r i e nds het r us t e da s muc ha shet houghtCa l l i et r us t e da nyone a ndt he yha dbe e ni nt ha tc ubi c l et a l ki ngf ora r i di c ul ous l yl ongl i me .. . f a rl onge rt ha naf e ws i mpl ebr ui s e swa r r a nt e d.The nt he r ewa s t hel ooki nAnni e ' se ye snow,t hes i gnss he ' dbe e nc r yi ngnotl ongbe f or e .About s ome t h i ngCa l l i eha dt ol dhe r ?The r eha da l s obe e nas t r a ngemome nta boutne xtofki n, a ndAnni e ' si ni t i a lr e but t a lr e ga r di ngCa l l i e ' shus ba nd. Ana s t yt houghtoc c ur r e dt ohi m.Wa st hi sa boutt hehus ba nd?Wa sCa l l i es c a r e dof hi m?Di dhehur the ri ns omewa y?Wa st ha twhyCa l l i edi dn' twa nta nyonet os e ehe r ? Hedi d n' twa ntt obe l i e vei t ,c oul dn' tbe l i e vei t ,notgi ve nhow f e i s t yCa l l i ewa s ,how t ougha ndc a pa bl eofs t i c ki ngupf orhe r s e l fLookhow s he ' df l oor e dhi ma tt he i rf i r s t me e t i ngShewa snos hr i nki ngvi ol e twhowoul da l l owa nyonet owa l ka l love rhe r .But t hef e e l i ngt ha ts ome t hi ng,wa swr ongwi t hCa l l i e ' sl i f epe r s i s t e d,t ookr ootr e f us e dt o di mi ni s h.Hedi dn' tknowwha tt ha ts ome t hi ngwa s ,buthei nt e nde dt of i ndout . Be f or ehec oul dge thi swi t st oge t he r ,a nde ve nc ons i de rt het e mpt a t i onofpe e ki nga t Ca l l i e ' sf i l eAnni ec a meba c ki nt ot heof f i c e . ` TheXr a ysa r ec l e a r ,Fr a z e r .I ' vegi ve nCa l l i es hott oma kehe rmor ec omf or t a b l e , nowl 'm j us twa i t i ngf ort hepr e s c r i be dme di c a t i ont oc omeupf r om t hepha r ma c ya nd t he nyouc a nt a kehe rhome . 'Tos s i nghe rda r kponyt a i love rhe rs houl de r ,s hel e a ne d a ga i ns tt hede s k,a r msf ol de d,aknowi ngl ooki nhe rbl uee ye s .` Youc a r ea bouthe r ,don' t you? ' ` She ' smyf l i ghtpa r t ne r . ' Ac huc kl ee s c a pe d,a ndt he r ewa sami s c hi e vousmi l eonhe re l f i nf a c e .` Ri ght . ' ` I tdoe s n' tma t t e ri fIdof e e la nyt hi ng,Anni e , ' hec onc e de dwi t hade e ps i gh.` Ca l l i e ' s ma r r i e d.Idon' tgot he r e .Eve r . ' ` Ic a na gr e ewi t ht ha tvi e wi ft he r e ' sahus ba nd,i t ' st her i ghtt hi ngt oke e pa wa y. '

` I f ? 'Theyoungdoc t orl ooke da si fs hewa nt e dt os a ys ome t hi ngmor e ,a ndFr a z e r ' s e ye sna r r owe da ss hebl us he da ndwi t hdr e whe rga z e .` Wha ti si t ?Iknows ome t hi nge l s e i sgoi ngonhe r e .Ij us twa ntt ohe l p.I si thi m?He rhus ba nd.Ha shehur the ror s ome t h i ng?I st ha twhys hewa ss c a r e dt obee xa mi ne d?I st ha twhyyous a i d" t oda y' s i nj ur y" ? ' ` Fr a z e r ,Ic a n' tbr e a kac onf i d e nc e ,butIc a na s s ur eyout ha tyout ha tt he r ei snowa y Edc oul dha vel a i daha ndonhe r . ' Hel e toutahuf fofr e l i e f ,t he nAnni e ' sc hoi c eofwor dsbe ga nt os i nki n.Ca l l i e ' s hus ba ndc oul dn' tl a vel a i daha ndonhe r .Whynot ?` Anni e . . . ' ` I ' mgoi ngt os e ei fCa l l i ei sr e a dyt ogohome . ' Shes t r a i ght e ne d,he rga z es e r i ousa s s hel ooke da thi m,a si ft r yi ngt oi mpa r ts omeme s s a ge .` Theme dic a t i onma yma ke Ca l l i es l e e pya nddi s or i e nt a t e d.I ' dbegl a di fs hewa s n' tl e f tonhe rown. ' ` I ' 11t a kec a r eofi t . ' Shenodde d,as ma l ls mi l epl a yi nga the rmout h.` Ige tof fa tt wo,s oi fyoune e dt ogo home , ort oyourgr a n' s ,r i ngmea ndI ' 11c omebya nds t a ywi t hCa l l i e . Wha tt i medoe she rhus ba ndge ti n? 'Hi sque s t i onwa sme twi t hat e l l i ngs i l e n c e . Fr a z e r ' sa t t e nt i ons ha r pe ne d.` Ordoe s n' thege ti n?I s n' thel i vi nghe r ?Ar e n' tt he y t oge t he r ? ' Anni es i mpl yr a i s e da ne ye br owbe f or et ur ni nga wa yt opi c kupt hef i l e .Hewa t c he d a ss hewe ntof ft of e t c hCa l l i e ,h i smi ndawhi r loft houghta shepuz z l e dove rwha tha d a ndha dn' tbe e ns a i d.The r ewa smor egoi ngonhe r et ha nhekne w.Sheobvi ous l y c oul dn' tt e l lhi mbutAnni ewa sc l e a r l ywa nt i nghi mt or e a dbe t we e nt hel i ne sa nds e et ha t a l lwa snota si ts e e me di nCa l l i e ' sl i f e . The r ewa ss omuc hmor et ohi sne wf l i ghtpa r t ne rt ha nhe rpr i c kl ye xt e r i or .Themor e t i mehes pe ntwi t hhe r ,t hemor ehec a met oknow he r ,a ndt hemor ehewa nt e dt o unde r s t a nd,t owi nhe rt r us t .Ca l l i ec oul dbedi s t a nta nddi f f i c ul t ,butda mni fs hedi dn' t c a pt ur ehi si nt e r e s t .Heha dt houg hthe rma r r i e da ndoutofbounds .I fs hewa s n' t . . .Heha d t oknowf ors ur e .Ha dt oknowwhe t he rt os t a ywe l la wa yorgi vehi sde s i r ef orhe rf r e e r e i n. He ' dbe e nwi t hhi sf a i rs ha r eofwome ne nj oye dt he m.Hes ur ea she l le nj oye ds e x. Butt i r e doft heda t i ngme r r ygor ound.Al t houghdonel i t t l et or e f ut ehi sr e put a t i on,he wi s he dpe opl ewoul ds e et hema ni ns i de ,nott heha ppygol uc kys uppos e dr ome o.He ha dne ve rl i ve dwi t hawoma n,ha dne ve rbe e ni nl ove .Bute ve rs i nc ehe ' dvi s i t e dhi s s i s t e ra ndhe rf a mi l yi nAus t r a l i ani nemont hsa go,a ndpl a ye dwi t hhi sni e c e sa nd ne phe ws ,he ' dbe gunt owonde ri fhewa smi s s i ngout i fma ybei twa st i met os e t t l edown a nds t a r tt hi nki nga boutapa c kofki dsofhi sown.Forwhi c hhene e de dt her i ghtwoma n. He ' dne ve rr e a l l yha dat ype .He ' dbe e na t t r a c t e dt oa l lki ndsofwome nove rt heye a r s . Butwha thef e l tCa l l i ej us ts e e me dmor e .Mor eofe ve r yt hi ng. . .i nt e ns e ,mor ei nt r i gui ng, mor eu r ge nt . The r ewa ss ome t hi ngdi f f e r e nta boutCa l l i e ,a nd he ' dne ve rwa nt e da nyonet hewa y hewa nt e dhe r .Shef a s c i na t e dhi m.Eve ni naba ggyf l i ghts ui t ,wi t hnoma ke upa nd s pi t t i ngi c yda r t sa thi m,s hewa st hemos tgor ge ouswoma nhe ' de ve rs e e n.Hewa nt e dt o l e a r na l la bouthe r ,t odi s c ove rt her e a lCa l l i ehi dde nbe hi ndt ha tde f e ns i vewa l la ndknow wha tha dha ppe ne dt ohur the rs oba dl ya ndma kehe rs odi s t r us t f ul ,s oa l one ... a nds o de t e r mi ne dt os t a yt ha twa y.

Fr a z e re nj oye dagoodmys t e r ys or t i ngoutt hec l ue sa ndt hes e c r e t sf r om t her e d he r r i ngsa ndput t i ngpi e c e soft hepi c t ur et oge t he runt i li tma des e ns e .Heha daf e e l i ng t ha tt hepuz z l et ha twa sCa l l i ewa sgoi ngt obeoneofhi sbi gge s tc ha l l e nge st os ol vea nd pot e nt i a l l yt hemos tr e wa r di ng. ` Ar eyoua l ls e tt ogo? ' Ca l l i enodde di nr e s pons et oAnni e ' sque s t i onf e e l i ngi nc r e a s i ngl ygr oggya nd l e t ha r gi c .` Tha nksf ore ve r yt hi ng,Anni e . ' ` Nopr obl e m.Tha t ' swha tf r i e ndsa r ef or . 'Ta ki ngapi e c eofpa pe r ,Anni es l i ppe di t i nt ooneofCa l l i epoc ke t s .` Myh omea ndmobi l enumbe r s .Ri ngmet he r e ' sa nyt hi ngyou ne e d.Anyt i me . ' ' OK. ' Whe nyou' r ef e e l i ngupt oi t ,we ' l lge tt oge t he rha vel unc ha nddos omeChr i s t ma s s hoppi ng. ' Ca l l i ef oundhe r s e l fr e t ur ni ngAnni e ' si nf e c t i ouss mi l e .' I ' dl i ket ha t . ' ` Good. 'Shel i nke dhe ra r m wi t hhe r s .` Comet he n.The r e ' save r yi mpa t i e nt ,v e r y gor ge ousf l i ghtdoc t orwa i t i ngf oryou. ' ` Anni e . . . ' He rf r i e ndi gnor e dt hewa r ni ng.` He ' sagoodma nCa l l i e .Oneofaki nd. ' ` Andonewhoha shi spi c ko fa va i l a bl ewome n` Youar ea va i l a bl e . 'Anni es mi l e d. ` Andi t ' sc l e a rhe ' st a ke nwi t hyou . ' Ca l l i es uc ke di napa i nf ulbr e a t h.He a ve nknowswhys heha ddonee ve r yt hi ngt o di s c our a ge` Hewoul dn' tbei fhekne w. ' ` You' r ewr ong,Ca l l i e .Note ve r yonei sl i keyoure x.Don' tbes c a r e dt ogi veFr a z e ra c ha nc e . ' Buts hewa ss c a r e d.' I ' mnoti nt e r e s t e d. ' TheWor dsbur ne di nhe rt hr oa ta nds hec r i nge di nwa r dl y,knowi ngt he ywe r eal i e . Whe nAnni ewhi s ke dba c kt h ec ur t a i n,Ca l l i e ' si mme di a t e l ys e t t l e donFr a z e r .Me l t e d c hoc ol a t ee ye sc ont a i ne dwor r y,f r us t r a t i ona ndt heki ndofs l owbur nhe a tt ha tma dehe r s t oma c ht ur nove r .Sheha nde dhi mt heba gf r omt hepha r ma c yc ont a i ni nghe rpi l l s ,t he n s t e ppe da s i de .Ca l l i ewa sdi s c onc e r t e dt odi s c ove rt ha ts hes wa ye da l a r mi ngl ywhe nhe r f r i e nd' ss uppor twa sr e move d,butFr a z e rs t e ppe df or wa r d,hi sa r ms l i di ngf a rt oo pos s e s s i ve l ya r oundhe rwa i s t . ' Tha nks ,Anni e .I ' l lt a kec a r eofhe r . ' Ca l l i ewa nt e dt opr ot e s t ,buts ome how t hewor dswoul dn' tc ome .A pa l es unwa s r i s i nga bovet hee a s t e r nhi l l sbe hi ndt hel oc hwhe nt he ywe ntout s i de ,al i ghtdus t i ngof s now h a df a l l e ni nt hel a s tc oupl eofhour s .Unc ha r a c t e r i s t i c a l l ydoc i l e ,s hea l l owe d Fr a z e rt ohe l phe ri nt ot hepa s s e nge rs e a ta ndge nt l ys t r a phe ri n.Hewa ss oc l os es he c oul ds me l lhi se a r t hys a nda l woodf r a gr a nc e .Di s ma ye da tt hea c heofde s i r ei ns i dehe r , s hewa sgr a t e f ulwhe nhemove da wa ya ndc l os e dt hedoor .Ha mi s hpus he dhi she a d be t we e nt hef r onts e a t sa ndnuz z l e dhe rs houl de r ,di s t r a c t i nghe r ,a nds hes mi l e d,gi v i ng t hedogahug.The nFr a z e rwa sbe hi ndt hewhe e l ,a ndbe f or es hekne wi tt he ywe r ea the r hous e .Hec a mea r oundt oope nt hepa s s e nge rdoor ,be f or eunc l i ppi ngt hes e a t be l t . ` Ke ys ? ' hea s ke d,hi svoi c es e e mi nghus ki e rt ha nus ua l . Fr owni ng,s hef umbl e di nhe rpoc ke t s ,wonde r i ngwhyhe rbr a i nf e l ts of uz z y.` Ke ys , ' s hemur mur e dha ndi ngt he move r . ` Wa i tami nut ea ndl e tmeh e l pyou. 'Fr a z e rs t e ppe dba c kf r om t hedoor ,buts he i gnor e dhims l i di ngouti nunga i nl yf a s hi on.` Ca l l i e . . . '

` Ic a nwa l k. ' Thef ul l vol t a gedi mpl e ds mi l ehes e nthe ri nc r e a s e dt hes ha kyf e e l i ngi nhe rl e gs .` Of c our s eyouc a n. ' Fol di nghi sa r ms ,hes t oodba c ka ndwa t c he dhe r . Ha mi s hs a tont hepa ve me nta ndga veas ha r pba r kwhe t he rofe nc our a ge me ntor di s a ppr ova ls hedi dn' tknow.Li c ki nghe rl i ps ,a ndf i ndi ngi tt ookf a rmor ec onc e nt r a t i on t ha nus ua lt oputonef ooti nf r on toft heot he r ,Ca l l i ehe a de dt owa r dst hehous e .Ort r i e d t o.Shewe a ve dabi t ,ac r yofs u r pr i s ee s c a pi nga ss hes l i ppe dongr oundt ha twa si c y unde ri t sr e c e ntdus t i ngofpowde r ys now.Shewa se ve nmor es ur pr i s e dwhe nFr a z e r c a ughthe rbe f or es hec oul df a l l ,dr a wi nghe rupa ga i ns tt hes ol i d1e nghtofhi sbody .A ve r yma s c ul i nebody.I twa st e mpt i ngt or e s tt he r e ,t oc uddl ee ve nc l os e r .Sheha dj us t e noughs e ns el e f tt oknowt ha twa saba da ndve r yda nge r ousi de a . Pus hi nga ga i ns thi m,s hes t r uggl e df ors pa c e .` Fr a z e r ,Ic a nma na ge . ' ` Sur e .Is e et ha t . ' Shef e l tac huc kl er umbl ef r omi ns i dehi ma shea l lbutc a r r i e dhe r upt hepa t h.` Le t ' sge tyoui ndoor s . ' ` Ca t s . ' ` Exc us eme ? ' Aga i ns the rbe t t e rj udge me nt ,s hel e a ne donhi mwhi l ehede a l twi t hope ni nghe rf r ont door .` Iha vec a t s . ' ' Goodf oryou, ' Fr a z e rmur mur e d,gui di ngt he mi ns i det hena r r owha l l wa y. ' Ime a ntbe c a us eofHa mi s h. ' ' Don' twor r y,Iha vec a t sa thome ,t oo. 'Ones t r onga r mhe l dhe rupwhi l ehec l os e d a ndl oc ke dt hedoor .' Ha mi s hi sus e dt ot he m.Hewon' thur tyour s . 'Shes wa ye da ga i n, f e e l i nggr oggi e rbyt hemi nut e . ` Pe c a na ndMa pl edon' tl i ked ogs .The yhur thi m. ' Fr a z e rdi dn' ta ppe a rc onc e r ne d.Ext r a c t i nghe r s e l ff r omhi shol d,s hewe a ve dhe rwa y i nt ohe rs ma l l ,i mpe r s ona ll i vi ngr oom a ndf l oppe dont ot hes of a ,c ur l i ngupi naba i l . Whydi ds hef e e ls os pa c e dout ? Wha twa sFr a z e rdoi ngi nhe rhous e ?Thi swa s n' tgooda ta l l . 'Youc a ngonow, 's hemumbl e d,f i ndi ngi tha r dt of oc us onhi ma shewa l ke d t owa r dshe r . ' I ' mnotl e a vi ngyoua l one .Ipr omi s e dAnni e . ' Ca l l i e ' sf r ownde e pe ne d.` Goa wa y, ' s hei ns t r uc t e d,whe nhekne l tdownont hef l o or i nf r ontofhe r ,onepa l mbr us hi nga s i dehe rwi s pyf r i ngea ndr e s t i ngonhe rf or e he a d. ` I st he r es ome oneIc a nc a l lf oryou? ' Shes hookhe rhe a da ts uc has t upi ds ugge s t i on. ` Noone ?Wha ta boutf a mi l y? ' ` Ne ve rha done .Ne ve rha da n yone .Al la l one .Exc e ptEd.Br i e f l y. ' Theha ndmove df r om he rf o r e he a d,f i nge r t i psbr us hi nghe rc he e k,ma ki nghe rs ki n t i ngl ewi t hs e ns a t i on.` Yourhus ba nd? ' ` Soont obee xhus ba nd.Tha nkf ul l y.Ba s t a r dl e f tmewhe nIne e de dhi m. 'She s t r uggl e dt of oc us ,s ur es hes hou l dn' tbes a yi ngt he s et hi ngs ,buthe rwor dss pi l l e dout , e ve ni ft he ywe r es l ur r e d.I twa si mpos s i bl et os t a ya wa ke .` I ' mnotde s i r a bl e : Fr a z e rs a tba c konhi she e l sa nds t r uggl e dt oa bs or ba l lheha dl e a r ne dt hi ngshekn e w Ca l l i ewoul dmor t i f i e da tha vi ngc onf e s s e dha ds heha dhe rwi t sa bouthe r .He rhus ba nd ha dt ol dhe rs hewa s n' tde s i r a bl e ?Heha dl e f the r ?Thema nha dt obeaf ool .He ' dl i kea f e wmome nt sa l onewi t hhi mt ot a kehi mt ot a s kf orhur t i ngCa l l i e ,f ora ba ndoni nghe r . Wha tha ds hes a i d?Tha the ' dl e f twhe ns heha dne e de dhi m?Wha tha dha ppe ne d?He

wa ss u r et he r ewa smuc hmor et ot hi ss t or y,buthe rs of t ,e nde a r i ngl i t t l es nor e st ol dhi m hewa s n' tgoi ngt odi s c ove ra nymor enow.Ora nyt hi nga ta l lwhe ns hewokeupa nd e f f e c t soft heme di c a t i onha dwor nof f .She ' dbea she l li fs her e me mbe r e dj us thow i ndi s c r e e ts heha dbe e na ndwha ts heha dr e ve a l e dt ohi m. Her e a l l youghtt oputhe rt obe d,buts hel ooke ds oc omf or t a bl e .Thef l i ghts ui twa s l oos ee nought ha ti twa s n' tc ons t r i c t i nghe r ,a nds hewa spe a c e f ula ndc l e a r l ynoti npa i n. Movi nghe rmi ghtdi s t ur bt ha ta ndwha ts hene e de dmos tr i ghtnowwa sr e s t .The r ewe r e t hi ngshene e de dt odo,butf oramome nthej us ts t a ye dmot i onl e s s ,wa t c hi nghe r .She l ooke df r a gi l e ,buta s i def r omhe rune xpe c t e dphys i c a ls t r e ngt hs heha dat e na c i ouss pi r i t , a ndi fi twa st r uet ha ts heha dne ve rha daf a mi l y,ha da l wa ysbe e na l one ,whokne wwha t s heha dc ope dwi t h?I te xpl a i ne dhe ri nde pe nde nc e .Andma dehi mi mpos s i bl ys a d. Re a c hi ngout ,hebr us he daf e ws t r a ndsofs hor t ,f e a t he r yha i rba c kf r omhe rf a c e .He r s ki nwa sf l a wl e s s ,a l mos tt r a ns l uc e nt .Unde rt hel i ght ,he rda r kbr ownha i rgl e a me dwi t h une xpe c t e dt i nt sofda r ke s tc oppe ra ndr us s e t .Shewor el i t t l e ,i fa nyma ke upa ndgi ve n t henumbe rofwome nheha dkno wnwhos pe nti nor di na t ea mount soft i mef us s i ngwi t h t he i ra ppe a r a nc e ,hekne wt ha tCa l l i e ' sna t ur a l ,unde r s t a t e dbe a ut ya ndc ompl e t el a c kof a r t i f i c ewa sunus ua l .Spe c i a l .Long,s oot yl a s he sf r i nge dt hos ee xc e pt i ona le ye s ,c l os e d now i ns l e e p.Hec oul dn' tge tove rt he i rc ol our .The yc a pt i va t e dhi m.Andf ora l lhe r out wa r dpr i c kl e sa ndhe rf r ontofha r dne s s ,hes e ns e dave r ydi f f e r e ntwoma nwa sl oc k e d i ns i de . Ca l l i e ,wi t hhe rhi dde ns e c r e t s ,t hehur ta nda l one ne s ss het r i e ds oha r dt ohi dea nd ye twhi c hs e e me dapa r tofhe rbe i ng.Hepl a nne dt of i ndt heke yt ha twoul dunl oc kt he r e a lCa l l i eGr oga na nda l l owhe rt of l our i s ha ndf l yf r e e . Wi t has i ghher os et ohi sf e e t ,ha l t i ngwhe nhel ooke dt owa r dsa na r mc ha i ra nds a w t woi nt r i gui ngl yc ol our e dc a t ss t a r i nga thi mt hr oughmi s t r us t f ulgr e e ne ye s .Pe c a na nd Ma pl e ,hepr e s ume d.Equa l l ys us pi c i ous ,Ha mi s hs a ta c r os st heot he rs i deoft her oom, r e ga r di ngt hef e l i ne swa r i l y.The r es e e me dt obea nunc omf or t a bl es t a ndof f .Smi l i ng, Fr a z e rc r os s e dt ot hef i r e pl a c ea nds pe ntaf e wmome nt sl i ght i ngane wf i r eput t i ngt he gua r dr oundi tonc et heki ndl i ngha dc a ughta ndf l a me swe r el i c ki nga tt hes e a s one dl ogs hehs e tont op.Hel ooke da r oundt her oom,s e e i ngnphot os ,nohome l yt ouc he s .I tf e l t l one l y… l i keCa l l i eI nt heki t c he n,hef oundc a tf ood,a nds ome t hi ngt ha twoul ds ui t Ha mi s h.Hef e dt hea ni ma l s ,s e e i ngt of r e s hwa t e ra nds e t t i ngt hebowl sf a ra pa r tt oa voi d a nyf l yi ng.Henot e dt ha toneoft hec a t sha dt hr e el e gsa ndt heot he rwa smi s s i ngpa r tof i t st a i l .So,Ca l l i es ha r e dhi spe nc ha ntofc a r i ngf ort heunde r dog.Orunde r c a ti nt hi s c a s e .Smi l i ngt ohi ms e l f ,hema des omet oa s tt he nputapotofc of f e eon,s ur et ha tCa l l i e woul da ppr e c i a t es omewhe ns hewoke .Whi l ei tbr e we d,hewa l ke dupt ot heba t hr oo m, l i nge r i ngt os me l lhe rc oc onuts oa pa nds ha mpoo,c l os i nghi se ye sa sher e c a l l e dhowt he f r a gr a nc ec l ungs e ns uous l yt ohe rha i ra nds ki n.Hef oundabl a nke ta ndapi l l owt oma ke Ca l l i emor ec omf or t a bl e ,r e f l e c t i ngont hewa yba c kdowns t a i r sona bs e nc eofa nyma l e pr e s e nc ei nt hehous e . J us thowl onga goha dhe rc r e e pofahus ba ndwa l ke dout ?Awhi l e ,i ft hedi vor c ewa s i mmi ne nt .Anni eha ds omei ns i ght ,ha dt r i e dt ot i p hi m of fwi t houtbr e a ki ng a c onf i de nc e .Sowhywa sCa l l i ehi di ngbe hi ndhe rwe ddi ngr i ng?Di ds heus ei tt oke e p di s t a nc ebe t we e nt he m be c a us es hef e l tt hes a mepul ldi da ndwa ss c a r e dbyi t ? Thr e a t e ne d?Thei de ai nt r i gue dhi m.J us twha te l s ewa sCa l l i ehi di ng?Ba c ki nt hel i v i ng

r oom,hege nt l ys l i dt hepi l l ow unde rhe rhe a d,t he nt uc ke dt hebl a nke ta r oundhe r , dr oppi ngaki s sonhe rf or e he a dbe f or ec ol l e c t i nghi st oa s ta ndc of f e ef r omt heki t c he n. Se l e c t i nga na dve nt ur enove lf r omt hewe l l s t oc ke dbooks he l ve si na na l c ovebe s i det he f i r e pl a c e ,hes a ti nac ha i rne a rhe rt opl a nhi sc a mpa i gnt oga i nhe rt r us ta ndwi nhe r he a r t .Nowhekne wt he r ewa snohus ba ndi nt hepi c t ur eheha dnoi nt e nt i onofba c ki ng a wa yf r om t hea t t r a c t i onhef e l tf orCa l l i e .Buts hene e de dc a r e f ulha ndl i ng.I fs hewa s s t i l la s l e e pa f t e rl unc hhe ' dne e dAnni et ot a keove rf orawhi l e .Heha dt hi ngst odo,i de a s t os e ti nmot i on.Ca l l i emi ghtnott hi nks heha da nyonei nhe rl i f ewhoc a r e da bouthe r , buts hewa swr ong.Wi t ht hes pi r i tofChr i s t ma sgr owi nge ve r yda y,a ndt hewa r mt hof t heSt r a t hl oc ha nc ommuni t ya l la r oundt he m,he ' dma kes ur et os pe ndt i mewi t ht hi s mys t e r i ous ,i nt r i gui ngwoma n,a ndpr ovet ohe rt ha ts hedi dn' tha vet obea l onea nymor e . I fheha dhi swa y,s he ' dne ve rbea l onea ga i n. CHAPTERFI VE THEREwa sbl oode ve r ywhe r e . Thet e ns i oni nt hehe l i c opt e rwa st a ngi bl ea st he ys pe dba c kt oSt r a t hl oc ha nHos pi t a l , whe r ea ne me r ge nc yt e a mwa sons t a ndby,a wa i t i ngt he i ra r r i va l . ' How l ong,Cr a i g? 'Fr a z e rde ma nde d,s wa l l owi ngac ur s ea st hebumpyf l i ghti n a ppa l l i ngwe a t he rj os t l e dt he m,a ndhi sgl ove d,bl oodi e dha ndl os ti t s ,gr i ponDe s mo nd Pol l oc k' sma ngl e d,pa r t i a l l y.s e ve r e dr i ghta r m. ` ETA s e ve nmi nut e s , 'Cr a i gr e s ponde d,hi svoi c ebe t r a yi nghi sowns t r e s s .` Si xi f we ' r el uc ky. ' ` Wes ur ea she l lne e ds omel u c ki ft hi sguygoi ngt oma kei t . ' Atf i r s tFr a z e rha dwor r i e da boutDe s mondl os i nghi sa r m. . .Nowt hec onc e r nwa s whe t he rt hewoul de ve nl i ve .Lo oki ngup,heme tCa l l i e ' sa nxi ousga z e .Li kehi m,s he wa sc ove r e di nbl ooda ndmoni t or i ngDe s mond' sc ondi t i onwhi l es que e z i ngye ta not he r ba goff l ui dsa sf a s ta spos s i bl et h r ought heI Vi nhi suni nj ur e da r m. ` BP' sdr oppi ng, 'Ca l l i ea nnounc e dqui e t l y,l e a ni ngove rt heunc ons c i ousma na ss he c a l l e doutt hel e ve l sf orpul s ea ndr e s pi r a t i on.` Sa t ur a t i ononoxyge nni ne t ype rc e nta nd f a l l i ng. ' ` Tha nks . ' Cur s i ngunde rhi sbr e a t h,Fr a z e ra dj us t e dt het our ni que ta ga i n,wor ki ngha r dt o c ont r olt heha e mor r ha gi ng.I nt hewor s tDe c e mbe rwe a t he ri nl i vi ngme mor y,De s mo nd ha dbe e nout s i de ,t r yi ngt oc utmor el ogsf ort hef i r e ,whe nhi sc ha i ns a wha ds l i ppe da nd ne a r l yt a ke nof fhi sa r ma bovet hee l bow.Hi sdi s t r a ughtwi f eha dma na ge dt oke e phe r he a ds uf f i c i e nt l yt oc a l lf orhe l p,a ndha dt he ndonehe rbe s tt os t e mt hebl oodl os sunt i l t hea i ra mbul a nc ea r r i ve d.Ani mme di a t ea s s e s s me ntha dt ol dFr a z e rt he r ewa snot i me f orde l a yorhe r oi c sa tt hes c e ne .The yha dj us ts c oope dDe s mondupa ndma deac l a s h f ort hehos pi t a l .As i def r omt hes i gni f i c a ntva s c ul a rda ma gea ndha e mor r ha ge ,t he r ewa s c ons i de r a bl ej ur yt ot e ndons ,ne r v e s ,mus c l ea ndbone .De s mondwoul df a c ea tl e a s tone ma j orope r a t i ont or e pa i rt heda ma ge .Ve i na ndt e ndoni mpl a nt a t i on,pi nst of i xt he br oke nhume r us ,s ki ngr a f t i nga ndal ongr e ha bi l i t a t i ont or e ga i nwha tus ehec oul dof a r ma ndha ndf unc t i on.I fhel i ve d.Fr a z e rdi dn' twa ntt ot hi nka boutha vi ngt ot e l l De s mond' swi f ea ndc hi l dr e nt ha tt hema nt he yl ove dha dn' ts ur vi ve d.

Fi na l l y,t hehos pi t a ll oome di nt ovi e w,a ndi twa sabumpyl a ndi ngi nt hel a s hi ngr a i n a ndgus t i ngAr c t i cwi nds .Thec a s ua l t yt e a mwe r er e a dyf ort he m,a ndt heha ndove rwa s Swi f ta sDe s mondwa st r a ns f e r r e dt oRe s usf ore me r ge nc ywor kbe f or ebe i ngwhi s ke dup t ot heo pe r a t i ngt he a t r e . ` Ihopehema ke si t . ' Ca l l i es ounde dt i r e da ss hebe ga nt oga t he rupt he i rt hi ngs . ` Wedi de ve r yt hi ngwec oul d. ' Het ookof fgl ove sa ndt os s e dt he mi nt hebi n,gl a nc i ng downhi ss oi l e df l i ghts ui ta ndj a c ke t .` t i met oge tba c kc l e a nupbe f or et hene xt e me r ge nc y. ' ` Ahots howe rs oundsl i kehe a ve nr i ghtnow. ' He rc omme ntbr oughtar us hofe r ot i ci ma ge sthi smi nd.Hec l os e dhi se ye s ,s e e i ng Ca l l i ec ompa c t ,c ur vybodyunde rt hes pr a yofwa t e r ,s or i vul e t sr unni ngdownhe rs ki n, a ndhi sha nds s na ppe dof fhi si na ppr opr i a t et hought sa ndope nhi se ye s ,hi sga z ec l a s h i ng wi t hhe r s .Hec oul ddr owni nt ho s epur pl ede pt hs .Thel ongi ngt obea l onehe r ,t ot ouc h he r ,t oki s she r ,t hr e a t e ne dt oove r whe l mhi m,but ,s e ns i nghe rne r vous ne s s ,her e i ne di n ne e da n ds t e ppe dba c kapa c e . He ' dbe e na spa t i e nta shec oul dt hi sl a s twc a r e f ulnott oc r owdhe rwhi l ea tt hes a me ma ki ngs ur es hef e l tmor ei nvol ve da ndpa r tofge nt l yge t t i ngc l os e rt ohe r .I twa s di f f i c ul t notbe c a us ei twa st a ki ngl onge rt ha nhe ' dhope dt ohe rt r us t ,buta l s obe c a us e wi t he ve r ypa s s i ngda yj us twa nt e dt ot a kehe ri nhi sa r msa ndl ovehe r .Heha dne ve rha d s uc ha ni nt e ns ea t t r a c t i ont oawoma na shedi dt oCa l l i e .Hewa nt e dt opr ot e c the r ,c a r e f orhe r ,s ha r ea l lofhi ms e l fwi t hh e r . Ke e pi ngt hi ngsl i ght f ornowhet a ppe dt het i phe rnos ewi t honef i nge rbe f or e us he r i nghe ra he a dofhi moutoft hehos pi t a la ndba c kt ot hehe l i c opt e r ,whe r eCr a i gwa s wa i t i ngf ort he m.Re s i s t i ngt heur get os we e phe rupi nhi sa r ms ,hi sl e thi sga z es t r a y ove rhe rs ha pe l yf or m,c l a di nt het ooba ggyc l ot he s ,a shec l i mbe da boa r df ort hes hor t f l i ghtba c kt oba s e .Ther e s toft he i rs hi f twa she c t i c ,a ndheha dl i t t l et i met owor r ya b out t hea ppa r e nts l owne s sofhi sc a mpa i gnt owi nCa l l i er ound.The ya t t e nde dami ddl e a ge d ma nwi t hdi a be t e swhowa shypogl yc e mi a . . . c onf us e da nds ha kyf r oml owbl oods uga r .A f a s t a c t i ngor a lc a r bohydr a t e ,a ni nj e c t i onofgl uc a gona nda ni nt r a ve nousde xt r os e s ol ut i onowe dbyas a l i nef l us hhe l pe dt os t a bi l i s ehi m,butgi ve nt ha theha dnoonea t homet oc a r ef orhi m,a nda suns ur ehowheha da l l owe dhi sbl oods uga rl e ve l st odi p, t he yt o okhi mt ot hehos pi t a lf orf ur t he rt ut or i ng. Ne xtt he ys a w at oddl e rwhoha dpul l e dake t t l eof fki t c he nwor kt op,r e s ul t i ngi n pa r t i a lt hi c kne s st ohe ra r ma ndl e g,a ndawoma ns uf f e r i nga naa t t a c kwhos eoxyge n s a t ur a t i onwa swor r yi ngl yl owa te i ght ype rc e nt ,a ndwhone e de ds a l but a molne bul i s e r a ndpur eoxyge n.Bot hpa t i e nt sr e qui r e dhos pi t a l i s a t i on.The i rf i na lc a l lwa st oye t a not he rmot or wa yc ol l i s i on,i nvol vi ngs e ve r a lve hi c l e s ,whe r et he yme tRi gt ownbr a eGP a ndBASI CSdoc t orKyl eSi nc l a i ra tt hes c e ne .Kyl eha dc a l l e df ort he mt ot r a ns f e ra t e e na geboywi t hana s t ype ne t r a t i ngwoundt ohi sa bdome na nds us pe c t e dda ma get ohi s l i ve r ,whone e de dur ge nts ur gi c a li nt e r ve nt i on. Awa yf r omt heba s e ,Fr a z e rwi s he dhec oul ds pe ndmor et i mewi t hCa l l i e ,e s pe c i a l l y i nt her unupt oChr i s t ma s ,buts hewa ss t i l lwa r y,a ndhekne whene e de dt ot a ket hi ngs s l owl y,howe ve rf r us t r a t i ngi tf e l t .Hi sc ha nc ec a meac oupl eofda ysl a t e r .Ha vi ng i nvol ve dhe ri ns omea c t i vi t i e s ,hec oul dn' twa i tunt i ll unc ht i me ,whe nhewa spi c ki ng he rupf ort hene xts t a gei nhi spl a n.

Smi l i ng,wr a ppe dupa ga i ns tt hec ol d,hel e f thi .hi l l s i dec ot t a gea ndwa l ke dHa mi s h t hr ought hewoodsa ndpa r toft hes pr a wl i nggr oundsofSt r a t hl oc ha nCa s t l e t hel a i r da n d hi sf a mi l yha vi ngope ne dpa t hsf o rl oc a lpe opl et oe nj oyt hec ount r ys i dea ndt hel oc h. Fr a z e rgl a nc e da thi swa t c h,hi si mpa t i e nc egr owi ng,hi ss ur r oundi ngsgi vi nghi ml e s s s a t i s f a c t i ont ha nus ua l .Al lhewa n t e dwa st os e eCa l l i e . Some t hi ngve r ys t r a ngeha dbe e nha ppe ni ngs i nc et hemor ni ngFr a z e rha dma dehe r got ot hehos pi t a l.Ca l l i e ' sr e c ol l e c t i onofwha tha dt a ke npl a c ea f t e rheha ddr i ve nhe r ba c kt ohe rr e nt e dhous ewa sha z y,t os a yt hel e a s t ,a nda l ls her e a l l yr e me mbe r e dwa s wa ki ngupi nt hea f t e r noon,gr og gya ndc onf us e d,t of i ndAnni ei ns i t u.Bute ve r yt hi ng ha ds ubt l ys hi f t e d,a nds heha dn' tbe e na bl et oge tt hi ngsba c ki nba l a nc es i nc e . Shewi s he ds hec oul dr e c a l le xa c t l ywha tha dha ppe ne dwi t hFr a z e r .Sheha dana s t y f e e l i ngt ha t ,unde rt hei nf l ue nc eoft heme di c a t i on,s heha dt ol dhi mt hi ngss hes houl dn' t ha ve ,butofc our s es hec oul dn' tme nt i oni tnow,ora s khi ma bouti t notwi t houtt he hor r i f yi ngpos s i bi l i t yofope ni ngac a nofwor ms . Si nc et ha tda yFr a z e rha dbe e ni nc r e a s i ngl ywa r ma ndf r i e ndl y,f r e que nt l yt ouc hi ng he r ,dr a pi nga na r ma r oundhe rs houl de r sorr e s t i ngaha nda tt hes ma l lofhe rba c k, e ns ur i ngs hewa sa l lr i ght .Heha ds ome howc a j ol e dhe ri nt ot a ki ngpa r ti nt hi ngsa r ound t heba s ea ndbe yonds omuc hs ot ha ts heha de ve ns t a r t e dt of e e lt ha ts hedi d,i nde e d, be l ongi nSt r a t hl oc ha n.I nt hewe e kf ol l owi nghe ri nj ur ys heha dbe e ns we e t t a l ke di nt o goi ngwi t hhi mt ogi veat a l ka boutt he i rwor kt oagr oupofc hi l dr e na tal oc a ls c hool . The nhea ndAnni eha ddr a gge dhe routonee ve ni ngt ogot e npi nbowl i ng,whi c hh a d pr ove dt obema s s i vef un,i nvol vi ngva r i ousde pa r t me nt sa ndme di c a ldi s c i pl i ne s f or mi n gt e a msa ndr e s or t i ngt oout r a ge oust a c t i c st ot r ya ndwi n.Anni e ,Wi l lBr owna nd t wooft henur s e sf r om A a ndE,Gi naMc Na ughta ndHol l yTa i t ,ha dbe e nvoc a l l y vi c t or i ous . Ne xtha dc omeaChr i s t ma spi z z ani ghta tt heSt r a t hl oc ha nAr ms ,wi t ht hel a r gebut c os ypubde c ke douti nf e s t i vef i ne r y,l ogf i r e sbur ni ng.Aga i ns he ' dha df unf a rmor es o t ha ns heha de xpe c t e df i ndi nghe r s e l fdr a wni nt ot hewe l c omi ng,f r i e ndl ywa r mt h. Pe opl es e e me dt obea c c e pt i nghe ra ndFr a z e ra sac oupl ebe yondt he i rwor kpa r t ne r s hi p, a ndi twa smos tdi s c onc e r t i ng.Bu t ,whi l s ta t t e nt i vea ndc a r i ng,Fr a z e rhi ms e l fha dbe e na mode lofpr opr i e t y. Ye ts hewa smor ea ndmor ea wa r eofhi mwi t he ve r yda yt ha tpa s s e d.I twa ss c a r y. Ye s t e r da yha dbe e ns pe ntwi t hAnni e ,ha vi ngl unc ha nddoi ngs omeChr i s t ma s s hoppi ng.St r a t hl oc ha nha dbe e nf ul lofc ol oura ndc he e r .Bur s t i ngwi t he xc i t e me nt , c hi l dr e nha dl i ne dupt ovi s i tSa nt a ' sgr ot t o,whi l et i nnyc a r ol sr a ngoutofne a r l ye v e r y s hopdoor wa ya ndal oc a lba ndpl a ye di nt het ownc e nt r e ,t hes t a ndl a vi s hl yde c or a t e d a nds t r ungwi t hf l i c ke r i ngl i ght s .Se l l e r sne a r byha dpl i e ds hoppe r swi t hr oa s t e dc he s t nut s a ndhotc hoc ol a t e .Iha dbe e nt hebe s tda ye ve r ,ac ompl e t e l yne we xpe r i e nc e :a ndCa l l i e ha ds oonbe e nl a de ndownwi t hgi f t sf orhe rne wc ol l e a gue s ,f orAnni e ,Cr a i ga nd Fr a nc e s c a . . .a ndf orFr a z e r .Sheha dne ve rha dpe opl et obuypr e s e nt sf orbe f or e .Ha d ne ve rha daf r i e ndt ogi ggl ea ndgos s i pwi t h,e i t he r .ButAnni ewa si nc or r i gi bl e ,s i ngi ng Fr a z e r ' spr a i s e sa ndpus hi nghe ra thi mde s pi t ehe rpr ot e s t s ,a ndde s pi t eknowi ngt het r ut h a bouthe r . Toda y,s heha dbe e ns uc ke r e di nt oj oi ni ngi nwi t hs omeChr i s t ma sde c or a t i onpa r t y. Wha t e ve rt hehe l lt ha twa s .Fr a z e rwa spi c ki nghe rupa ta nymome nt ,whi c hwa swhy s hewa sane r vouswr e c ka ndr i di c ul ous l yf l us t e r e d.Sheke ptt e l l i nghe r s e l ft ha tt hi swa s

j us ta not he rwor kr e l a t e de ve nt s owhyha ds hes pe ntf ore ve rf r e t t i ngove rwha tt owe a r ? Andwhywe r eawhol et r oopofbut t e r f l i e sc onduc t i nga c r oba t i cma noe uvr e si nhe r s t oma c h? Ha vi ngf e dPe c a na ndMa pl e ,s hec r os s e dt ot hewi ndowa ndl ooke douta tt hewi nt r y s c e ne .Thewi ndha ddr oppe da ndapa l es uns t r uggl e dt hr oughpa t c he sofgr e yc l oud.A ne wf a l lofs now ove r ni ghtha dc oa t e dt hes ma l lga r de n,t hepr i s t i newhi t ebl a nke t di s t ur be donl ybyaf e ws pi kyf oo t pr i nt sma debywi l dbi r dss e e ki ngs c r a psf r omt het a bl e a ndnut hol de r ss heke ptwe l ls t oc ke df ort he m. Shet r i e dt or e a s s ur ehe r s e l ft ha tFr a z e rwa sonl ybe i ngni c et ohe rbe c a us et he ywe r e c ol l e a gue sa nd,de s pi t ehe ri ni t i a lc hi l l ys t a nc e ,heha ds t uc ki touta ndhe l pe dhe rs e t t l e i n.Unf or t una t e l y,s hef e a r e ds hewa sf ool i nghe r s e l f .Shec oul dn' tunde r s t a ndwhyhe wa sr e mot e l yi nt e r e s t e di nhe r ,butt he r ewa sde f i ni t ede s i r ei nhi sc hoc ol a t ee ye swhe n hel ooke da the r .Andwi t ht heuns poke na c c e pt a nc et ha the rma r r i a gewa sove r ,he r de f e nc e sha dbe e ns t r i ppe da wa y,t hes hi e l dwhi c hs heha dbe e nhi di ngbe hi ndt o r n down,a nds hewa snol onge ri mmunet ohi sc ha r m. Thea t t r a c t i onwa sbe c omi ngama j orpr obl e m be c a us es hekne wi tc oul dne ve rgo a nywhe r e .Noma t t e rhowmuc hs hewa sc omi ngt oa dmi r ehi m,t owa nthi ml i kec r a z y, s heha dt ohol df i r m.Some how.Ye ti twa si nc r e a s i ngl ydi f f i c ul tt oma i nt a i nadi s t a nc e . The r ewa ss omuc hmor et oFr a z e rt ha ns heha df i r s te xpe c t e d,a nds hebe l i e ve dAnni e wa sr i ght ,t ha tt her umour sa bouthi sr e put a t i onwe r egr os s l ye xa gge r a t e d.Nott ha ts he i ma gi ne dhe ' de ve rbe e namonk.Hewa st oos e xy,t ooi nt e l l i ge nt ,t oomuc hf unnott o ha veabe vyofwome na t t r a c t e dt ohi m.And,de s pi t ea l lhe rwa r ni ngs ,s hewa soneof t he m.Noma t t e rhowmuc hs hewi s he ds hec oul dde nyi t ,t hes e xua lc he mi s t r ybe t we e n t he mwa spa l pa bl e .Buti mpos s i bl e . Thedoor be l lr a ng,s t a r t l i nghe rf r omhe rr e ve r i ea ndi nc r e a s i nghe rne r voust e ns i ona hundr e df ol d.Suc ki ngi nas t e a dyi ngbr e a t h,s hewa l ke ddownt hena r r ow ha l l wa ya nd ope ne dt hef r ontdoor ,he rs t oma c hc l e nc hi nga tt hes i ghtofFr a z e rl ooki nghe a r t s t oppi ngl ygor ge ousi nat e mpt i ngl ys of tl e a t he rj a c ke t ,c hunkybl a c kj umpe ra ndf a de d j e a ns ,t hewe l l wor nde ni mc l i ngi ngt ohi shi psa ndl e a nl ymus c ul a rt hi ghsi nawa yt ha t ma dehe rpul s er a c ea ndhe rmout hwa t e r .Di s c onc e r t e d,s her a i s e dhe rga z e ,he rt hr oa t c l os i nga tt hes l ow,di mpl e ds mi l e ,a ndt hel i qui dc hoc ol a t ee ye sda r ke ni ngwi t ht he unmi s t a ka bl ehe a tofde s i r e . ` Hi ,Ca l l i e . ' Twowor dsa ndhi st hr oa t yvoi c es e e me dt owr a pa r oundhe r .` He l l o. ' ` Youl ookgood. ' ` Tha nks . 'Hi sa ppr e c i a t i onbr oughtaf l us ht ohe rf a c e ,a l t houghs hedi dn' tt hi nkhe r a nkl eboot s ,gr e yj e a nsa ndl a ve n de rf l e e c ewe r ea nyt hi ngs pe c i a l .' Uni ,I ' l lj us tf e t c hmy c oa ta ndt hi ngs , ' s hemumbl e d,c u r s i nghe ra wkwa r dne s s ,ba c ki nga wa ya sFr a z e rs t e ppe d i ns i dea ndc l os e dt hedoorbe hi ndhi m. Re t r e a t i ng,f ool i s hl ybr e a t hl e s s ,s hega vehe r s e l fas t e mt a l ki ngt oa ss hepul l e don he rc oa t ,a ndga t he r e duphe rba g,c e l l phonea ndke ys .Shedi s c ove r e dFr a z e ri nt he s i t t i ngr oom,ge t t i ngr e a c qua i nt e dwi t hPe c a na ndMa pl e .Us ua l l ya l oofa ndc a ut i ouswi t h s t r a nge r s ,t het wof e l i ne ss e e me dnomor ei mmunet ot hema n' sl e t ha lc ha r mt ha na ny ot he rf e ma l e ,s henot i c e dwi t has i gh,ha l t i nga shel ooke dupa nds a whe r . He rhe a r tt hudde da sFr a z e rc l os e dt hega pbe t we e nt he m,he rwhol ebodyt r e mbl i ng a sher e a c he doutt os t r a i ght e naki nki nt hec ol l a rofhe rc oa t ,hi sha ndsl i nge r i ng,

dr a wi nghe ri ne xor a bl yCl os e r .Shec oul dn' tbr e a t hea shi she a dbe nta ndhi sl i ps ,wa r m a nds uppl e ,br us he dhe rc he e k.He rs ki nt i ngl e d.Hi ss ubt l es a nda l wooda r oma ,e a r t hy a nds e ns ua l ,t e a s e da ndt a nt a l i s e dhe r .Ands heye a r ne dt ot ur nhe rhe a dt hes c a nt di s t a nc ene c e s s a r yf ort he i rmout hst ome e t .Fr i ght e ne da the rwe a kne s s ,t hel ur eof t e mpt a t i on,s hes t e ppe dba c k,f e e l i nge ve r yt hr obofhe rpul s ei nhe rve i ns . Fr a z e rr e l e a s e dhe r ,l ongda r kl a s he sve i l i ngs ul t r ye ye s ,as e xys mi l epl a yi nga thi s mout h. ` Al ls e t ? ' ` Ofc our s e . 'Shec l e a r e dhe rt hr oa t ,t r yi ngt opor t r a yac oolunc onc e r ns hewa sf a r f r omf e e l i ng.` Wes houl dgo. ' Ca l l i ewa st ha nkf ulf ort hedi ve r s i ons uppl i e dbyHa mi s h,whogr e e t e dhe rwi t h c us t oma r ye nt hus i a s mwhe ns hec l i mbe di nt oFr a z e r ' sc a r .Thel i t t l edogwa sadyna mo, a ndde vot e dt ohi shuma nc ompa ni on.Thepe r kyBor de rt e r r i e rs e e me dt oha vet wo s pe e ds s l e e pi nga ndwa r pwi t hl i t t l el e e wa yi nbe t we e n,a ndhewa sne ve rha ppi e rt ha n whe nhewa st hec e nt r eofa t t e nt i ona ndbe i ngf us s e dove r .A t r a i tf orwhi c hs hewa s gr a t e f u la sc onc e nt r a t i ngonHa mi s ha l l owe dhe rt i met oa t t e mptt oge the re mot i onsba c k i nc he c ka nddi s t a nc ehe r s e l ff r omFr a z e r . Thewhe e l sc r unc he dt hr ought hef r oz e nt opc oa t i ngofne ws now a sFr a z e rdr ove s l owl yt ot heout s ki r t soft owna ndabui l di ngwhi c hwa ss ur r ounde dbyal a r gega r d e n f i l l e dwi t hs hr ubsa nde dge dbyma t ur et r e e s . Wha ti st hi spl a c e ? ' s hea s ke d,l ooki nga r oundwi t hi nt e r e s ta sFr a z e rf oundas pa c ei n as ma l lbutc r owde dc a rpa r k. ` I ts t a r t e douta sahomef o rdi s a bl e dc hi l dr e na ndt hos ewi t hs pe c i a lne e ds ,but s e ve r a lye a r sa got he yope ne dane w wi nga sac hi l dr e n' shos pi c e , 'hei nf or me dh e r , hoppi ngouta ndmovi ngr oundt ot heba c kt ot a keouts omes uppl i e s .` Ihe l poutwi t ht he de c or a t i onse a c hChr i s t ma si fIc a n.Thec hi l dr e nl ovei t . ' Move dt odi s c ove rye ta not he rs i det oFr a z e r ,s hehe l pe dhi mc a r r yt het hi ngst ot he f r ontdoor ,Ha mi s hbounc i nge a ge r l ya he a doft he m.The i rwe l c omewa swa r m,a ndt he i nt e r i oroft hehomebor enos i mi l a r i t yt ot hebl a nda ndde pr e s s i ngpl a c e ss heha dbe e n ma det ol i vei na sa na ba ndone dc hi l d.Eve r ywhe r ewa sbr i ghta ndc l e a n,t hes t a f fwe r e c a r i nga ndf r i e ndl y,a ndi twa sc l e a r ,a ss heme tonec hi l da f t e ra not he r ,t ha ta l lt he i r ne e dswe r ec a t e r e df or ,a nde a c hwa st r e a t e da sa ni ndi vi dua lwi t hr e s pe c ta ndki ndne s s . I twa saj oyf ulf e w hour s .As i def r om he l pi ngputupde c or a t i onsa nds t r a ndsof c ol our e dl i ght si nt hepubl i cr oomsa ndt hec hi l dr e n' sbe dr oomst he ys a ngs ongs Fr a z e r s ur pr i s i nghe ra ne wwi t hhi st a l e ntpl a yi ngt hepi a noa ndt he nt he ywe ntout s i dewi t ht he mor emobi l ec hi l dr e nt obui l das nowma na ndi ndul gei nas nowba l lf i ght ,Ha mi s h r unni nge xc i t e dl ya r oundt he m.Col da ndbr e a t hl e s s ,t he yt r oope dba c ki ns i det obe wa r me dwi t hc upsoft e aa ndpi pi n ghothome ma demi nc epi e s . Thef i na lt a s kwa st omoveahuget r e ei nt opl a c eyi nt hec ommonr oom.` The c hi l dr e nde c or a t ei tt he ms e l ve sonChr i s t ma sEve .Ij us tc l i mbt hel a dde rt oge tt hea nge l ont het op, 'Fr a z e re xpl a i ne d,s t e ppi ngba c kf r om e ns ur i ngt het r e ewa sf ul l ys e c ur e , be f or ec a s t i ngal a s t ,s a t i s f i e dga z eove rt he i re f f or t s . ` I tl ooksgr e a t . 'Ca l l i ec oul dn ' tbe l i e vehow qui c kl yt het i meha dpa s s e d,norhow muc hs heha de nj oye dhe r s e l f .Tur ni ngr ound,f i ndi nghe r s e l fl ooki ngi nt oFr a z e r ' se ye s , s hes wa l l owe d,f e e l i ngvul ne r a bl e .` Tha nksf ori nvi t i ngme .I ' veha dagoodt i me . ' ` I ' m gl a d.You' vebe e nwonde r f ul . . . a ndIe nj oyyourc ompa ny, 'hea dde d,e ye s da r ke ni nga shet ookas t e pc l os e r .

Oh,he l p!Ra t t l e d,hor r i bl ya wa r eofhi m,s het ookas t e pba c kwa r ds .` Fr a z e r ,I ' He rwor dswe r ec utof fa ss e ve r a loft heol de rc hi l dr e ngi ggl e da ndt he nac ha nt be ga n,i nc r e a s i ngi nvol umea smor eoft her oom' soc c upa nt sj oi ne di n.` Ki s s ,ki s s ,ki s s , ki s s ! ' Conf us e d,Ca l l i egl a nc e da r ound,t he nf ol l owe dFr a z e r ' sga z eupwa r ds ,r e a l i s i ngt h e y ha di na dve r t e nt l yc omet oaha l tunde rage ne r ouss pr i gofmi s t l e t oe .He rbr e a t hl odge di n he rl ungsa ndhe rhe a r ts t a r t e dha mme r i nga sFr a z e rs mi l e d,r a i s i ngoneha ndt oc uphe r f a c e ,h i st ouc hi gni t i ngaf l a meoff e a r f ula nt i c i pa t i ona sl e a ne dt owa r dshe r . ` Woul dn' twa ntt odi s a ppoi ntt he m, 'hemur mur e ds e c ondsbe f or ehi sl i pss e t t l e don he r s . Thi swa snobr i e f ,c a s ua lpe c k.At r e morr i ppl e dt hr oughhe ra tt hef e e lofFr a z e r ' s mout hc l a i mi nghe r sf ort hef i r s tt i me .Shoc ke d,s hef oundhe r s e l fr et ur ni ngt heki s s , s a vour i nghi swa r m ma l et a s t ea st het i pofhi st onguet e a s e dt hes e a m ofhe rl i ps , e nc our a gi ngt he mt opa r tbe f or edi ppi ngbol dl yi ns i de .He rha ndsc l e nc he di nhi sj umpe r a nds hes wa ye da ga i ns thi m.Eve r yt hi nga r oundt he mf a de da wa yt hec ha nt i ng,t he l a ught e r ,t hec he e kyc ont i ne nt s .Not hi ngma t t e r e dbutt hi sune xpe c t e dl ye r ot i cs t o l e n mome nt .Al mos ta ss oona si tha dbe gunFr a z e rwa spul l i ngba c k,r e gr e ta nds e a r i ngne e d i nhi se ye sa shel ooke da the r . ` Ne xtt i mewewon' tha vea na udi e nc e ,a ndwe ' l ldot hi spr ope r l y, 'hewhi s pe r e d hus ki l y. Ca l l i ef e l the l pl e s s ,l a i dba r e ,s c a r e dwi t l e s s .Sha ki ng,s e ns i t i s e df r om hi ski s s ,s he wa nt e dt ot e l lhi mt he r ec oul dn' tbeane xtt i me ,t ha ti twa si mpos s i bl e ,butwor dsr e f us e d t oc ome .The ys t a r e da te a c hot he rf ore ndl e s smome nt s ,t he nFr a z e rt ur ne da s i de ,a nds he r e a l i s e dhewa ss he l t e r i nghe rf r om t her e s toft her oom,gi vi nghe rt i met oge the r s e l f ba c kt o ge t he r . He re mot i onswe r ei nawhi r l .Thi ss houl dne ve rha veha ppe ne d.Sheha dt a s t e d f or bi dde nf r ui ta ndnows hewa nt e dmor e ,wa nt e de ve r yt hi ng,a nds hewoul dn' tha vei t .A s hi ve rr a ndownhe rs pi ne . . . r e gr e t ,f e a r ,a nge r ,di s a ppoi nt me nta l lbr i ngi ngac hi l lt ohe r mooda ndda mpe ni nghe rmood.I gnor i ngFr a z e r ,s hec onc e nt r a t e donc l e a r i ngup, ma na gi ngas mi l ef ort hec hi l dr e na nds t a f f ,t ha nkf uli twa st i met os a yt he i rgoodbye s a ndl e a ve .Shene e de dt i mea l onet os hor ehe rbr e a c he dde f e nc e s . I twa sda r kwhe nt he ywe ntout s i de ,f r ontde s c e nde d,a nds hes nuggl e dde e pe ri nt o he rc oa t .Onc ei nt hef our byf our ,Ha mi s hc i r c l e dac oupl eoft i me sonba c ks e a t ,t he n c ur l e dupt os nooz e ,a ndFr a z e rwa s t e dnot i mei nf i r i ngt hee ngi nea nds wi t c hi ngont he he a t e r . ' Col d? ' hea s ke d. Ca l l i es hr ugge d,i nc r e a s i ngl yunc omf or t a bl ea twha tha dha ppe ne dbe t we e nt he m.' A bi t . ' ' I twi l ls oonwa r mup. ' Shec oul df e e lhi sga z eonhe rf oramome ntbe f or ehet ur ne d hi sa t t e nt i onba c kt ot her oa da ndpul l e doutoft hec a rpa r k.` Weha veonemor es t opt o ma ke . ' ' OK. ' Shedi dn' tknowwha te l s et os a y.Al ls hewa nt e dwa st ogohome ,t ot r yt ode c i de how t oc opewi t ht hi sl a t e s tdi s a s t e r ,buts hedi dn' twa ntFr a z e rt oknow how de e pl y a f f e c t e da nddi s t ur be ds hewa sbyt he i rki s s . ` We ' r ehe r e . '

Fr a z e r ' swor dsdr e whe rf r omhe rt hought s ,a nds hel ooke douti nt ot heda r kne s sa she t ur ne dupawi dedr i ve wa yne a rt h ebr oa de xpa ns eofl oc ht ha te dge dt het own,moonl i ght c a s t i ngas hi mme r i nggl owa c r os st hes t i l l ne s soft hewa t e r .Hedr e wt heve hi c l et oaha l t out s i deamode m bui l di ng.Ca l l i ec l i mbe dout ,c ur i ousde s pi t ehe rdi s t r a c t e dmo od. Ha mi s hj umpe dout ,t oo,a nd,ha v i ngc ol l e c t e dac oupl eofba gsf r omt heba c koft hec a r , Fr a z e rdi s c onc e r t e dhe rf ur t he rbyt a ki nghe rha ndi nhi s ,l i nki ngt he i rf i nge r sa she wa l ke da r oundt her i deoft hebui l di nga l ongal i ght e dpa t hwa ybor de r e dbye ve r gr e e n s hr ubs . Foramome nta i lhe ra wa r e ne s sc e nt r e dont hepoi ntwhe r ehi sf l e s ht ouc he dhe r s , t he nher e l e a s e dhe ra ndi ns e r t e dake yi nt hel oc kofanumbe r e df r ontdoor ,us he r i nghe r i na he a dofhi m.Ha mi s hbounde di ns i det hewa r m,br i ghtf l a ta nddi s a ppe a r e d.Cl os i ng t hedoor ,Fr a z e rt ur ne dt of a c ehe r . ' Ca nIt a keyourc oa t ? ' Ca l l i es l i ppe di tof fa ndwa t c he da shehungi tup,a l ongwi t hhi sl e a t he rj a c ke t . ` Whe r ea r ewe ? ' s hea s ke d,af l i c ke rofc onc e r nt i ght e ni nghe rve r ve s . ` Ipr omi s e dt heot he rmos t ,i mpor t a ntwoma ni nmyl i f et h a tI ' dbr i ngyout ome e t he r . ' Hi sdi mpl e ds mi l ei nnowa ybl unt e dt hes hoc ks hef e l ta tt hewor ds s hoc kt ha tma de he rs l owt or e a c twhe nhet ookhe rha nda ga i na ndl e dhe rdownt heha l l .` Comea l ong. ' Theve r yl a s tt hi ngs hewa nt e dwa st ome e toneofhi swome n.Ands hewa ss c a r e dt o know wha theme a ntby` t heot he rmos ti mpor t antwomani nmyl i f e ' .Ca l l i et r i e dt o pr ot e s t ,t odi ghe rhe e l si na ndi ns i s thet a kehe rhome ,butt he ywe r ea l r e a dyi nas ma l l buta t t r a c t i ves i t t i ngr oom,a ndhe ra r gume nt sdi e di nhe rt hr oa ta ss hel ooke da tt he woma ns i t t i ngi nac omf ya r mc ha i rbyt hef i r e ,Ha mi s hi nhe rl a p.Thel i t t l edogj umpe d downa ndt hewoma nr os es t i f f l yt ohe rf e e t ,ope ni nghe ra r mst oFr a z e r ,abr oa ds mi l eof pl e a s ur eonhe rf a c e . ` Fr a z e r ,da r l i ng! ' ` He l l o,s we e t he a r t . ' Ca l l i ewa t c he da shee nve l ope dt hee l de r l ygr e y;ha i r e dl a dy,whowa sa sr ounda s s hewa st a l l ,i nt e rabe a rhug.Whe ns hewa sr e l e a s e d,t hewoma nt ur ne dwi t has mi l e , bl uee y e st wi nkl i ngwi t he nj oyme nta ndki ndne s s . ` Youmus tbeCa l l i e , ' s hegr e e t e d,hol di ngoutaha ndi nwe l c ome .` Fr a z e rha st ol dme s omuc ha boutyou,myde a r . 'He re ye st wi nkl e dwi t hmi s c hi e f .` You' vema dequi t ea n i mpr e s s i on. ' Hi sha ndr e s t i nga tt hes ma l lofhe rba c k,Fr a z e rur ge dhe rf or wa r ds .` Ca l l i e ,t hi si s mygr a ndmot he rLi l yMc I nne s . ' Swe pta l ongwi t ht hei nt r oduc t i ons ,Ca l l i ef oundhe r s e l fs i t t i ngne xtt oLi l y,Ha mi s h c ur l e di nf r ontt hef i r ea tt he i rf e e t ,whi l eFr a z e rma det he ma l lt e at he nbus i e dhi ms e l f wi t hs o mef e s t i vede c or a t i onsft hewoma nwhowa sunmi s t a ka bl yhi sbe l ove dgr a n. Di s c ove r i ngt he r ewa ss omuc hmor et oFr a z e rt hec a s ua lpl a yboywa sda nge r ous .I t woul dbemuc hs a f e ri fs hedi s l i ke dhi m.Buts hedi dn' t .I nde e d,s hewa sbe c omi ngmor e dr a wnt ohi mbyt hehour . ` How a r eyouf i ndi ngSt r a t hl oc ha n,Ca l l i e ?Ar eyous e t t l i ngi na nde nj oyi ngyour j ob? ' Al t houghunus e dt os uc ha t t e nt i on,Ca l l i ef oundhe r s e l fr e l a xi ng.Thee l de r l yl a dy wa sma r ve l l ous .Ful lofl i f ea ndhumour .` Ir e a l l yl i kei the r e ,a ndt hej obi sa l lIhope di t

woul dbe , 's hea ns we r e dhone s t l yc ons c i oust ha tFr a z e rwa sne a r bya ndl i s t e ni ngi na s Li l yc ont i nue dt obomba r dhe rwi t hque s t i ons . ` Andwha ta r eyoudoi ngf orChr i s t ma s ,de a r ? 'Sur pr i s e d,Ca l l i el ooke ddowna t Ha mi s ht ohi dehe rdi s c omf or t .` I ' mnots ur e .I . . . ' ` Youmus t c omea nds pe ndt heda ywi t hus , ' Li l yi ns i s t e d,pa t t i nghe rha nd.` Noone s houl dbea l onea tChr i s t ma s . ` Oh,no,Ic oul dn' t .I ' l lbef i ne .Hone s t l y. ' Shes a wLi l ys ha r eal ookwi t hFr a z e rbe f or ea s ki nga ga i n.` We l l ,we ' l ls e ec omet he t i me .I t ' sgoi ngt obeourf i r s tye a rwi t houtt her e s toft hef a mi l y,s owe ' dl oveyour c ompa ny.Fr a z e r ' ss i s t e r ,Fi ona ,ma r r i e da nAus t r a l i a n.St e vei sac he f .Hewa swor k i ng ove rhe r ebutt he yl i vei nMe l bou r nenow.Mys ona ndda ught e r i nl a w,Fr a z e r ' spa r e nt s , r e t i r e de i ght e e nmont hsa go,a ndl a s tJ a nua r yt he ymove doutt he r et obec l os e rt ot he i r gr a ndc hi l dr e n. ' ` Is e e , ' Ca l l i emur mur e d,t a ke na ba c kbya l ls hewa sl e a r ni ng. ` Fr a z e r ,beada r l i nga ndc he c kt hec a ul i f l owe rc he e s eIputi nt heove n.I ts houl dbe r e a dys oon,a ndt he nwec a ne a t . ' Gl a nc i ngr ound,s hes a wFr a z e rl e a vet her oomt of ol l owhi sgr a ndmot he r ' sbi ddi ng, buts heha dnooppor t uni t yt opr ot e s ta bouts t a yi ngf orame a la sLi l y' a ss pe a ki nga ga i n, c huc kl i nga ss hege nt l yr ubbe dHa mi s h' st ummywi t ht her ubbe re ndofhe rwa l ki ngs t i c k a st hedogr ol l e dont ohi sba c k. ` Fr a z e rha dbe e nwor ki ngi nLondon,mos t l yi nAa ndE,butwi t has i xmont hs t i nton t hehe l i c opt e rwi t hHEMS.Hec a meba c kt oSt r a t hl oc ha nwhe nhi spa r e nt sl e f t hes a i di t wa st i me ,butIf e a ri twa ss oIwoul dn' tbehe r ea l one .Si l l yboy!Hewa nt e dmet ol i ve wi t hhi m butI ' dha venoneofi t e ve nt houghwe ' r es 6c l os e . 'Ca l l i ec oul dn' the l pbut r e t ur nLi l y' se f f e r ve s c e nts mi l e .Thewoma nwa sar e a lc ha r a c t e r .` Imove dt ot hi s wa r de na s s i s t e dr e t i r e me ntpl a c e .AsIs a i dt oFr a z e r ,l i vi ngwi t hhi m woul dc r a mpmy s t yl e . ' Al a ughs ounde dbe hi ndt he m,ar i c h,a t t r a c t i ves ound,a ndCa l l i et ur ne dt os e e Fr a z e r ' se ye ss pa r kl i ng,t wi n di mpl e sc r e a s i ng hi sc he e ks ,hi sa f f e c t i on f orhi s gr a ndmot he robvi ous . ` You' r eawi c ke dwoma n,Gr a n, 'het e a s e d` Goodne s sknowswha tyou' dge tupt o wi t ha l lt hes i ngl ege nt l e me nhe r ewi t houtmet oke e pa ne yeor syou. ' Ca l l i et r i e dnott obea f f e c t e d ,t oha r de nhe rhe a r i ngt ot hi swa r ma nde nde a r i ngs i de ofhi m.Conc e r ne df orhi sgr a ndmot he r ,heha dgi ve nupal uc r a t i vej oba nde xc i t i ng l i f e s t yl ei nLondont oc omeba c khe r ea ndma kes ur es hewa sa l lr i ghta ndha dc ompa ny. Tha t ,c ombi ne dwi t hhi ss ki l l sa sadoc t or ,hi ski ndne s st opa t i e nt sa ndc ol l e a gue sa l i ke , me a nthe r ,vi e wofhi mha dc ha nge ddr a s t i c a l l yf r omt ha tf i tunf or t una t eme e t i ng. Unl i keFr a z e r ,s heha dne ve rha da nyf a mi l yha dne ve rknownhe rpa r e nt s ,ha dne ve r ha daha ppyChr i s t ma s .He rc hi l dhoodha dbe e noneofl one l i ne s s ,ofne ve rbe l ongi ng,of ha vi ngnoonet ode pe ndonort r us tbuthe r s e l f .Li f e ' sl e s s onsha dbe e nha r d. Anyt hi ngbe yondf r i e nds hi pwi t hFr a z e rwa soutoft heque s t i on,butda ybyda ys he wa sr e a l i s i ngwha tmi ghtbepos s i bl ehe r ei nSt r a t hl oc ha n. . . i fs hec oul dj us tope nup e nought or e a c houta nda l l owhe r s e l ft obedr a wni nt ot hewa r mt hoft hi sc ommuni t y,t o gr a s pt hef r i e nds hi pof f e r e dbyFr a z e r ,Anni e ,Fr a nc e s c aa ndhe rot he rc ol l e a gue s .

CHAPTERSI X ` RELAX be t we e nc ont r a c t i on s ,Moi r a , 'Fr a z e ri ns t r uc t e d,gl a nc i ngupt os e eCa l l i e hol di ngt hewoma n' sha nd,e nc our a gi nghe rt or e s tbe f or et hene xte f f or twa sne e de d. Wi t ht hehe l i c opt e rgr ounde dduet oa dve r s ewe a t he rc ondi t i ons ,t he yha da ns we r e d a ne me r ge nc yc a l lt ot hi si s ol a t e df a r mhous ebe c a us et he i ra i lt e r r a i nve hi c l ewa st heonl y onet ha tc oul dr e a c ht hepr ope r t yt hr ought hede e pl yl yi ngs now.Ar oa da mbul a nc e ,l oc a l GPHa nna hFr os ta ndami dwi f eha da l lbe e nf or c e dt ot ur nba c k.I tha di mme di a t e l y a ppa r e ntwhe nhea ndCa l l i eha da r r i ve di nt hee a r l ye ve ni ngt ha tt he r ewa snowa yt o e va c ua t et hemot he rt obebe f or et heba bywa sde l i ve r e d.Tha nkf ul l y,s hewa sonl ya we e ks hor toff ul lt e r m,t hi swa she rf i f t hc hi l d,a nds heha de xpe r i e nc e dnopr obl e ms wi t ht hi sora nypr e vi ouspr e gna nc y.Ba bynumbe rf i vewa sbe i ngbor na thomei nt he mi ddl eofabl i z z a r d,apowe rc utt hr owni nf orgoodme a s ur e . ` Ik nowmyot he r sha vec omequi c kl y, ' Moi r amur mur e dnow,pa nt i ngf orbr e a t h,` but Ine ve re xpe c t e dt hi s !Oh. . . he r ec o me sa not he rpa i n! ' ` Youc a ndoi t ,Moi r a , 'Ca l l i er e a s s ur e dhe r ,a dj us t i ngt heEnt onox.` You' r edoi ng r e a l l ywe l l .Wa i tf ort hene xtc ont r a c t i ona ndpus hwi t hi t . ' ` Thehe a d' ss howi ng,Moi r a , 'Fr a z e rt ol dhe rwi t has mi l e ,t ha nkf ulf ort heba t t e r ypowe r e dl i ght she rhus ba nd,Dougi eMc St a y,ha dbe e na bl et or i gupf ort he m. Thec ont r a c t i ons ubs i de da n dMoi r af l oppe dba c k,t a ki ngabr e a kf r om t hega s . ` Re mi ndmene ve rt odot hi sa ga i n . ' Fr a z e rc huc kl e d.` Re s tForaf e wmome nt s .Ha st hePa i ngone ? ' hea s ke d,a ndMo i r a ga veawe a r ynod.Thepa us edi dn' tl a s tf orl ongbe f or ea not he rc ont r a c t i onc a mea nd Moi r ac r i e dout ,r e a c hi nga ga i nf orEnt onox. Ine e dyout opus hha r dnow. Bi gpus h, ' Fr a z e re nc our a ge d. ` Ic a n' t , ' Moi r as obbe d.` I ' Ca l l i es oot he dhe r .` Ye s ,youc a n.You' r ene a r l yt he r enow.Ta keabi gbr e a t h. ' ` Comeon, ' Fr a z e ri ns i s t e d,a smor eoft hehe a doft hef a c ea ppe a r e d.` Comeon,ke e p goi ng. ' ` We l ldone ,Moi r a .I t ' sha r dwor kbutyou' r edoi ngwe l l , 'Ca l l i epr a i s e dhe r ,mov i ng a s i des oDougi e ,whoha dbe e nt oc he c kt ha tt heot he rf ourc hi l dr e nwe r es a f e l ys l e e pi ng i nt he i rr ooms ,c oul dt a kehe rpl a c ea ndhol dhi swi f e ' sha ndt hr oughtf i na ls t a ge . Thel a bourc ont i nue d,a ndFr a z e rl ooke dt owa r dt hewi ndow,una bl et os e eouti nt he da r kne s sbutf l e e t i ngl yc onc e r ne dt ha tt hewi nt e rwe a t he rht a ke na not he rt ur nf ort he wor s e .The yha dn' te xpe c t e dt obede l i ve r i ngt heba byhe r e ,a ndnowt hede t e r i or a t i ng c ondi t i onst hr e a t e ne dt opr e ve ntt hedr i vi ngba c kt oSt r a t hl oc ha nt ha tni ght .Thewi nd whi s t l e da r oundt hewi ndowsa nds nowc ont i nue dpi l eupout s i de .Whokne wwhe nt he powe rmi ghtber e s t or e d? Unde rt heEnt onox,Moi r awa ss l e e pybe t we e nc ont r a c t i ons ,a ndFr a z e rha dt oc a l lt o he rt oke e phe rf oc us e d.` Moi r a ,Ine e dyout opus hnow. ' ` Pus h,Moi r a . ' Ca l l i e ' svoi c ej o i ne dhi sownur gi ngt hewe a r ywoma na l ong. ` Comeon,l ove . ' Bur l ya nda wkwa r d,buts ur pr i s i ngl yge nt l e ,Dougi ewi pe dt hebe a ds ofpe r s pi r a t i onf r omhi swi f e ' sf a c ewi t ht hec l ot hi nhi sf r e eh` Youc a ndoi t . ' ` Iwa nti tove r , ' Moi r awa i l e d.

Fr a z e rr e ma i ne dc a l ma ndunde r s t a ndi ngbuta ut hor i t a t i ve ,a shehe l pe dt obr i nghe r ba bys a f e l yi nt hewor l d.` Notl ongnow.Pa ntf oraf e wmome nt sGood.Now,t a keabi g br e a t ht ha t ' si t .Comeona nda ga i n.Bi gpus h. . . wonde r f ul . ' Moi r ac r i e doutwi t ht hee f f or tofhe rl a bour .` Good,good. ' Foc us e donwha thewa s doi ngFr a z e ra l t e r e dhi spos i t i on.Anot he rbi gbr e a t h,a ndt he nar e a l l ygoodpus hwi t h t hene xtc ont r a c t i on. ' ` Ne a r l yt he r e ,Moi r a ,t heba by' she a di sf r e e .Oneor ebi g,bi gpus h, ' Ca l l i ee xt ol l e d. Fr a z e rc he c ke dt ha tt hec or dwa snota r oundt hene c ka ndc a r e f ul l yr ot a t e dt oe a s et he s houl de r sout . ` Bi gge s tpus hyouc a n.Youc a ndoi t .Anys e c ondnow. ' ` I t ' saboy! ' a nnounc e dade l i g ht e dDougi eaf e wmome nt sl a t e r ,l e a ni ngdownt opl a nt aki s sonhi swi f e ' sf l us he dc he e k. ` Af t e ra l lt hos egi r l s ,weha veas on! ' Fr a z e rnot e dt hes hi mme roft e a r si nCa l l i e ' ss t unni nge ye sa ss hega vet hee xha us t e d mot he ra ni nj e c t i ont os t i mul a t et heut e r ust oc ont r a c ta nda i dde l i ve r yoft hepl a c e nt a .He putt hec l a mpsi npl a c ea nde nc our a ge dDougi et oc utt hec or d,t hef a r me rbe a mi ngwi t h pr i de .Smi l i nghi ms e l f ,a l wa ysmove da tabi r t h,Fr a z e rha nde dt heba byt oCa l l i e ,who c l e a ne da ndc he c ke dhi mbe f or ewr a ppi nghi mge nt l y,r ubbi nghi sc he s ta ndc l e a r i nghi s a i r wa y.Shegl a nc e dup,a ndheme the rga z ewhe nt hef i r s tt hr e a dywa i lt ur ne di nt oa f ur i oushowl ,s hoc ke dbyt hel ookofwi s t f ull ongi nga nde dgeofpa i nonhe rf a c e . Apga rs c or e ss e ve na ndni nea tonea ndf i vemi nut e s , 's hei nf or me dhi m,a ndhe br e a t he das i ghofr e l i e ft ha ta l lwa sunde rc ont r ol .` Ba byi sdoi ngwe l l . 'As hor twh i l e l a t e rt hepl a c e nt awa sde l i ve r e di nt a c t ,a ndCa l l i ema deMoi r ac omf or t a bl ei nac l e a nb e d be f or es e t t l i ngt heba byi nhi smot he r ' sa r ms . ` Sor r ya boutt hi s ,Doc ,buti tl ooksa si fyoua r es t uc khe r ef ort heni ght . 'Dou gi e gr i ma c e da sher e t ur ne dt ot her o om.` I t ' swi l doutt he r e .Thewa r me s tpl a c ei nt hehou s e i st hel i vi ngr oom.I ' vema deupt hef i r ea ndputma t t r e s s e s ,pi l l owsa ndduve t si nt he r e . The r e ' sadowns t a i r sba t hr oom,t o o.AndI ' vel e f tt or c he sa ndc a ndi e si nt heki t c he n.The s t ovei ss ol i df ue l ,s ot heke t t l ei soni fyouwa ntadr i nk.He l pyour s e l ft oa nyt hi ngyou ne e d. ' Fr a z e rgl a nc e da tCa l l i e .Sh el ooke dne r vous ,buthec oul dn' tde nyamome ntof de l i ghta tt hepr os pe c tofbe i ngs t r a nde dwi t hhe rf orawhi t e .Hel ooke dba c ka tDou gi e a nds mi l e d.` We ' l lbef i ne .Iha vemymobi l ephone ,s oI ' l lc ont a c tt heba s ea ndl e tt he m knowwha t ' sgoi ngon.Bes ur et oc a l lusa ta nyt i mei fyoua r ewor r i e da boutMoi r aor t heba b y, ' hei ni ns t r uc t e d,s ha ki ngt hepr oudf a t he r ' sha nd. ' Wi l ldo,Doc .Tha nkyoubot hf ore ve r yt hi ng.Seyoui nt hemor ni ng. ' Downs t a i r s ,i nt heda r k,Fr a z e rs e ns e dt hebui l di ngt e ns i onbe t we e nhi ms e l fa nd Ca l l i e .Whi l es hedi s a ppe a r e dt ot heba t hr oomhema det he mmugsofhotc hoc ol a t e ,t he n we ntt ot hel i vi ngr oom,l i ght i ngs omec a ndi e sa ndmovi ngt hes of aba c ks ohec oul ds e t t hema t t r e s s e si nf r ontoft hef i r e .Tos s i ngaf e wmor el ogson,hewa i t e di mpa t i e nt l yf or Ca l l i et oa r r i ve .I nt heda yss i nc et hede c or a t i ngpa r t ya ndt a ki nghe rt ome e thi s gr a ndmot he r ,heha dn' tbe e na bl et os t opt hi nki ngoft he i ri mpr ompt uki s s .I tha dbe e nf a r t oos hor ta ndf a rt oopubl i c ,buti tha dbe e nl i keat a s t eofpa r a di s ea ndhec oul dn' twa i tt o doi ta ga i nt oki s she rpr ope r l y.Andmor e .. . muc hmor e .Hewa nt e dt ot a s t ehe ra l love r , l ovehe rf orhour s . Hel ooke dr ounda st hedoorope ne da ndCa l l i ec a mei nt ot her oom.Sheha dr e move d he rf l i ghts ui t ,buts hewa sc ove r e df r omne c kt ot oei nal a ye roft hi c kba ggyj umpe r sa nd

apa i rofl oos ej oggi ngbot t oms .Fr a z e rbi tba c kas mi l e ,ove r whe l me dbyawa veof a f f e c t i ona ndde s i r e .Shel ooke ds oc ut e ,i mpos s i bl ya ppe a l i ng. . . a nda ppr e he ns i ve .He s a whe re ye swi de na ss hel ooke da tt hema t t r e s s e sc l os et oge t he rbyt hef i r e ,a ndhet o ok he ra r m,l e a di nghe rf or wa r dbe f or es heha dac ha nc et ovoi c et hepr ot e s t shekne wwe r e bui l di n gi ns i dehe r . ` I ' ves poke nt oAr c hi ea ndupda t e dhi mont hes i t ua t i on.Al lbe i ngwe l l ,t hewe a t he r wi l ls e t t l ea ndhehe l i c opt e rc a npi c kusupi nt hemor ni ng.Wec a nc omeba c kf ort he ve hi c l ewhe nt her oa dsa r eope n. 'Enc our a gi nghe rt os i ti nt hewa r m,heha nde dhe ra mug.` He r e ,ha ves omehotc hoc ol a t e :` Tha nks . ' ` I tr e a l l youghtt obec ha mpa gne ,t oma r kt heoc c a s i on. ' He re xpr e s s i onwa st hought f uli nt hef l i c ke r i ngf r om t hef i r ea ndc a ndi e s .` Dougi e wa ss oha ppyha vi ngas on.Andhewa sgr e a ta tt hebi r t h. ' ` He ' sa nol dpr oa tt hi s . ' Thi nki ngoft hel a r gea ndyf a mi l yups t a i r s ,hef e l tapa ngof e nvygr i phi monet ha twoul dha ves hoc ke dhi m me r emont hsa go.` Idi dn' tme a nt ha t , t hough.Ime a nti ts houl dbeusc e l e br a t i ng. ' ' Ce l e br a t i ngwha t ? ' s hea s ke dwi t haf r own,s i ppi nghe rdr i nk. ` Ourf i r s tba byt oge t he r ! ' He ' dhope dt oma kehe rs mi l e ,f ort hi st obeabondi nge xpe r i e nc e ,buthewa s hor r i f i e dwhe nt hec ol ourdr a i ne df r om he rf a c ea nds het ur ne da wa y.Cl e a r l yheha d unwi t t i ngl yt ouc he dar a wve r ve . ` Ca l l i e ,wha t ' swr ong? ' ` Not hi ng. Da mn.I twa sl i ket a ki ngac oupl eofs t e psf or wa r da nds e ve r a lba c kwi t hhe r .Heha d s e e nhowa f f e c t e ds heha dbe e nbyt hebi r t h,butt het e a r snows hi mme r i ngi nhe re ye s r e ve a l e ds uc hhur ta nddi s a ppoi nt me nthef e l ta si fhe ' dbe e nki c ke di nt hegut .Theur ge t oc omf or ta ndpr ot e c the rwa st oos t r ongt oi gnor e .Hega vei nt ohi si ns t i nc t s .De s pi t e be i ngs t r i ppe ddownt ohi sboxe r sa ndTs hi r t ,het ookt hee mpt ymugf r om Ca l l i e ' s t r e mbl i ngf i nge r s ,s e ti ta s i de ,t h e ns a nkdownne xtt ohe ra nddr e whe rge nt l yi nt ot he c i r c l eofhi sa r ms . Shoc ke d,Ca l l i ehe l dhe r s e l fs t i f f l ywi t hi nFr a z e r ' se mbr a c e ,t r yi ngt or e s i s tt he i mpul s et ol e tgo.Shekne wheha dn' tme a nta nyt hi ngbyhi sr e ma r k,buti tha da f f e c t e d he rj us tt hes a me ,be c a us es heha dwor r i e ds i nc ehe rt r e a t me nta boutwhe t he rs hec oul d e ve rha veba bi e s .He ronc ol ogi s tha dt ol dhe rt he r ewa snor e a s onwhys hes houl dn' tha ve c hi l dr e nonc es he ' dha dt hea l l c l e a ra ndwa sof ft heme di c a t i on.Nor e a s one xc e ptne ve r f i ndi ngama nwhowoul df a nc yhe rnows hewa sda ma ge dgoods e ve ni fs hec oul de ve r br i nghe r s e l ft or i s kt r us t i ngonea ga i n. Al lt ooc ons c i ousofFr a z e r ' sne a r ne s s ,hi swa r mt h,t hes t e a dybe a tofhi she a r ta she c r a dl e dhe rhe a da ga i ns thi sc h e s t ,s hes uc ke di nas t e a dyi ngbr e a t h,a l a r me da tt he hi c c up i ngs obt ha tt hr e a t e ne dt obr e a kf r e e .Shet r i e dt opul la wa ybutFr a z e rwoul dn' tl e t he r . ` Re l a x,s we e t he a r t .Le tmehol dyou,t a r ef oryou. 'Hi svoi c e ,s of ta ndhus kyi nt he ne a rda r kne s s ,s e ntaqui ve rt hr oughhe ra nds hef oundhe rr e s i s t a nc eme l t i nga wa y.` Ta l k t ome . ' Wwha ta bout ? ' Oneha ndge nt l ys t r oke dt hef e a t he r ys t r a ndsofhe rs hor tha i r .` Theda yIt ookyou homef r omt hehos pi t a lyout ol dmeyouha dnof a mi l y,t ha tyouha da l wa ysbe e na l one . '

Wha te l s edi dIs a y? ' ` Tha tyourc r e e pofahus ba ndha dl e f t . ' Hepa us e damome nt ,a nds hef e l thi mi nha l e a nde xha l ede e pl ybe f or ehec ont i nue d.` Yous a i dhe ' dt ol dyout ha tyouwe r e n' t de s i r a bl e . ' ` Ri ght . ' ` Wr ong. 'Fr a z e r ' sf i nge r ss a n kl owe r ,s e t t i ngupane r ve t i ngl i ngc a r e s sonhe rba r e ne c k.` YoudoknowEdwa sc r a z y,r i ght ? ' Ca l l i es hr ugge d,una bl et oa ns we r .Fr a z e rha dnoi de awha tha dha ppe ne dt ohe r .. . a nds hec oul dne ve rt e l lhi m.I fhef oundout ,he ' dr e j e c the r ,t oo. ` You s e r i ous l y be l i e veyou a r eunde s i r a bl e ? 'hepr ompt e d now,s hi f t i ng t he i r pos i t i onss ohi sl i psc oul dwhi s pe ra c r os st hes e ns i t i vehol l owbe hi ndhe re a r ,hi sbr e a t h wa r ma ga i ns the rs ki n,hi st ongue t i pt e a s i nga ndt i c kl i ng.' I ' 11j us tha vet opr ovet oy ou howwr ongyoua r e . ' ` Fr a z e r . . . ' Ca l l i ehe a r dhe rownunc e r t a i nt ya she rpr ot e s tdi e di nhe rt hr oa t .Shehe s i t a t e d,t or n be t we e nhe rc ons t a ntne e dt obegua r de da ndt het e mpt a t i ont ogi vei nt ot hema dne s sof t hi sni ghtoutoft i mea nds e e kc omf or twi t hFr a z e r .Tr e mbl i ng,s hec ur l e di nt ot hee r ot i c t ouc hofhi smout h.Shewa nt e dhi ms oba dl y.buts hewa ss c a r e d.Ma ybet oni ghtwa she r onec ha nc et oi ndul gehe rf e e l i ng s ,t oknowwha tbe i ngwi t hhi mwa sl i ke .I nt hi spl a c e , huddl e df orwa r mt h,hewoul dn' ts e e ,woul dn' tf e e l .Shec oul dt a ket hi sonec ha nc e .I t woul dha vet ol a s the ral i f e t i me ,be c a us es hewoul dn' tbea bl et or e pe a ti t ,buts hewoul d ma t eas pe c i a lme mor y.Ands hewa ss ur ei twoul dbebe t t e rt ha ns hec oul de ve ri ma gi ne . Sheha dne ve rf e l twi t ha nyonet hewa ys hedi dwi t hFr a z e r .Ed' st ouc he sa ndki s s e sha d ne ve rs t i r r e dhe rt hewa yFr a z e r ' sdi d.Heonl yha dt ol ooka the rt os e the ra f l a me ,ma ke he ra c hewi t hade s pe r a t ene e d.Butwha ts hewa st hi nki ngwa sc r a z y.Howc oul ds he c a r r yi tof f ? Out s i de ,t hehowl i ngwi ndr a t t l e dt hewi ndowsoft heol df a r mhous ea nds hes hi ve r e d. Fr a z e r ' sa r msi ns t i nc t i ve l yt i ght e ne da r oundhe r .` Col d? ' ` Abi t , ' s hea l l owe d,a l t houghs hewa sbot he r e dbyf a rmor et ha nt hedr i l loft hea i r . ` Comehe r e . ' Pul l i ngt heot he rma t t r e s sCl os e r ,hedr e whe rdownwi t hhi mi nf r ontof t hef i r e ,t he nc ove r e dt he mwi t ht hec os yduve t s .Ass hel a yonhe rr i de ,hes nuggl e dup be hi ndhe r ,wr a ppi nghi sa r msa r oundhe ra nds pooni nghe rba c ka ga i ns thi m.` Be t t e r ? ' Ca l l i edi dn' tt r us the r s e l ft os pe a k.Shef e l tr i di c ul ous l ys ma l la ndvul ne r a bl ene xtt o Fr a z e r ' sa t hl e t i c a l l ymus c l e df r a me ,wi t hhi she a ts ur r oundi nghe r ,ma ki nghe ra l lt oo c ons c i ousofhi sma l e ne s s ,hi sr a ws e xua l i t y.Thet e mpt a t i ont os uc c umbt ot hedr i vi ng ne e dt ot ur nove ra nda s kf orwha the rbodyc r a ve dwa sunbe a r a bl e . ` Te l lmea boutEd. ' Hi swor dsdi ve r t e dhe rf r omhe rwa ywa r dt hought se ve nwhi l ehi s l i psni b bl e da l ongt heba c kofhe rne c k,f a nni ngt hef l a me sofhe rne e d.' Fl owl ongwe r e youma r r i e d? ' ' Fi vemont hs . ' Hi ss ur pr i s ewa sobvi ous .` No tl ong. ' ' Wewe r ene ve rgoodt oge t he r .Wema deami s t a ke . 'Shec e r t a i nl yha dt r us t i ngEd, be l i e vi ngi nhi m.` Wha tha ppe ne d? 'Fr a z e ra s ke dnow,t hepa l mofoneha nddi s t r a c t i ng he ra sh es t r oke ds l owl yba c ka ndf or t ha c r os she ra bdome n,a nds het e ns e d,a nxi oust ha t hewoul dt r yt ot ouc hhe rbr e a s t s ,knowi ngs hec oul dn' tl e thi m.

` Lot sofl i t t l et hi ngs , ' s hema na ge dt or e pl y.` Ac oupl eofbi g,i ns ur mount a bl eone s . ' Theha ndc a r e s s e dl owe r ,e a s i nghe rc onc e r n.` I soneoft hos ei ns ur mount a bl ei s s u e s whyt heba byups e tyout oni ght ?Youwa nt e dc hi l dr e n? ' ` Ye s . Hi si ns i ghtwa sas ur pr i s e .Pa i nl a nc e di ns i dehe rwhe ns het houghta bouti t . Some how i twa se a s i e rt a l ki ngi nt heda r kwhi l eFr a z e rc oul dn' ts e ehe r .Thes i l e nc e l e ngt he ne d,buthedi dn' tpus hhe rf ore xpl a na t i ons ,s i mpl ywa i t e d,hol di nghe r ,whi l es he ma deuphe rmi ndwhe t he rt ot r us thi m wi t hmor eofhe r s e l f .Hi sa c c e pt a nc ea nd unde r s t a ndi nghe l pe d,a nds hef oundhe r s e l ft e l l i nghi mabi ta boutEd' sbe t r a ya lwhe nhe ha dl e f the r nott hehe a l t hr e a s on,orhi sha t e f ulwor ds ,butt hes e c onds e c r e twhi c hha d me a nthe rma r r i a gewa sove r . ` Edkne w Iye a r ne dt os t a r taf a mi l ys t r a i ghta wa y.It houghthea gr e e d.Hega ve e ve r yi mpr e s s i onofc ons ol i ngmewhe ne a c hmont hwe ntbya ndnot hi ngha ppe ne d. ' Unc ons c i ous l y,s hec uddl e dCl os e rt oFr a z e r ' swa r mt ha ndpr ot e c t i on.' I twa sonl ywhe n webr okeupt ha thet ol dmehe ' dha dava s e c t omyye a r sa goa ndhe ' dne ve rwa nt e d c hi l dr e n. ' ` Andt heba s t a r dl e tyougoonwonde r i nga ndwa nt i nga ndwor r yi ngwhe nhekne w a l lt het i meyouwoul dne ve rge tpr e gna nt ? ' Ca l l i enodde di nr e s pons e ,he a r i ngt hei nc r e dul i t ya nda nge ronhe rbe ha l fi nFr a z e r ' s voi c e .` I ' l lne ve rf or gi vehi mf ort ha t .Al lt ha ta goni s i ng,f e a r i ngt he r ewa ss ome t hi ng wr ongwi t hme .Buthewa sr i ghta boutonet hi ng, 's hec ont i nue d,bi t t e r ne s sl a c i nghe r t one .` I tpr oba bl ywa sj us ta swe l l .Hewoul dha vebe e na sl ous yaf a t he ra shewa sa hus ba nd. ' Asi twa s ,Edwoul dha vel e f the ra l onewi t hc hi l dt os uppor t ,pl a yi ngnor ol ei nt he i r l i ve s .Shekne wt ha t .Att i me ss hewoul dha vel i ke dt oha veha donea nywa y,butt he r a t i ona lpa r tofhe rkne ws hewoul dne ve rha vec ope dwi t hapr e gna nc yoraba bya tt he t i meofhe rs ur ge r y.Es pe c i a l l ya l one .Ands hewa sa l one .Shea l wa ysha dbe e na nd a l wa yswoul dbe . Shes uc ke di nas ha kybr e a t ha sFr a z e r ' sha nds l i dunde rhe rj umpe r s .Thet ouc hofhi s f i nge r sa ga i ns the rba r es ki nwa sa ma z i ng,t e r r i bl e ,wonde r f ul .Sheoughtt os t ophi m.I n ami nut es hewoul d.Ma ybe .Bi t i nghe rl i p,s hef e l the rs t oma c hmus c l e st a ut e na sone f i nge r t i pt r a c e ds ma l l e ra nds ma l l e rc i r c l e sa r oundhe rna ve l ,ma ki nghe rqui ve r . ` Andyou' r edi vor c e dnow? ' Ca l l i ebi the rl i p,s t r uggl i ngt of ol l owt hec onve r s a t i on.` Ne a r l y.I twoul dha vec ome t hr oughs oone rbutEddi dadi s a ppe a r i nga c twi t hhi sne w woma na ndi tt ookmy s ol i c i t ort i met ot r a c khi mdown.He ' ss i gne dt hepa pe r snow,s oi t ' saf or ma l i t y.I twi l lbe ove rbyt heNe wYe a r , 's hef i ni s he d,he rvoi c eame r ewhi s pe ra ss hel os the r s e l fi nt he ma gi cofFr a z e r ' st ouc h,he a dyf r omt hehi ntofhi se a r t hyma l ea r oma . ` Youde s e r vebe t t e r ,Ca l l i e . 'Hi shol dt i ght e ne d,a si fhewa st r yi ngt oe nc l os ehe r , ke e phe rs a f e .` You' 11ha veyourownf a mi l y.Andama nwhol ove sa ndc he r i s he syou . ' Shec ur s e dt hes i l e ntt e a r st ha ts pi l l e dbe t we e nhe rl a s he s ,una bl et oe xpl a i nt oFr a z e r whyhi spr e di c t i onwa sne ve rl i ke l yt oc omet r ue .Todos owoul dme a nc onf i di nga bout he rpr obl e m.Ands hec oul dn' t .Shef e l tt ooa s ha me d,t oophys i c a l l yi mpe r f e c t ,knowi ng hewoul dbedi s gus t e da ndt ha ta nya t t r a c t i onhet houghthenowf e l tf orhe rwoul ddi e . Sos heke pts i l e nt ,wi s hi ngt ha tt hi ngswe r edi f f e r e nt ,t ha tFr a z e rc oul dbeaf a nt a s yma n whowoul dl ovehe r .Ye tr e a l i t yi nt r ude d,a nds hekne wt hi swoul dbet heonl yni ghts he

e ve rs pe nti nhi sa r ms .Da r e ds het a kea dva nt a geoft ha tf a c t ?Forl ongmome nt ss hel a y s t i l l ,r e ve l l i ngi nbe i ngc l os et ohi m,s e e ki ngt hec our a get ot ur na ndf a c ehi m,wonde r i ng wha twoul dha ppe ni fs hedi d. Fr a z e rs e ns e dt he r ewa smuc hmor ea boutEda ndwha tha dha ppe ne di nhe rma r r i a ge t ha nCa l l i ewa spr e pa r e dt ot e l lh i m.I thur tt ha ts hes t i l ldi dn' tt r us thi me nought os ha r e wha twa shur t i nghe r ,e s pe c i a l l ywha ti twa st ha tma dehe rbe l i e vehe ri di otofahus ba nd wa sr i ghta bouthe rnotbe i ngad e s i r a bl ewoma n.He ' dl i ket ot r a c kt hema ndowna nd t a kehi ma pa r tpi e c ebypi e c e .Thepa i ni nCa l l i e ' svoi c eha dbe e nunmi s t a ka bl e .And a f t e ra l ls heha dc l e a r l ybe e nt hr ougha sac hi l d,wi t houtpa r e nt soraf a mi l y,nodoubt wha tEdha ddonet ohe rha df e l tl i ket hef i na lbe t r a ya l .Nowonde rs hef oundi tha r dt o t r us t .Shewa sf i e r c e l yi nde pe nde nta ndde t e r mi ne dt os t a yt ha twa y,whi c hdi dn' tbode we l lf orhi se f f or t st oge tc l os e rt ohe ra ndf i ndani c hef orhi ms e l fi nhe rl i f e . Si ghi ngs of t l y,hec l os e dhi se ye sa ndr e l i s he dhol di nghe rc l os e .Shef e l ts ma l la nd de l i c a t ea ga i ns thi m,ye thekne ws heha da ma z i ngs t r e ngt h,bot hi nbodya nds pi r i t . Eve r yt i mehebr e a t he di nhewa st e a s e da ndt a nt a l i s e dbyhe rs ul t r yc oc onuts c e nt .And whyha dhea l wa ysbe e nke e no nl ongha i ronawoma nwhe nhewa sj us tdi s c ove r i ng howCa l l i e ' ss hor t ,s of t ,f e a t he r ys t r a ndsa l l owe dhi m uni nt e r r upt e da c c e s st ohe rne c k? Thes hor ts t r a ndsf e l tl i kes a t i nunde rhi sf i nge r sa ndt hes of t ne s sofhe rs ki nwa s e xt r a or di na r y.Hel ove dt ouc hi nghe r .Ne ve rwa nt e dt os t op. Wi t ht hewi nda ndt hebl i z z a r ds t i l lr a gi ngout s i de ,hebur i e dhi sf a c ea ga i ns tCa l l i e ' s ne c k,dr e a mi ngofa l lt hewa yshewi s he dt obes pe ndi nghi sni ght swi t hhe ri nhi sbe d. Hi sf i n ge r sr e s ume dt he i re xpl or a t i on,a ndhe rf l e s hqui ve r e di nr e s pons et ohi st ouc ha t he rna ve l ,buta shegr a dua l l yi nc he dhi ghe r ,t owa r dshe rbr e a s t s ,s hec a ughthi swr i s t ,he r bodyt e ns i ng.Wor r i e dhe ' dgonet oof a r ,hes t i l l e d,l e t t i nghe rgui dehi m,di s a ppoi nt e d whe ns hepus he dhi sha ndba c kdown.Hewa sa boutt oa pol ogi s e buta l lt hought s ,a l l wor dswe r ef or got t e n,whe n,i ns t e a dofr e movi nghi sha nda she ' de xpe c t e d,s hes l i di t be ne a t ht hewa i s t ba ndofhe rj oggi ngt r ous e r s . . . a ndl owe r .Hi sbr e a t hl odge di nhi st hr o a t . Hi she a r ts t a r t e dt ot hudbe ne a t hhi sr i bs . ' Ca l l i e ? 'Voi c ehoa r s e ,hewhi s pe r e dhe r. na meHeha dt obedr e a mi ng.Una bl et o be l i e vet hi swa st r ue ,hec a ut i ous l ya c c e pt e dhe runs poke ni nvi t a t i on,gr owi ngbol de ra s s hepr e s s e dba c ka ga i ns tt hegr owi ngf ul l ne s sofhi sa r ous a l ,movi ngonekgt ogi vehi s ha ndbe t t e ra c c e s s .Los i nghi ms e l fi nt hes i l ke nf e e lofhe r ,wa r ma ndmoi s ti nwe l c ome , . heni ppe da tt hel obeofhe re a rbe f or ehes uc ke doni t ,ma t c hi ngt her hyt hm ofhi s s t r oki ng,e xpl or i ngf i nge r s .I twa s n' tl ongbe f or et hec ha ngei nhe rbr e a t hi ng,t her a pi d r a t eofhe rpul s ea ndt hea r ous i n gwhi mpe r ss hema de ,t ol dhi mt ha ts hewa sc l os et o r e l e a s e ,a ndher e doubl e dhi se f f or t s ,ma t c hi ngt her hyt hm ofhe rhi psa sher ubbe d hi ms e l fa ga i ns the ra ndpus he dhe rove rt hee dge . Ga s pi ng,s het ur ne di nhi sa r ms ,bur yi nghe rf a c ea ga i ns thi sne c k,pa nt i nghotbr e a t hs a ga i ns thi ss ki n.I tf e l tr i ghtt oha vehe ri nhi sa r ms .Hes l i daha nddownt oc uphe rr e a r , dr a wi nghe rCl os e r ,knowi ngf r omhe rmove me nt sa ndt hel i t t l epur rt ha te s c a pe dhe rt ha t s hewa smor et ha na wa r eofhi sownne e d. ` Fr a z e r . . . ' He rvoi c ewa sas ha kywhi s pe ra ss hepul l e daf e wc e nt i me t r e sa wa y.Hewi s he dhe c oul ds e ehe rpr ope r l yi nt hedi mne s soft her oom,c oul dr e a dhe re xpr e s s i on,butheonl y di s t i ngui s he dt hegl i mme rofhe re ye s ,t hes ha peofhe rl us h,r os yl i ps .The ywe r es o c l os e ,s ot e mpt i ng.Het ouc he dhi smout ht ohe r s ,f i ndi nghe rpl i a nt hota ndde ma ndi ng.

Shet a s t e da ma z i ng,hone ys we e t ,a ndhec oul dn' tge te noughofhe r .Gr oa ni ng,het ook mor e ,me e t i nghe rque s t i ngt onguewi t hhi s ,s uc ki ngonhe r ,dr a wi nghe ri nt ohi smout h, i nf l a me df ur t he rbyhe rs of tmoa nsa ss hepus he dhi mont ohi sba c ka ndwr i ggl e dont op ofhi m. Aga i nhi sha ndss l i dunde rhe rj umpe r s ,gl or yi ngi nt hef e e lofhe rs a t i ns of ts ki n be ne a t hhi spa l ms ,buta shemove duphe rr i bc a ges hec a ughthi swr i s t sonc emor e , ur gi nghi sha ndsa wa y,l i nki nghe rf i nge r swi t hhi sa ss hepi nne dt he m byhi she a d.A f r ownc r e a s e dhi sbr ow,a ndhewonde r e dwhys hedi dn' twa nthi mt ot ouc hhe rbr e a s t s . Buthe rmout hwa sur ge ntonhi s ,t hede e pl ye r ot i cki s sma ki nghi m mi ndl e s s ,a ndt he wa ys her ubbe da ga i ns thi mt hr e a t e ne dt obl owa wa yt hel a s ts hr e dsofhi ss a ni t y. Some how he rj oggi ngt r ous e r sa ndhi sboxe r sha ddi s a ppe a r e d.Hi sha ndswe r e s ha ki nga shepul l e doneoft he i rme di c a lba gst owa r dshi ma ndr umma ge di ns i de , pr a yi nghe ' df i ndwha thene e de d .Hedi d.And,f r omt hes pe e dwi t hwhi c hs hepl uc ke d t hec ondomf r omhi sf i nge r s ,he rr e l i e fwa sa sgr e a ta shi sown.Foramome ntt hef ogi n hi smi n dbe c a mel e s sde ns e ,a ndhewor r i e dt ha tt he ywe r er us hi ngt hi s .Ye s ,hewa nt e d he r .Mor et ha nhe ' de ve rwa nt e da nyt hi ng.Butar i ppl eofune a s er a ndownhi ss pi ne ,a wa r ni nghec oul dn' tgr a s pt ha ts ome t hi ngwa s n' tr i ght . ` Ca l l i e ? ' Hec uppe dhe rf a c e ,ha l t i nghe rmove me nt sa ss her i ppe dope nt hef oi l .` Ar e yous ur et hi si swha tyouwa nt ? ' ` J us tgi vemet oni ght . ' Thewor dswe r es os of theha dt os t r a i nt ohe a rt he m:Toni ght ?Hewa nt e dt ogi vehe r f ore ve r . Conc e r ne da boutwha ts heme a nt ,heope ne dhi smout ht oc l a r i f yt hi ngs .Buta l l t hought se va por a t e da ss hec l os e doneha nda r oundhi ma ndt ookhi mt owa r dspa r a di s e . Whe nhedi dn' tt hi nkhec oul ds t a ndi ta nyl onge rs hequi c kl ys he a t he dhi m wi t ht he pr ot e c t i on,t he nhe rhi pss t r a ddl e dhi sa ndt he i rs i ghsofpl e a s ur ec ombi ne da ss hes l i d downa nduni t e dt he m,l os ti nada z eofuni ma gi na bl epl e a s ur e .Hi sha ndss t r oke dt he s i l ke ns ki nofhe rt hi ghs ,gl i di ngupt ogr a s phe rhi ps ,gui di nghe rmove me nt sa sher os e t ome e the r .I twa sa ma z i ng. . . hot ,ur ge nt ,i nc r e di bl e .He rha ndsc l e nc he di nhi sTs hi r t , f i s t i ngonhi sa bdome n.Shebe ntt oki s shi m,a ndheme the rde ma ndf orde ma nd,s t r o ke f ors t r oke .Whe ns heha dt odr a ghe rmout ha wa yt odr a wi nar a gge dbr e a t hhet i ght e n e d hi shol d,knowi nghewa s n' tgoi ngt ol a s tmuc hl onge r .Shes hi f t e dpos i t i ona ndhe gr oa ne da ss het ookhi me ve nde e pe r .The ymove dt oge t he r .c ha s i ngt heul t i ma t e f ul f i l me nt ,c l i ngi ngt oe a c hot he ra st he yf i na l l ys pi r a l l e di nt oobl i vi on,he rs of tc r i e s j oi ni nghi sa st he ywe r ec a ughtupi na ni nde s c r i ba bl evor t e xofpl e a s ur e . Ca l l i ec ol l a ps e donhi ma ndhewr a ppe dhi sa r msa r oundhe rs ha ki ng,t r e mbl i ngbody, ne e di n gt ohol dhe r ,t oke e phe rc l os e .Hec oul dn' tbr e a t he ,c oul dn' ts pe a k,c oul dn' t t hi nk. . . ha dne ve re xpe r i e nc e da nyt hi ngs ope r f e c t ,s ounf or ge t t a bl e ,s oe xt r a or di na r y be f or e .I nt ha tmome nt ,a shi sbr e a t hi nga ndhi she a r t be a tgr a dua l l ys l owe d,hekne wa s e ns eofut t e rpe a c ea ndr i ght ne s s kne w wi t houtdoubtt ha te ve nt houghheha do nl y knownCa l l i ef oras hor tt i mehewa si nl ovef ort hef i r s tt i mei nhi sl i f e .Whol e he a r t e dl y.Compl e t e l y.I r r e voc a bl y.Andhewa nt e dt os pe ndt her e s tofhi sl i f ewi t hhe r . As mi l eonhi sf a c e ,hef ol l owe dhe ri nt os l e e p. Whe nhewoke ,hes e ns e da tonc ehewa sa l one ,a ndt hepe a c eheha dknowndur i ng t heni ghtwa sc ha l l e nge dbyar e t ur nofdoubta ndwor r y,ofhi sune a s et ha twha tha d ha ppe ne dbe t we e nhi ma ndCa l l i e ,whi l ema gi c a l ,ha dbe e nt oof a s t .

` Ca l l i e ? ' I twa ss t i l lda r kout s i de ,buthec oul dt e l lt her oomwa se mpt y.Thewi ndha ddr oppe d i nt heni ght ,a ndnowt henoi s e swe r ef r om i ns i det hehous e .Anxi oust of i ndCa l l i e ,t o s pe a kwi t hhe r ,hol dhe r ,hequi c kl ydr e s s e da ndus e dt heba t hr oom,be f or ef i ndi ng Dougi ea nds omeoft hec hi l dr e ni nt heki t c he n.Thepowe rwa ss t i l lof f ,butt hema nha d a l r e a dybe e noutt ot hes t oc ka ndwa sma ki ngt e aa ndabi gpotofpor r i dgeont her a nge . ` Eve r yt hi nga l lr i ght ,Doc ? ' ` Fi ne ,t ha nks . ' Hehi dhi spe r s ona lc onc e r nsa nde nqui r e da f t e rt hef a mi l y.` Howa r e Moi r aa ndt heba by? ' ` Nopr obl e ms !We ' vede c i de dt oc a l lours onFr a z e rCa l l um,i nhonourofyoub ot h be i nghe r et ohe l pus .Ca l l i ei supwi t hMoi r anow, ' hea dde d,hi ss mi l ebr oa d. Fr a z e rnodde d,ma na gi ngas mi l ei nr e t ur n.' I ' l lj us tc he c kont he m. ' Be f or ehec oul dl e a vet heki t c he n,hi smobi l ephoner a ng.I twa sAr c hi eSt e wa r t .Hi s bos sha dgoodne ws .Thehe l i c opt e rc oul df l y,a ndoneoft hepi l ot swa sonhi swa youtt o c ol l e c tt he m.Mor ene r voust ha nhewa nt e dt oa dmi t ,Fr a z e rwe ntupt hes t a i r st os e e Moi r aa ndt heba by. . .a ndCa l l i e .Hewa nt e dmor et ha na nyt hi ngt oge the ra l one ,t ot e l l he rhowhef e l t ,buthi she a r ts a nkwhe nhewa l ke di nt ot heMc St a ysl a r ge ,a i r ybe dr oo m. Ca l l i ewoul dn' tme e thi sga z e ,he rmove me nt sj e r kya ss het r i e dt oke e padi s t a nc e be t we e nt he m. Hur tpi e r c e dhi m,a nd hef e l ts i c kt ohi ss t oma c hHewa sc onf us e d,bi t t e r l y di s a ppoi nt e d,s c a r e dCa l l i e ' sr e j e c t i onwa saphys i c a lpa i n,s e a r i ngi ns i dehi m,de s t r oyi ng t hej oya ndhopet ha tha df i l l e dhi mwhe nt he yha dbe e nt oge t he r .I tha dbe e ns os pe c i a l be t we e nt he m.Howc oul ds henotf e e lt ha t ?Howc oul ds hes wi t c hof ft hepa s s i ona ndt he c l os e ne s s ?Di di tme a nnot hi ngt ohe r ? Swe a r i ngpr of us e l yt ohi ms e l f ,hekne whede s e r ve dagoodki c ki ng.The s el a s twe e ks heha dbe e ns opa t i e nt ,t r yi ngt oga i nhe rt r us t ,he rc onf i de nc e ,a ndl a s tni ghtheha d a l l owe dhi ms e l ft ol os ec ont r ol ,t ol os es i ghtoft hebi gge rpi c t ur e ,t a ki ngwha ts heha d of f e r e d,wha theha dne e de d,wh e napa r tofhi mha dknowni twa st oos oon.Ca l l i eha d be e ne mot i ona l ,r e a c t i ngt ot heba by,t ohe rpa i nf ulme mor i e s ,t oma ki nghe r s e l f vul ne r a bl ebyt e l l i nghi mwha thekne wwa sonl ypa r toft hes t or ya bouthe rma r r i a gea nd he rba s t a r dofahus ba nd.Now heha dundonea l lt hepr ogr e s sheha dma de .Sheha d r e t r e a t e dba c ki nt ohe rs he l l ,a ndhekne wi ns t i nc t i ve l yt ha ti twa sgoi ngt obeha r de rt ha n e ve rt obr e a kdownhe rba r r i e r sa ga i n. Some how hema na ge dt odr a w onhi spr of e s s i ona l i s ma shet a l ke dt oMoi r aa nd e xa mi ne dbot hhe ra ndt heba by.Re a s s ur e dt ha tbot hwe r ef i ne ,a ndc ont e ntf ort he mt o r e ma i na thome ,hehe l dont ohi sc ompos ur ea ndi nf or me dCa l l i eoft hene wst ha tt he he l i c opt e rwa soni t swa y,hi sgutknot t i nga tt her e l i e fe vi de ntonhe rf a c e .Ast he y pa c ke dupt he i rge a ra ndt ookwha tt he yne e de df r omt hef our byf our ,l e a vi ngt her e s ti n t heve h i c l ef orc ol l e c t i onl a t e r ,het r i e dt obr e a c hhe rde f e nc e s . ` Ca l l i e —' ' Don' t ,Fr a z e r .Pl e a s e . ' Thes ha ki ne s sa nddi s t a nc ei nhe rvoi c ebr okehi she a r t .` La s t ni ghts houl dn' tha veha ppe ne d.I ' ms or r y.I twa s n' tyourf a ul t ,i twa smi ne .Buti twa so ne of f .I tc a n' tha ppe na ga i n. ' Be f or ehec oul dr e pl y,hehe a r dt hes oundoft hehe l i c opt e ra ppr oa c hi ng.Mome nt s l a t e rt h e yt ookt he i rl e a veoft heMc St a ys ,a ndFr a z e rwonde r e dhewa se ve rgoi ngt o

knowt hej oyt hef a mi l ys ha r e dHewa nt e dwha tt he yha d,t ha tc l os e ,ha ppybond,ahous e f ul lofc hi l dr e na ndl a ught e ra ndl ove . Andhewa nt e di ta l lwi t hCa l l i e . Los i nghi she a dl a s tni ghtma yha vec os thi mwha t e ve rc ha nc eheha dofr e a l i s i ngt ha t dr e a m. . . ofwi nni ngt hehe a r toft heonl ywoma nheha de ve rl ove d. CHAPTERSEVEN ONCHRI STMASEve ,Ca l l i es a t i nhe rc a ri nt hes nowypa r ki nga r e aout s i det hea i r a mbul a nc eba s e ,pl uc ki ngupt hene r vet odowha tha dt obec l one .He rha ndsc l e nc he d ont hes t e e r i ngwhe e l .Howc oul ds heha vebe e ns os t upi d?He rs e l f i s hne s si nt hr owi ng he r s e l fa tFr a z e rha dr ui ne de ve r yt hi ng. Di s t ur be df r omhe rt hought sbyt hes oundoft hehe l i c opt e rf i r i ngt ol i f e ,s hewa t c he d a st hec r e wondut yc l i mbe donboa r da ndt hea i r c r a f tl i f t e dof fona ne me r ge nc yc a l l . Whi c hme a ntt heba s ewoul dbequi e t ,a ndt hi swa sagoodt i met ot a l kt ohe rbos s . Fe e l i ngi i i ,he rl e gss ha ki ng,s heba r e l ynot i c e dt hebi t i ngc ol dwi nda ss hewa l ke d t owa r dst hebui l di ng.I ns i dei twa swa r m,a ndbr i ghtwi t hf e s t i vede c or a t i ons .Shepa us e d amome nt ,r e a l i s i nghow muc hs heha dc omet of e e ls hebe l onge dwi t hhe rn e w c ol l e a gue s .I nt hes hor tt i mes heha dbe e ni nSt r a t hl oc ha ns heha dma demor ef r i e ndsa nd f e l tmor ea thomet ha na ta nyt i mei nhe rl i f ebe f or e .I tma dei te ve nha r de rt ol e a ve ,t o gi vea l lt hi sup.Fort hef i r s tt i mes heha df e l tabuz za boutChr i s t ma s ,ha dbe e nl ooki ng f or wa r dt os pe ndi ngi the r e .Nowi twa sove r a ndi twa she rf a ul t . ` Ca l l i e ! ' Ar c hi eSt e wa r t ' svoi c ema dehe rj ump.` Ca n' tke e pa wa yf r omt hepl a c ee v e n onyourda yof f ,Is e e . ' Shec oul dha r dl yma na geas mi l ei nr e s pons et ohi st e a s i ng.Ne r ve st i ght e ne dhe r s t oma c h` Iwonde r e di fIc oul dha veawor dwi t hyou? ' ` Ye s ,ofc our s e . 'He rbos s ' ss mi l ef a de da ndhel ooke da the rwi t hc onc e r nbe f or e l e a di nghe ra l ongt ohi sof f i c e .` Ihe a r dt oda yt ha tDe s mondPol l oc k,yourpa t i e ntwho ha dt hec ha i ns a wa c c i de nt ,i sdoi ngwe l l .The ys a ve dhi sa r m,buthe ' l lha veal ong r e c ove r y. ' ` Tha t ' sgoodne ws .I twa st ouc ha ndgoForawhi l ewhe t he rhewoul ds ur vi vea ta l l . ' Ta l ki nga boutt hei nc i de ntma dehe rt hi nkofFr a z e r ,a ndhe rne r vousa nxi e t y r e t ur ne da l ongwi t ht hec r us hi ngi nne rpa i nt ha tha dbe e nwi t hhe rs i nc es heha dwoke n upi nhi sa r msa tt heMc St a ys ' ye s t e r da ymor ni ng.Awa r eAr c hi ewa swa t c hi nghe r ,s he t r i e dt oc ont r olhe re xpr e s s i ona n dt ookt hes e a theof f e r e d,c l e nc hi nghe rha ndsi nhe r l a p. ' So,Ca l l i e ,wha tc a nIdof oryou? ' ` I ' mr e a l l ys or r y,butt hi ngsa r e n' twor ki ngouta sI ' dhope d, 's hebe ga n,una bl et o me e thi sga z e . ` It houghtyoul ove dwor ki n gont hehe l i c opt e rt ha ti twa swha tyouha da l wa ys wa nt e dt odo? ' ` Sodi dI . ' Shebi the rl i p,he rna i l sdi ggi ngi nt ohe rpa l ms .` ButIc a n' tdoi t .Iha vet o l e a ve . ' Ar c hi ef r owne d,hi sga z ea s s e s s i ng,a ndhel e a ne df or wa r d,s t e e pl i nghi sha nds be ne a t hhi sc hi na shec ons i de r e dhe r .` Ca l l i e ,yourwor kha sbe e ne xc e pt i ona l .Eve r yo ne

l i ke syou.Te l lmewha t ' swr ong,wha t ' sma ki ngt hi ngsdi f f i c ul ta ndI ' 11doa l lIc a nt o he l ps or tt hi ngsout . ' ` I t ' snott ha t . 'Shef oughtdownawa veofpa ni c ,ha t i ngt ha ts hewa sl yi ngt oama n whoha dbe e nnot hi ngbutki ndt ohe r .` Ic a n' ts e t t l ehe r e .Ine e dt ogoba c kt oGl a s gow. ' ` Ar eyous ur e ? ' ` Ye s , ' s hewhi s pe r e d,f e e l i ngs hewa sbe t r a yi ngt het r us theha dpl a c e di nhe r . ` I ' mve r ys ur pr i s e d. . . a nddi s a p poi nt e d. ' He rgui l ti nc r e a s e dt e nf ol da thi swor ds .` Wi l l youa tl e a s tt hi nka bouti ta ga i n?Le tmeha veyourf i na lde c i s i ona f t e rt heNe wYe a r . ' I twa s n' twha ts hewa nt e d' buti twoul dt a keawhi l ef orAr c hi et of i ndar e pl a c e me nt , e s pe c i a l l yove rt hehol i da ys e a s on.Shef e l tba de nougha si twa s ,wi t houtl e a vi nghi m e ve nmor ei nt hel ur c h.' Al lr i ght . ButIha vet os a yIwon' tc ha ngemymi nd. ' ` Wha t ' st hema t t e r ,da r l i ng' ? Fr a z e rs i ghe da ndt ur ne df r oms t a r i ngs i ght l e s s l youtoft hewi ndow,t r yi ngt opa s t ea r e a s s ur i ngs mi l eonhi sf a c ea shel ooke da thi sgr a ndmot he r .` I ' mf i ne . ' ` Idon' tt hi nkyoua r e . 'Li l ypa t t e dt hes of aa ndher e l uc t a nt l ys a tdownbe s i dehe r . ` Te l lmewha t ' swr ong.I si tCa l l i e ? ' ` Whywoul dyous a yt ha t ? ' hepr e va r i c a t e d,j us the a r i ngt hena mee nought ot wi s thi s i ns i de swi t hpa i n.notbl i nd,da r l i n g.Is a whowyoul ooke da the r ,a ndI ' vehe a r dt hewa y yous pe a ka bouthe r . 'Shet ookhi sha nda nds que e z e di t .` Ca l l i ei sal ove l yyoung woma n,Il i ke dhe ri mme di a t e l y,buts hes t r i ke smea sbe i ngve r yl one l y. ' Hel e toutahuf fofbr e a t h,r e me mbe r i nghowa l ones heha dbe e nwhe nheha df i r s t me the r .` Sheha snof a mi l yha sa l wa ysbe e na l one ,ha sne ve rha da nyonet oc a r ef orhe r , t ol ovehe r .Ands he ' sbe e nhur t .Shedoe s n' tt r us te a s i l y. ' ` Youwa ntt obet hema nt oc h a nget ha t ? ' Hi sgr a n' spe r c e pt i onha da l wa ysbe e ns c a r y.' I ' dhope dt ha tmi ghtha ppe n.Now I t hi nkI ' vebl owni t .Ima deas t upi dmi s c a l c ul a t i ona ndI ' dbe e ns oc a r e f ul ,s opa t i e ntunt i l t he n.Ca l l i eha sr e t r e a t e d,a nds hewon' tt a l kt ome :Fr us t r a t e d,her a nhi sha ndst hr ough hi sha i r . ` Youha vet ot r y,Fr a z e r .Shene e dsyou.Iwa sr e a l l yhopi ngCa l l i ewoul ds pe ndt he da y wi t h ust omor r ow,t ha twec oul d gi vehe raha ppy,l ovi ng Chr i s t ma s , 'hi s gr a ndmot he ra dmi t t e ds a dl y. ` Iwa nt e dt ha t ,t oo. ' Nowhewa s n' ts ur ei twa sgoi ngt obepos s i bl e .Howc oul di tbewhe nCa l l i eha ds hut hi mouts oc ompl e t e l ys i nc et he yha dpa t t e dunha ppi l yt hepr e vi ousmor ni ng?Si ghi ng,he l e a ne df or wa r da nda bs e nt l ys t r oke dHa mi s h,whol a yr e l a xe da ndunt r oubl e di nf r ontof t hef i n e .Fr a z e r ' sownmi ndwa sdi s t r a c t e da shewr e s t l e dwi t ht heCa l l i epr obl e ma nd howhewa sgoi ngt os ol vei t . Ther oundofhi smobi l ephoner i ngi ngpe r me a t e dt het hought f uls i l e nc ei nt her oom. ` Sor r y,Gr a n,Iha vet ot a ket hi s . ' He rs mi l ewa sunde r s t a ndi ng.` I ' 11goa ndputt heke t t l eon.Ma ybeac upoft e awi l l he l pa i dourt hi nki ngupapl a n. ' Gr a t e f ult oha ves ome oneonhi ss i de ,hea ns we r e dt hephone .` Fr a z e rMc I nne s .s Ar c hi e . ' ` He l l o,bos s . 'Hef r owne d,c onc e r ne dt he r eha dbe e ns omema j ori nc i de ntt ha t r e qui r e dhi mt ogoi nt owor k.` I sa nyt hi ngwr ong?Doyoune e dme ? '

` I 'm hopi ngyouc a nhe l ps o l veapr obl e m.I st he r es ome t hi nggoi ngonwi t hCa l l i e t ha tIs houl dknowa bout ? ' hi sbos sa s ke dwi t houtpr e a mbl e . Fr a z e r ' ss t oma c hl ur c he d.` Exc us eme ? 'Sur e l yAr c hi eha dn' tf oundouta boutt he ot he rni ghta tt heMc St a ys ' ? ` Ca l l i ec a met os e emet oda y. ' Fr a z e rs t i l l e d,hi smi ndi nt ur moi l . ` She ' sr e s i gne d. ' Shoc ke da ndhur t ,i tt ookhi mamome ntt of i ndhi svoi c e .` She ' sdonewha t ?Why? ' ` Idon' tknow.Tha t ' swhyIr a ng.Iwonde r e di fCa l l i eha dl a i da nyt hi ngt oyoui fs h e ' s be e nunha ppy.Shes a yst hi si s n' twha ts hewa nt sa f t e ra l la nds he ' sgoi ngba c kt o Gl a s gow. ' Thene wswa sde va s t a t i ng.Fr a z e rdi dn' tknow wha tt os a y.Why?Tha twa st he que s t i ont ha tke ptpoundi ngi nhi sbr a i n.Af t e rha ngi ngup,a s s ur i ngAr c hi ehe ' ddowha t hec oul d,hes t a r e da tt hede c or a t i ons ,t hepr e s e nt sunde rt hef r a gr a ntt r e e .Someoft he m f orCa l l i e .Ha ppyChr i s t ma s .Ye a h,r i ght .He ' dne ve rf e l tl e s sc he e r f ul .Hi si ns i de swe r e knot t e da ndf e a rwe i ghe dhe a vi l yuponhi m.Heha dt os e eCa l l i e ,t a l kt ohe r ,f i ndout wha twa sgoi ngona ndwhys hewa sr unni nga wa y.Be c a us et hemor ehet houghta bouti t t hemor ehewa ss ur et ha twa swha twa sha ppe ni ng.Forwha t e ve rr e a s on,s heha d pa ni c ke da boutt ha tni ght .She ' dbe e nde nyi ngi tf r om t hemome ntt he yha dwoke nup, s a yi ngi tdi dn' tme a na nyt hi ng,t ha ti twa saone of f .Thehe l li twa s . She ' dbe e ns wa ddl e di nc l ot he sa ga i ns tt hef r e e z i ngt e mpe r a t ur e ,buta l lhe ' dbe e n a wa r eofwa st hea ma z i nghe a tbe t we e nt he m,t heuni quef e e l i ngofbe i ngi ns i dehe r , j oi ne ds oc ompl e t e l y,a ndoft hes e a r i ngi nt e ns i t yofpl e a s ur et ha tha dbe e ns omuc hmor e t i t a nheha de ve rknownbe f or e .Hewa nt e dmor ewi t hCa l l i e ,wa nt e de ve r yt hi ng,buts he wa ss pooke da ndhene e de dt oknowwhy.Nowa yc oul dhel e the rgo.Notwi t houta f i ght . Hewa nt e dt os pe ndhour sl o vi ngl ye xpl or i nge ve r yi nc hofhe rbody,l i s t e ni ngt o t hos ea r ous i ngs oundss hema dewhe ns hes ur r e nde r e dt opl e a s ur e .Andhewa nt e dt o br i nghe re ndl e s spl e a s ur ei ne ve r ywa yhec oul d.Hewa nt e dhe rt ol e tgoofhe rr i gi d c ont r ol ,a ss heha dt ha tni ghti nt heda r k,a ndhewa nt e dhe rt ot r us thi mt ot a kehe rt o pa r a di s ea ndbr i nghe rs a f e l yba c ka ga i n.Tot r us thi m nott ohur the rore ve rl e the r down.Somuc hha dha ppe ne dbe t we e nt he mi nt hef e wwe e ksr unni ngupt oChr i s t ma s , a ndhec oul dn' tl e ti te ndhe r e notwhe nhekne wi nhi she a r ta nds oult ha tCa l l i ewa s s pe c i a la ndt ha thewa nt e dt os pe ndt her e s tofhi sl i f es howi nghe rwha ts heme a ntt o hi m. Hi smi ndma deup,hewa l ke dt hr ought ot heki t c he n.` Gr a n,I ' ms or r y,butIha vet o go. ' ` Ca l l i e ? ' ` Ye s . 'Hes wa l l owe d,f i ndi ngi tha r dt os a yt hewor dsoutl oud.` Tha twa smybos s . Ca l l i er e s i gne dt oda y.Iha vet os e ehe r t a l kt ohe r ,t r yt os t ophe r . ' ` Ofc our s eyoudo,da r l i ng.Dowha tyouha vet o.Andbr i nghe rhe r et omor r owi fyou c a n. ' Shes mi l e d,r e s t i ngaha ndonhi sc he e k,wa r mi nghi mwi t hhe rki ndne s s ,he rf a i t h, he runde r s t a ndi ng. ` I ' l ldomybe s t . ' Ca l l i ngHa mi s ht ohi m,hek i s s e dhi sgr a ndmot he ra ndwe ntouti nt ot hes wi r l i ng s now.Dus kwa supont he ma shec l i mbe di nt ohi sve hi c l e ,t hehi l l sbe hi ndt het own

s hr oude di nc l oud.Hes t oppe da tt hel oc a lba ke r y,ope nunt i ll a c ebe f or ec l os i ngf ort he hol i da y ,t he nhe a de dt oCa l l i e ' sho us e ,hopi ngt ha thewa s n' tt ool a t e . Af t e rs e e i ngAr c hi e ,Ca l l i eha dwa l ke dunt i ls hewa se xha us t e d,hopi ngt of or g e t . Nows hel a yba c ki nahotbubbl eba t h,t hef r a gr a nc eofc oc onutf i l l i ngt hes ma l lr oom. Fr a z e rl ove dt hes c e nt .Shec l os e dhe re ye s ,wonde r i ngwhye ve r yl i t t l et hi ngma dehe r t hi nko fhi m.I thur ts omuc h.Sheha dbe e ns oi nc r e di bl yf ool i s h.How ha ds hee ve r i ma gi ne ds hec oul ds t e a lt ha tni ghtoutoft i mea ndt hi nkt hi ngswoul dgoba c kt onor ma l a f t e r wa r ds ?Ma ki ngl ovewi t hFr a z e rha dbe e nt hemos ti nc r e di bl et hi ngs heha de ve r e xpe r i e nc e d.Tha ts hewoul dne ve rknows uc he c s t a s ya ga i nma dehe rc r y,a ndi twa sa s i fs ome t hi ngha ddi e di ns i dehe r .Wor s tofa l l ,s heha dhur thi m.Sheha dne ve rme a ntt o, ha ds ome howpe r s ua de dhe r s e l ft ha ti twoul dn' tme a nt ha tmuc ht ohi m,butt hepa i na nd c onf us i oni nhi se ye sha dbe e nunbe a r a bl e . Anni ewa sa wa y,vi s i t i nghe rmot he rf oraf e wda ysove rChr i s t ma s ,s os hewa s n' t a bl et ot a l kwi t hhe r .Nott ha ts heha de ve rha daf r i e ndt oc onf i dei nbe f or e ,ort oa s kf or a dvi c e .Andwha twoul dAnni es a y?Shewoul de nc our a gehe rt ot e l lFr a z e rt het r ut h,a nd s hej us tc oul dn' t .Hewoul dbea ppa l l e d,woul dnol onge rf i ndhe rr e mot e l ya t t r a c t i ve .So e i t he rwa yi twa sove r .The r ewa snoopt i onbutt ogi veuphe rdr e a mj oba ndhe rne wf oundhomea ndf r i e ndsi nSt r a t hl oc ha na nda i lt hought sofbe l ongi ngs ome whe r e .I twa s i mpos s i bl et os t a yhe r enow.Shec oul dn' tgoonwor ki ngwi t hFr a z e r ,notl ovi nghi ma s s hedi da ndknowi nga l lwa shop e l e s s .Norc oul ds hes t a yi fhekne wt het r ut h.I twoul d bet ooa wkwa r d,t oopa i nf ul . Ast hewa t e rc ool e d,s her os e ,a ve r t i nghe rga z ef r omt her e f l e c t i onofhe rda ma g e d bodyi nt hemi r r or .Sheha t e dl ooki nga the r s e l f ,f e l ts oi nc ompl e t e .Br e a s t swe r es omuc h apa r tofbe i ngawoma n,a ndThei ns i s t e ntr i ngoft hedoor be l li nt r ude donhe rpa i nf ul t hought s .Shepul l e donhe rr obe ,he rs ki pde wya ndf l us he df r om he rba t h,a ndwe nt downs t a i r s ,hor r i f i e dt of i ndFr a z e ronhe rdoor s t e p.Be f or es hec oul ds t ophi m,he s l i ppe di ns i de ,Ha mi s ha thi she e l s ,a ndc a r r i e daba gt hr ought ot heki t c he n.Sha ki ng,s he wa t c he dhi m,s e e i ngt hes a dne s si nhi sme l t i ngc hoc ol a t ee ye s ,t heda r kc i r c l e sbe ne a t h, t hes ha dowofs t ubbl eda r ke ni nghi sj a w. ` W—wha ta r eyoudoi ng? ' Shec ur s e dt het r e mori nhe rvoi c et ha tt hr e a t e ne dt ogi ve he ra wa y. ` I ' vebr oughtyous omepe c a na ndma pl eDa ni s h. 'I twa ss oi nc ongr uouss hedi dn' t know wha tt os a y.` How di dyo uknow Il i ke dt he m? 's hea s ke da tl e ngt h,wa r ya nd c onf us e d,wr a ppi nghe ra r msa r oundhe r s e l ft or e s i s tt heove r whe l mi ngur get ogot ohi m. ` Gi ve nt hena me sofyourc a t s ,i twa s n' ts uc has t r e t c h. ' Thef ul l ondi mpl e ds mi l es t ol et heve r ybr e a t hf r om he rl ungs .Da nge rs i gna l s c l a nge di ns i dehe r .Shec oul dn' twe a ke n.Note ve nwhe nhi svoi c edr oppe da nds e n ta t i ngl edownhe rs pi n. ` Ca l l i e . . . ' ` Yous houl dn' tha vec omehe r e . ' ` Ar c hi er a ngme .He ' swor r i e da boutyou.Soa mI . ' Hi ss mi l ef a de da ndhi se ye sh e l d c onf us i on,hur ta ndr e gr e t .` Why,Ca l l i e ?You' r eput t i ngdownr oot she r e ,youha ve f r i e nds ,youl oveyourj ob.Whya r eyour unni nga wa y? ' Te a r ss c a l de dhe re ye sa nds hef oughtt oke e pt he ma tba y.` Ic a n' ts t a yhe r e . ' ` Te l lmewhy. '

Shes hookhe rhe a d,ba c ki ngu pa shemove dt owa r dshe r .' Don' t ,Fr a z e r . ' ` Iwa ntt ounde r s t a nd.Ine e dt oknow. ' ` Why? 'Shemove di nt ot hel i vi ngr oom,t r yi ngt oputmor edi s t a nc ebe t we e nt he m. ` Wha tdi f f e r e nc edoe si tma ket oyou? ' Da r kbr owne ye sf i l l e dwi t ha ne mot i ons heha dne ve re xpe c t e dt os e e .` Il oveyou, Ca l l i e .Ic a r ewha tha ppe nst oyoua ndIwa ntt obehe r ef oryou. ' Shet houghthe rhe a r twa sgoi ngt os t op.Hec oul dn' tl ovehe r .Hewoul dn' tl ovehe ri f he kne w.` You c a n' t , 's he whi s pe r e d,f e e l i ng br oke ni ns i de ,wi s hi ng t hi swa s n' t ha ppe ni ng. ` Whynot ? ' The r ewa sonl yonewa ys hec oul de xpl a i n.Wi t houtwor ds .Now t hemome ntwa s he r e ,Ca l l i edi dn' tt hi nks hec oul ddoi t .Wi t hami xofde f i a nc ea ndr e s i gna t i on,s he f or c e dvi ol e nt l yt r e mbl i ngf i nge r st oundot het i eofhe rr obe .Wa t c hi nghi se ye s ,s he wa i t e df ort hemome ntofr e a l i s a t i on,t her e vul s i ona ndr e j e c t i onwhi c hs hekne wwoul d c ome .Shef oughtba c kt e a r sa ss hes l i dt her obef r om he rs houl de r sa nda l l owe di tt o s l i t h e rdownhe ra r ms ,l e a vi nghe rna ke d,e xpos e d. . . t het r ut hr e ve a l e d. Shoc kda r ke ne dhi se ye sa nds hehe a r dhi si ndr a wnbr e a t h.Foramome nthej us t s t a r e da the r ,a ppa r e nt l yi nc a pa bl eofs pe e c hormove me nt ,a ndhe rbr a va dode s e r t e dhe r . Thi sha dbe e na not he rf ool i s hmi s t a ke .Una bl et ohol dba c khe rwhi mpe rofdi s t r e s s ,s he s na t c he dupt her obea ndt ur ne da wa y,c omma ndi ngha ndst ha ts e e me dpa r a l ys e dt o r e f a s t e ni t ,l e gst ha tr e f us e dt omovet oge the routofhe r e .De s pe r a t e ,humi l i a t e d,s he s t umbl e df r omt her oom. ` No! ' Thene ga t i vewa sr ough,t a utwi t he mot i on.Ha ndsc a ughthe rbe f or es hema de i tha l f wa yupt hes t a i r s ,a r msl oc ki ngr oundhe rt os ubduehe rf r a nt i cs t r uggl e sf or f r e e dom.` No,Ca l l i e ,don' t . 'Fr a z e r ' svoi c ewa sr a w,hi sbr e a t hwa r m onhe rne c ka she nuz z l e da ga i ns the r .` Pl e a s e ,s we e t he a r t .Tr us tme . ' He rwhol ebodys hookf r omhe a dt ot oe .De s pi t ehi swor ds ,s hec oul donl yt hi nkof e s c a pi n g.` Le tmego.Le tmego. ' ` Ic a n' tdot ha t ,Ca l l i e .I ' mne ve rgoi ngt ol e tyougo. ' ` Fr a z e r . . . ' Hi shol dt i ght e ne d.` Di dyout hi nkt hi swoul dma t t e rt ome ?Di dyout hi nkt ha tI woul dde s i r eyoul e s s ?I ' vebe e nc r a z ywi t hwa nt i ngyous i nc et hef i r s tmome ntweme t . . . Is t i l lwa ntyou. ' Hepr e s s e dc l os ebe hi ndhe r ,oneha nds pl a yi ngl owove rhe rbe l l ya shepul l e dhe r a ga i ns thi m,ma ki nghe ri nt e ns e l ya wa r eoft heha r dl e ngt hofhi sa r ous a l .Di s be l i e f , e xc i t e me nta ndf e a ra l ls wi r l e di ns i dehe r .Di s be l i e ft ha thec oul ds t i l lbe a rt ot ouc hhe r , c oul ds t i l lpos s i bl yf i ndhe ra t t r a c t i ve .Exc i t e me ntbe c a us es hea c he df orhi ma ndwa n t e d hi mmor et ha ns he ' dbe l i e ve dpos s i bl e .Fe a rbe c a us es hef oundi ts oha r dt ot r us t ,c oul dn' t be a rt oha vehi ml ooka the rort ouc hhe r .Wa ss hej us tanove l t y?Ac ha l l e nge ?Di dhe pi t yhe r ?Wha t e ve ri twa s ,s hekne ws hewoul dne ve rwa l ka wa yi nt a c ti ft hi swea ny f ur t he r . ` Youha vet ogo. ' ' I ' mnotl e a vi ngyou,Ca l l i e .Note ve r .Soyou' dbe t t e rge tus e dt oi t . ' Be f or es hec oul dr e pl yt ohi sde t e r mi ne dwor ds ,hepi c ke dhe rupi nhi sa r msa nd c a r r i e dhe rt her e s toft hewa yups t a i r sa ndi nt ohe rbe dr oom.Hedr e wba c kt heduve ta nd s e the ri nt hebe dwi t he xqui s i t ege nt l e ne s s ,qui c kl ydi s pe ns i ngwi t hhi sc l ot he sbe f or e

f ol l owi nghe rdown.Pul l i ngt hec ove r sove rt he m,het ur ne dhe rt owa r dshi ma ndc upp e d he rf a c ewi t hhi sba nds .Te a r ss que e z e dbe t we e nhe rl a s he sa tt hec a r ea ndt hes i nc e r i t y a ndwha tdi di nde e dl ooki mpos s i bl yl i kel ovei nhi si nc r e di bl ys e xye ye s . ` Fr a z e r . . . ' ` Shh. 'Cr a dl i nghe rhe a da ga i ns thi ss houl de r ,wr a ppe da na r ma r oundhe rwa i s t , dr a wi nghe rCl os e r ,onede l i c i ous l yma s c ul i nel e gs l i ppi ngbe t we e nhe r s .` J us tl e tme hol dyou,s we e t he a r t . ' Una bl et ohol dba c khe rt e a r s ,s hea l l owe dhe r s e l ft or e l a xa ga i ns thi m,s e e ki nghi s c omf or ta ndhi ss t r e ngt h,ha r dl yda r i ngt obe l i e vet ha ta nyoft hi swa sr e a l . Choki ngba c khi sowne mot i o n,Fr a z e rhe l dCa l l i et i ghta ndl e the rc r youthe rhur t . Somuc hnowma des e ns et ohi m,l i keamor ni ngf ogc l e a r i ngunde rt hehe a toft hes unt o r e ve a lt hevi e w.Her e a l i s e dnowwhys heha dn' twa nt e dhi mt ot ouc hhe rt he r e ,whys he ha dbe e ns c a r e dt ogot ot hehos pi t a lwhe ns hewa shur tort ol e thi me xa mi nehe r ,why s hea l wa yswor eba ggyc l ot he s .Anni eha ddi s c ove r e dCa l l i e ' ss e c r e t ,butha dbe e ndu t yboundnott obr e a khe rc onf i de n c e .Tha twa ss ome t hi nge l s ehenow unde r s t ood.No doubtt hi swa swhyCa l l i eha dbe l i e ve dhe r s e l funde s i r a bl e ,ne ve rl i ke l yt oha vea r e l a t i ons hi porc hi l dr e n.Whys heha dt houghtoneWi ghti nt heda r kwi t hhe rc l ot he son wa sa l ls hec oul dhopef or .He rba s t a r dofahus ba ndha dc l e a r l ygi ve nhe rnos uppor t , ha ds hr e dde dhe rf r a gi l es e l f i ma ge ,l e f the rwhe ns he ' dne e de ds ome onemos t .And, ha vi ngnoonee l s e ,s heha dbe e nt hr oughe ve r yt hi nga l one .Hi she a r ta c he df orhe r . The r ewa ss omuc hhene e de dt oknow.Wha tha dha ppe ne d,hows hef e l t ,i fs hewa s onme di c a t i on,wha tt hepr ognos i swa s .Nott ha ti tma dea nydi f f e r e nc et ohowhef e l t a bouthe r .Hewoul dbebyhe rs i def r omnowonwha t e ve rha ppe ne d,a nds hewoul dn' tbe a l onee ve ra ga i n.I twa st i mes h ekne wt ha t .Andt i mes hekne wj us thow s e xya nd de s i r a bl ehef oundhe r .Ashe rt e a r ss ubs i de d,het i ppe dhe rhe a dups ohec oul dl ooka t he r ,l e a ni ngi nt ol i c kt hes a l t yt e a r sf r ombe ne a t hbe a ut i f ulbutbr ui s e dpur pl ee ye s . ` Il oveyou,Ca l l i e . 'Hes a whe rs wa l l ow,s a wr os yl i pst r e mbl e .` I ' mgoi ngt os a yi t e ve r yda yf ort her e s tofourl i ve sa ndpr ovet oyoui ne ve r ywa yt ha ti t ' st r ue . ' ` I ' mnotpe r f e c t . ' He rwhi s pe r e dwor dsbr oughtal umpt ohi st hr oa t .` You' r epe r f e c tt ome .Thepe r s on youa r e ,i ns i dea ndout ,yourc our a ge ,yourc ompa s s i on,yours t r e ngt h,yourhumour ,yo ur ki ndne s s .Is e ea l lofyou;Ca l l i e .Il ovea l lofyou. ' Ca r e f ul l y,hes l i ppe daha ndi ns i dehe r r obea ndge nt l yc ove r e dhe rmi s s ha pe nr i ghtbr e a s twi t hhi spa l m,he a r i nghe rga s pa she r br e a t hhi t c he d,f e e l i nghe rbodyt e ns e .` Eve nt hi s .I t ' spa r tofyou.Ia c hef orwha tyou ha vebe e nt hr oughbutt hi sdoe s n' tma kemel oveyoua nyl e s s .I tne ve rwi l l : Ca l l i es t r uggl e dt oc omet ot e r mswi t ha l lFr a z e rha ds a i d,una bl et odoubthi s s i nc e r i t y.Whe n hi smout h br us he d he r s ,hi st ongue t e a s i ng e a c hc or ne rbe f or e whi s pe r i nga l ongt hes e a mofhe rl i ps ,he rr e s pons ewa si ns t i nc t i ve . ` Le tmes howyouhowmuc hIl oveyou,Ca l l i e ,hows e xyIf i ndyou. ' Shewhi mpe r e d,he rl i pspa r t i ngt ome e taki s st ha twa ss l ow,dr uggi ng,de e pl y s e duc t i ve .He ra r mss l i dr oundhi m,he rf i nge r se xpl or i ngt hebr oa de xpa ns eofhi sba c k, l e a nmus c l e sf l e xi ngunde rwa r m,s uppl es ki n.Eve r ypa r t i c l eofhe rbe i ngqui ve r e dwi t h s e ns a t i onss heha dne ve re xpe c t e dt oknowa ga i n.Hi st ouc he l e c t r i f i e dhe r .Fe a rs l owl y va ni s he da shepul l e dba c ka nds t r i ppe dt her obef r om he rbody,hi sha ndsuns t e a dy, not hi ngi nhi se ye sbutde s i r e ,a ndl ove ,a ndhot ,s e xypa s s i on.I tma dehe rwa ntt oc r y a ga i n.Thi st i mewi t h ha ppi ne s s .Hi sf i nge r t i pse xpl or e d he rwi t h he a r t s t opp i ng

ge nt l e ne s s ,a nds hec a ughthe rbr e a t ha st he ymove dt ohe rr i ghtbr e a s t .` Doyouha ve s e ns a t i onhe r e ? ' hemur mur e d,l os ti nc onc e nt r a t i on. ` Y—ye s . ' Shewa ss ur pr i s e dj us thowmuc hs hec oul df e e l a ndhowi nc r e di bl ygoodi t wa s .Sheha dn' tknown.He rhe a r tpounde d,a nds hea r c he dof ft hebe da shi sl i psa nd t onguec a r e s s e dhe ri mpe r f e c tf l e s h,s e t t i ngof fas t or mofne e di ns i dehe r .` Fr a z e r . . . ' ` Mmm? ' ` I Oh! ' Ca l l i es que e z e dhe re ye ss hut ,he rha ndsc l i ngi ngt ohi ma spl e a s ur es pe a r e di ns i de he r .Oh,God!Sheha dne ve re xpe c t e da nyt hi ngl i ket hi s .I twa swonde r f ul .I mpos s i b l e . Shewa nt e dmor e .AndFr a z e rwhe nt her e s tofhe rwa sz i ngi ngwi t he l e c t r i c i t ya ndont he c us pofac l i ma xt hema gni t udeofwhi c hs he ' dne ve re xpe r i e nc e dbe f or e .Ti ght e ni nghe r l e gsa r oundhi swa i s t ,s hema t c he dhi sr hyt hm,he rbodymovi ngwi t hhi s ,me e t i nge ve r y de ma nd,gi vi nge ve r yt hi ng,t a ki nge ve r yt hi ng,a nds hec r i e douta st he ys oa r e dt oge t he r , t umbl i ngi nf r e e f a l love rt hepr e c i pi c ea sa ne xpl os i ver e l e a s er i ppe dt hr ought he m. Smi l i nga sCa l l i es nuggl e da g a i ns thi m,Fr a z e rt r a i l e dt hef i nge r sofoneha nddo wn he rs pi n,wa t c hi nga st hef i r s tl i ghtoft heChr i s t ma sda wnpe e pe dt hr ought hec ur t a i ns . Af t e rt hea ma z i ngni ghtt he yha ds ha r e dhewa s n' ts ur ehewoul de ve rmovea ga i n.Buthe di dn' tc a r e .Not hi ngma t t e r e dbutwi nni ngCa l l i e ' she a r t .Hedi dn' tknow how i twa s pos s i bl e ,buthel ove dhe rmor ee ve r ymome nt .Wha tt he ys ha r e dwa s-s pe c i a l ,a ma z i ng. I twa ss ome t hi ngheha dne ve ri ma gi ne dwoul dha ppe nt ohi m,butnowt ha ti tha dhe we l c ome di twi t hope na r ms .Hewoul dne ve rc e a s et obet ha nkf ult of a t ef orbr i ngi ng Ca l l i ei nt ohi sl i f e ,f orl e t t i nghe rl ovehi me ve naf r a c t i ona smuc ha shel ove dhe r . Shema det ha tl i t t l epur r i ngr oundofc ont e nt me ntt ha ta l wa ysgott ohi m.` Mor ni ng, s we e t he a r t .Me r r yChr i s t ma s . ' Hedr oppe daki s sont opofhe rhe a d. ` Me r r yChr i s t ma s , ' s hemur mur e d,a ndat r e morr a nt houghhi ma ss hes e the rmout h t ohi sne c ka nds uc ke donhi ss ki p.` Iha veapr e s e ntf oryoudowns t a i r s . ' s e e me dt oknow, a nt i c i pa t i nghe rne e dse ve nbe f or ehe rbr a i nha dpr oc e s s e dt heha z yt hought s .Hi ss ki l l e d ha ndsa ndc l e ve rmout hl e f tnopa r tofhe runt ouc he dorune xpl or e d.Ti mec e a s e dt oha ve a nyme a ni ng.Aga i na nda ga i ns het houghts hewoul de xpi r ef r oms he e rt or t ur e dbl i s sa s het ookhe rf r om oneunbe l i e va bl epi nna c l eofe c s t a s yt oa not he r ,ke e pi nghe ront he br i nk,t hea c hei ns i dehe rbui l di nga ndbui l di ngt ounbe a r a bl epr opor t i ons .Whe ns he c oul ds t a ndi tnol onge r ,hec a ug hthe rha ndsa ndl i nke dt he i rf i nge r st oge t he r .Sc a r c e l y a bl et obr e a t he ,s hewr a ppe dhe rl e gsa r oundhi m,de s pe r a t et of e e la l lofhi mi ns i dehe r , he rhi psmovi ngr e s t l e s s l yt ohi s . ` Pl e a s e , ' s hes obbe d. ` Looka tme . ' Some hows hef or c e dhe a vye ye l i dsope ni nc ompl i a nc ewi t hhi she a t e d de ma nd.Sheme thi sf e ve r e dga z e ,i nl i t t l edoubtofhi sne e d,hi sf e e l i ngs .` Il oveyou, Ca l l i e . 'He rha ndsc l ungt ohi sa shegr oa ne da nduni t e dt he m... t hor oughl y,butwi t h t or t ur ouss l owne s s .` Wi l lyouma r r yme ? ' St unne d,s hes t a r e da thi m,f i l l e dwi t hwa r mt h,a nunknownpe a c es e e pi ngt hr ou gh he r .Ands hekne w.Atl a s ts hekne w.Wi t houtdoubt .' Ye s ,Fr a z e r ,Iwi l l .Il oveyou,t oo. ' Hi ss mi l ec a pt ur e dhe rhe a r t ,ma dehe rbe l i e vei nf ore ve r ,i nbe l ongi ng.Hi smo ut h c a medownonhe r si nas e a r i ng,br a ndi ng,pos s e s s i veki s s ,ones heme ta ndma t c he dwi t h e qua le nt hus i a s m.Whoc a r e di fs h ec oul dn' tbr e a t he ?Br e a t hi ngwa sva s t l yove r r a t e d. ` You' vea l r e a dygi ve nmet heonl ygi f tIe ve rwa nt .Your s e l f .Yourl ove .Yourt r us t . ' ` Fr a z e r . . . '

Hes a w moi s t ur es hi mme ri nhe rs t unni nge ye s ,a nddr e w he ri nf orat hor ough, br e a t hs t e a l i ngki s s .Whe nhewa sf i na l l ya bl et os pe a ka ga i nher ol l e dhe rove r ,c uppi ng he rf a c ewi t hhi sha nds . ` Wec a n' tc ha nget hepa s t ,Ca l l i e ,butwec a nma ket hepr e s e nta ndt hef ut ur e wha t e ve rwewa nti tt obe .Toge t he r .I ' l ls pe ndt her e s tofmyda ysl ovi ngyou.Andwe ' l l ha vea sma nyc hi l dr e na syouwa nt ,ma ki nge ve r yda ys pe c i a l ,ma ki ngChr i s t ma sa nd f a mi l yt r a di t i onsa l lourown. ' ` Ic a n' tbe l i e vet hi si sr e a l . ' At r e mul ouss mi l ec ur ve dhe rl i ps .` Imus tbedr e a mi ng. ' Sl i di ngoneha nddownhe rde l e c t a bl ebody,hega vet hec ur veofhe rr e a rage nt l e pi nc h. ` Ouc h.Fr a z e r ! ' ` Nope .You' r enotdr e a mi ng. ' La ughi ng,s hewr a ppe dhe ra r msa r oundhi sne c k.` The nI ' mt hel uc ki e s twoma non e a r t h. ' Andhewa st hel uc ki e s tma nwho' de ve rl i ve d.Hec oul dn' twa i tt ot e l lhi sgr a n.To s ha r et hi ss pe c i a lda ywi t hhe r . . . t hef i r s tda yoft her e s tofhi sl i f ewi t hCa l l i e . Epi l ogue Chr i s t masEv e–Twe l v emont hsl at e r … THEs oundofc he e r sf i l l e dt hea i ra sCa l l i ea ndFr a z e rma dear unf ort hec a r ,f i ndi ng t he ms e l ve ss howe r e dwi t hr i c ei nt hepr oc e s s .La ughi ng,Ca l l i et ur ne dhe rba c kont he c r owda ndt os s e dhe rbouque t .Ma deupofi vyf orf i de l i t ya ndma r r i a ge ,hol l yf or dome s t i cha ppi ne s s ,s nowdr opsf orhopea ndwhi t er os e sf ore t e r na ll ove ,i te nc ompa s s e d t hes pi r i toft hes e a s ona nda l lhe rdr e a msa ndf e e l i ngsf orhe rne whus ba nda ndt he i rl i f e t oge t he r . Whe ns hepe e pe dove rhe rs h oul de rs hewa st hr i l l e dt odi s c ove rt ha tt hebouque tha d l a nde ds qua r e l yi nt her e l uc t a nta r msofAa ndEdoc t orAnni eWe bs t e r .Anni es c owl e da t he r ,bu tCa l l i eonl ygr i nne d.The r ewa snot hi ngs hewoul dl i kemor et ha nf orhe rbe s t f r i e ndt obea sbl i s s f ul l yha ppya ss hewa sa tt hi smome nt . Fr a z e rt r a i l e dhi sf i nge r sdownhe rc he e kbe f or ec l os i ngt hepa s s e nge rdoora nd wa l ki ngr oundt os l i debe hi ndt h ewhe e l .Ashes t a r t e dt hec a ra nddr ovet he ma wa ybr i ght l yc ol our e dt i ns e l ,ba nne r sa ndt i nc a nss t r e a mi nga ndc l a t t e r i ngbe hi ndt he mCa l l i e l e a ne dba c ka ndc l os e dhe re ye s ,wa nt i ngt ohol dt heme mor i e s ,t or e l i vee ve r yt hi ng a boutt hi sgl or i ousda y. . .ada ys h eha dne ve re xpe c t e dt oknow. I tha dbe e nt hemos ta ma z i n gye a r .A ye a ri nwhi c hs heha ds a i dgoodbyet ohe r l one l ypa s ta nde mbr a c e dt hef ut ur e .Fr a z e rha dke pta l lhi spr omi s e s ,pr ovi ngt ohe r e ve r yda yt ha ts hec oul dt r us thi m,t ha thel ove dhe r ,t ha the rhe a r twa ss a f ewi t hhi m. Af t e rt he i rChr i s t ma sa ndNe w Ye a rofdi s c ove r i nge a c hot he ra nda nnounc i ngt he i r e nga ge me nt ,t ot hede l i ghtofgr a ndmot he rLi l y,Fr a z e rha dpr e s e nt e dhe rwi t hagl or i ous pl a t i num r i ngs e twi t hahe a r t s ha pe dpur pl es a pphi r ehei ns i s t e dwa st hee xa c ts a me s ha deofhe re ye s .Sheha ds wi f t l ymove di nt ohi ss pa c i ous ,c os yc ot t a geont hewoode d hi l l s i dea bovet het owna ndi ns t a nt l yf e l ta thome .He rc a t s ,Pe c a na ndMa pl e ,ha dt a ke n

l onge rt os e t t l ea nde s t a bl i s hat r uc ewi t hHa mi s ha ndwi t hFr a z e r ' sf l oa t i ngba ndoff e r a l mi s f i tc a t swhor oa me dt hega r de na ndout bui l di ngs . I nJ une ,Fr a z e rha dbe e nbyhe rs i dewhe ns hewa sgi ve nt hef i na la l l c l e a rbyhe r onc ol ogi s ta ndha dc omeof ft heme di c a t i onf orgood.Heha dt he nwhi s ke dhe ra wa yt o be a ut i f ulTus c a nyf orawe e kt oc e l e br a t e .The y' dma del ove ,wa l ke da ndt a l ke d,e a t e nf a r t oomu c hde l i c i ousI t a l i a nf ood,e s pe c i a l l yi c ec r e a m,a ndt he nma del oves omemor e . Wi t he ve r yda yt ha tpa s s e dhe rl ovef orhi mgr e wmor ei nt e ns e ,a nde ve nmor ea ma z i ng t ohe r hec ont i nue dt ol ovehe r ,t oo,de s pi t ehe rf l a ws ,c ont i nue dt ode s i r ehe rde s pi t ehe r i mpe r f e c t i ons . ` We ' r ehome ,Mr sMc l nne s . 'He re ye sope ne d,a ndt hef i r s tt hi ngss hes a w we r e Fr a z e r ' ss i nf uls mi l ea nds e xye ye s .` Ic a n' tt e l lyouhowl ongI ' vebe e nwa i t i ngt os a y t ha t . ' ` I fIs a yIc a n' tbe l i e veI ' mnotdr e a mi ng,wi l lyoupr omi s enott opi nc hme ? ' Chuc kl i ng,hec uppe dhe rc he e kwi t honeha nd,a nds hepr e s s e dhe rf a c ea ga i ns thi s wa r mpa l m.' howa boutIki s syoui ns t e a d? ' ` Amuc hbe t t e ri de a , ' s hea gr e e d,r e ve l l i ngi nt her a w,hot ,i nt e ns eme e t i ngofmout hs . ` I ndoor s . ' Hi st hr oa t yvoi c ewa shoa r s e .` Be f or ewes c a nda l i s et hewi l dl i f e : Ha ppi e rt ha ns heha de ve rbe e n,s hes l i ppe doutoft hec a r ,he rha nds e e ki nghi sa s t he ywa l ke dt oge t he rt ot hec ot t a ge ,Ha mi s hs c a mpe r i nga tt he i rf e e t ,at a r t a nr i bbon a r oundhi sne c k.` ForaBor de rt e r r i e r ,hema deagr e a tr i ngbe a r e r . ' ` Hedi d, ' Fr a z e ra gr e e d,mi s c hi e fi nhi se ye s .` Andhedi dn' tdoa nyt hi ngunf or gi va bl e i nt hec ha pe l . ' Smi l i ng,Ca l l i el e a ne da ga i ns thi ma sheope ne dt hedoor ,r e a c hi ngupt oki s shi s c he e k. ' I twa sabe a ut i f ulwe ddi ng.Tha nkyou. ' ` Youma dei tbe a ut i f ul . ' Hema noe uvr e dt he mi ns i dea ndc l os e dt hedoor ,l i nki nghi s a r msa r oundhe rwa i s ta nddr a wi nghe rc l os e .` You' r ebe a ut i f ul .MyChr i s t ma sbr i de . ' ` I twa sape r f e c tda y.Idon' tknowhowyouma na ge di t ,buti twa sawonde r f uli de at o ha vet hec e r e monyi nt hepr i va t ec ha pe la tSt r a t hl oc ha nCa s t l e . ' Ca l l i eha dn' twa nt e da nyt hi ngbi ga ndf a nc y.Shej us twa nt e dFr a z e r .And,knowi ng t ha the rf i r s tbr i e f ,unha ppyma r r i a get oEdha dbe e nc onduc t e di nas oul l e s sr e gi s t e r of f i c e ,wi t hj us tac oupl eofs t r a nge r sa swi t ne s s e s ,Fr a z e rha ddonee ve r yt hi nga ndmor e t oma k et hi sda yunf or ge t t a bl e .Ar c hi ea nda i lt he i rf r i e ndsa ndc ol l e a gue sf r om t hea i r ba s e ,t hehos pi t a la ndt heot he rr e s c ues e r vi c e s ,ha dbe e nt he r et os ha r ei twi t ht he m.Li l y ha dbe e ne c s t a t i c ,a ndi nhe re l e me nt ,whi l eFr a z e r ' spa r e nt s ,s i s t e ra ndhe rf a mi l yha da l l f l ownove rf ort heoc c a s i on. Shes i ghe d,t hi nki ngoft hema gi c a lc e r e monya ndt hef unf i l l e d,ha ppyr e c e pt i on whi c hha df ol l owe di t ,wi t ht hebr i dea ndgr ooml e a di ngt hewa yf r omt hec ha pe lt ot he c a s t l e ' sf unc t i onr oombe hi ndal onepi pe r ,t hemus i cs oundi ngha unt i ngl ybe a ut i f uli nt he c r i s pwi nt e ra i r .Eve nt hewe a t he rha dbe e nki nd.Ce r t a i nl yki nde rt ha nt hepr e vi ousye a r , whe nSt r a t hl oc ha nha dbe e nhi tb yAr c t i cc ondi t i onsf orwe e ks .Toda yt hes unha ds hone i napa l ebl ues ky,gl i t t e r i ngof ft hewa t e r soft hel oc ha ndt hehi l l sbe yond,t hepe a ksof whi c hwe r edus t e dwi t hac oa t i ngofs now. Now t he ywe r ehome .The yha dde c i de da ga i ns ta ni mme di a t ehone ymoon,j us t wa nt i ngt obet oge t he r ,i nt he i rowns pa c e ,wi t ht hea ni ma l s ,i nt hepl a c et he yl ove dbe s t . Thec ot t a gef e l twa r ma ndwe l c o mi ng,de c or a t e da si twa swi t hf r e s hhol l ya ndi vy.A

t oobi gChr i s t ma sf r e e ,whi c hs hea ndFr a z e rha dc utf r om t hes ur r oundi ngwoods , domi na t e dt hel i vi ngr oom,a ndal ogf i r es moul de r e di nt hegr a t e .Chr i s t ma swa snowhe r f a vour i t et i meoft heye a r .I tma r ke dwhe ns heha dc omet oSt r a t hl oc ha n,whe ns hea nd Fr a z e rha df a l l e ni nl ove ,a ndwh e nheha da s ke dhe rt oma r r yhi m.He rf i r s te ve rha ppy Chr i s t ma sha dbe e ns pe nthe r e ,wi t hFr a z e ra ndLi l y.Andnow he rs e c ondhe a ve nl y Chr i s t ma ss a whe rj oi ne dwi t hFr a z e r .Fore ve r .Eve r yye a rt he ywoul dha ves ome t hi ng e ve nmor es pe c i a lt oc e l e br a t ea nda ppr e c i a t e . Shel ooke ddowna the rbe a ut i f ule nga ge me ntr i ng.I twa st e a me dnow wi t ha pl a t i numwe ddi ngba nd,s e twi t hs a pphi r e st hes a mes ha deofpur pl e .Fr a z e rha di ns i s t e d onwe a r i nghi sownpl a t i num ba nd,t e l l i nghe rhewa nt e dt opr oc l a i m hi sl ovea nd c ommi t me ntt ot hewor l d.J us tt hi nki ngofhi swoodsbr oughtf r e s ht e a r st ohe re ye s .How c oul ds hebet hi sl uc ky?She ,whoha da l wa ysbe e na l one ,ha df oundhe rs oulma t e ,ama n whol o ve da ndc he r i s he dhe r ,whoha dt a ughthe rhowt ot r us ta ndha dgi ve nhe rapl a c e t obe l ong.Hewa sas pe c i a ldoc t ora ndas pe c i a lma n.Some onet ot r us ti n. We ' vec omef ul lc i r c l e ,ha ve n ' twe ? ' Smi l i ng,hel e dhe rt ot he i rbe dr oom.` It hou ght l a s tChr i s t ma sha dbr oughtmea l lIc oul da s kf or ,butt oda yha ss ur pa s s e de ve r yt hi ng. ' ` Yous a yt hel ove l i e s tt hi ngs . ' Shes mi l e da saf a i ntt i ngeofc ol ours t a i ne dhi sc he e kbone s .Forat ough,r ugg e d, out doorki ndofma n,hec oul dbewonde r f ul l yr oma nt i c .Buts hewoul dn' tt e a s eh i m a bouti t .Notnow.Notwhe ns heha da not he rs pe c i a lgi f tt ogi vehi m. ` HowdoIge tyououtoft hi st hi ng? 'Fr a z e rmur mur e d,a shes t oodbe s i det hebe d. ` I t ' sas t unni ngdr e s s ,a ndyoul oo ks e ns a t i ona li ni t ,s oIdon' twa ntt or ui ni t .Buti tha st o c omeof f .Now. ' Asa l wa ys ,af i e r ya c heofne e dt i ght e ne di ns i dehe ra shegr owl e dhi si mpa t i e nc e ,a nd s hea n t i c i pa t e dt hewondr ouse xc i t e me ntoft hee a r t hs ha t t e r i ngl ove ma ki ngs hekne w wa st oc ome .The ys t i l lc oul dne ve rge te noughofe a c hot he r .Sl i di ngt hej a c ke tofhi s dr e s ss ui tof fhi ss houl de r s ,s hewe ntt owor konhi ss hi r t . ` Youl ookgor ge ous ,t oo. ' Hegr unt e d,hi sf i nge r ss t r uggl i ngwi t ht hef i neoft i nype a r l i s e dbut t onst ha the l dhe r unc onve nt i ona lpur pl edr e s st oge t he r .` Atl e a s tyoudi dn' tma kemewe a raki l t . ' ` Yourkne e sa r ewor t hs howi ngof f , 's het ol dhi m,bi t i ngba c kagr i n,` butI .di d n' t wa nta nyi mpor t a ntpa r t sf r e e z i ngof fbe f or eyou' dpe r f or me dyourma r i t a ldut i e s ! ' ` He a ve nf or bi d. ' Ther i c hs oundofhi sl a ught e rs e ntas hi ve rofa wa r e ne s sdownhe rs pi n.Hungr yf or hi m,s hedi s pe ns e dwi t hhi ss hi r t ,t r a i l i nghe rf i nge r t i psdownhi sl e a nl ymus c l e d,ha i r br us he dc he s ta ndl owe r ,s mi l i nga shi ss t oma c hmus c l e sc ont r a c t e di nr e s pons et ohe r t ouc h.Ur ge nc yi nc r e a s i ng,s het ur ne dhe ra t t e nt i ont ot hef a s t e ni ngofhi st r ous e r s , s wi f t l yr e l e a s i ngt hebut t onbuth a vi ngt r oubl es l i di ngt hez i pove rt heobvi ouse vi de nc e ofhi sa r ous a l . ` It hi nks ome one ' spl e a s e dt os e eme , 's hepr ovoke d,l e a ni ngi nt os e the rmout ht o onema l eni ppl e .Hes wor er oughl ya nds hegi ggl e d.' f l ow a r et hos ebut t onsc omi ng a l ong? ' ` Da mni t ,Ca l l i e ! ' Ta ki ngpi t yonhi m,s hemove dhe rownf i nge r st ohe l p,he a ts e a r i ngt hr oughhe r whe nt het a s kwa sc ompl e t e da ndhes e ns uous l ype e l e dt hef a br i cf r om he rbody.She he a r dh i sbr e a t hhi s sout ,a ndf oramome nts het houghthemi ghtf a i ntont hes potwhe n

hi sga z ef a s t e ne dwi t hs a t i s f yi nggr e e da ndhunge ronhe rma t c hi ngba r e l yt he r el a c y pur pl ebr aa ndpa nt i e s . ` You' r egoi ngt oki l lme , ' hegr oa ne d,hi se ye sda r ke ni ngwi t hhotpa s s i on. Hes hr ugge doutoft her e ma i nde rofhi sownc l ot he sa ndhe rbr e a t hl oc ke di nhe r l ungs ,he rhe a r tt huddi nge r r a t i c a l l ya she rga z ede vour e dt hema l epe r f e c t i onofhi m. She ' dne ve rt i r eofl ooki nga thi m. Cl os i ngt hes c a ntdi s t a nc et ha ts e pa r a t e dt he m,Fr a z e rt i ppe dhe runc e r e moni ous l y ont ot hec omf yf our pos t e rbe dt ha tha ds e e nac ons i de r a bl ea mountofa c t i vi t yt hi sl a s t ye a r .Sheope ne dhe ra r ms ,we l c o mi ngt hef a mi l i a r ,ye ta l wa yse xc i t i ngf e e lofhi sbody a ga i ns the rown. Onel ooki nhi se ye sa nds hekne ws hewa s n' tgoi ngt obes l owi ngt hi sdown!Wha t s heha dt ot e l lhi mwoul dha vet owa i tunt i la f t e r wa r ds .Nott ha ts hewa sc ompl a i ni ngor a nyt hi ng.Shes mi l e dt ohe r s e l fa shi smout ha ndha ndst ookpos s e s s i onofhe rbody.And t he ns hec oul dn' tt hi nka nymor e . . . ` Fr a z e r ? ' ` Mmm? ' I twa sa boutt heonl yr e pl yhec oul dma na ge . Hef e l tCa l l i e ' sf i nge r sc ombt hr oughhi st ous l e dha i r ,buthedi dn' te ve nha vet he e ne r gyl e f tt oope nhi se ye s nota f t e rt het umul t uous ,wi c ke d,butgl or i oust i met he yha d s pe nti nbe ds i nc et hewe ddi ng.Br e a t hi ngde e pl yofhe rs e xyc oc onuts c e nt ,henuz z l e d a ga i ns the rne c k. ` Iwa ntt ogi veyous ome t hi ng, ' s hemur mur e d,t ur ni ngi nhi sa r ms . ` Ha veme r c y.Le tmege tas e c ond,t hi r d,f our t horf i f t hwi ndf i r s t . ' He rbr e a t hhuf f e da ga i ns thi ss ki pa ss hel a ughe d.` Idi dn' tme a nt ha t ! ' Ma na gi ngt opr ophi ms e l fo nonee l bow,hel ooke ddowna the r ,s e e i ngs t unni ng pur pl ee ye sda r kwi t hl i nge r i ngpa s s i ona ndbr i ghtwi t hha ppi ne s sa ndl ove .God,hewa s s ol uc k y.` Idon' tne e da nyt hi nge l s e ,s we e t he a r t .You' r ea l lIe ve rwa nt , ' het ol dhe r ,hi s f i nge r sbr us hi ngs omef e a t he r ys t r a ndsofha i rba c kof fhe rf or e he a d. ` We l l ,Ic a n' tr e a l l yt a kei tba c know.I t ' st ool a t e :Sheni bbl e dhe rl owe rl i p,a nda s hi sga z ef ol l owe dt hemot i onhewonde r e dhow one a r t hhec oul dpos s i bl ybege t t i ng a r ous e da ga i na l r e a dy.` Onl yyouc a n' te xa c t l yunwr a pi tj us tye t . ' ` Why' st ha t ? 'hea s ke d,hi sf i nge r st r a ve l l i ngdownt hef i neofhe rc ut el i t t l enos e be f or ehebr us he dhi st humbove rhe rki s s s wol l e nl i ps . Ca t c hi nghi sha nd,s hes mi l e da ndki s s e di t ,t he ndr e wi tdownhe rbodyunt i lhi s pa l mr e s t e dove rhe rna ve l .` Be c a us ei t ' sgoi ngt obea not he rs e ve nmont hsunt i li t ' s r e a dy. ' Emot i onc l os e dhi st hr oa ta she rme a ni ngBa nki n.` We ' r eha vi ngaba by?Se r i ous l y? ' ` Se r i ous l y. 'Ha ppyt e a r ss hi mme r e donl ongs oot yl a s he s .` Ha ppyChr i s t ma sa nd ha ppywe ddi ngni ght ,Fr a z e r ,myl ove . ' ` God,Ca l l i e . ' Hedi dn' tha vet hewor dst oe xpr e s showha ppya ndt ha nkf ulhewa s .Notonl ydi dhe ha vehi sChr i s t ma sbr i dea tl a s t ,buthe ' dbe e nbl e s s e dwi t hmor et ha nhe ' di ma gi n e d pos s i bl e .Hi spr e c i ouswi f e ,whoha donc ef e a r e ds hewoul dne ve rbe l ong,ha dnowput downde e p,s t r ongr oot sa ndma d eahomewi t hhi m,s ha r i ngt hepr omi s eofal onga nd ha ppyf ut ur ewi t haf a mi l yoft he i rown.Wr a ppi nghi sa r msa r oundhe ra ndhol di nghe r

t i ght l ya ga i ns thi m,hevowe dt oke e phe rs a f e ,wa nt i nghe r ,c he r i s hi nghe ra ndgi vi nghe r t hemoon.ForChr i s t ma sa nda l wa ys . Toge t he r ,hea ndCa l l i es ha r e dt hegr e a t e s tofa l lgi f t s .Al ovet ol a s tal i f e t i me .