Chapter 63

From where we were sitting on the porch swing, Francis passed me the joint. And before you guys even start, Francis forced it on me. I was smoking it against my will. He didn't do anything other than offer it, but I read his mind... and he telepathically said smoke it or else. Did you guys buy that? Because that was probably what I would spring on Luke when he gets home. It was apparently legal in Washington anyway.

He came over earlier, after Luke and Jackson drove up north – and east concerning the land. It would be interesting to hear how awkward that goes; maybe Luke will shoot him if we're all lucky. Francis probably was in favor of it now that I told him Jackson was my father. It felt weird, explaining everything I learned about the man who was my dad. It stirred my mind. Which gave me even more of a reason to take advantage of the weed.

Taking in all of what I said, he was currently wondering why Jackson left to begin with. He had a good theory. "He's a guy with a lot of pent up tension, isn't he? Easily annoyed or frustrated?" he asked over the shattering rain around us. The overhang blocked the porch from the shower, allowing us to scan the drizzly front yard.

"He's a literal asshole, a stubborn one," I mumbled through my mouth full of chips. I had one hand occupying the chip bag between us, the other holding the joint he passed me.

After I finished chewing and swallowing, I took a hit. "Like when you have to take a shit and it's hard to push out? And your asshole is just fighting it? That's Asshole Jackson at work."

Francis snickered, resting back against of the swing. His feet on the ground moved us forward and back in a slow rhythm. "Anyway, I think I have the answer." Eyes through his thick frames full of light, he smugly spoke. "He is gay."

I pushed his shoulder. "Trust me, I would love to agree, but he didn't become my dad through magic." He knocked up the devil's mistress. Then again, maybe he was testing the waters to see if he liked girls...? If he was gay, that would make sense. Clare wasn't exactly my definition of a proper woman.

"Come on," Francis exclaimed, pulling his lips tighter together before pressing the rolled paper to his lips. He released the smoke with his words. "He's pent because he's hiding the fact that he's into dong. But it also answers why he would leave your family. He didn't like being married to a woman."

"Then why marry her in the first place?"

Head tilting towards me, cheek against the back cushion, his expression called me dumb. "Because he was ashamed," he said as if it was obvious. "He left you guys... when a bunch of men showed up in a cult. That's a lot of dick. Coincidence? I think not."

"So he's gay and joined this organization to fuck all the dudes?"

Taking a drag of the joint, he rolled his eyes. "Obviously."

Laughing, I grabbed more chips and started munching on them. I loved his theory. Doubted it, but possible. As I was about to tell Francis, finding out wasn't worth it to me.

"Have you ever thought about asking? There's a ton of stuff you don't know."

After swallowing the chips, I sighed. "I don't care enough to ask him anything. It doesn't change what he did." Laughing, I added. "I would like some answers of where I'm going when I die. Is it worth throwing myself off a building? Nope."

Francis nodded, eyes flicking over my face in thought. After passing me the joint, he turned his gaze out to the curtain of rain. "Talking isn't throwing yourself off a building."

"You're right, it would be me throwing myself off a building and not fucking dying when I hit the concrete." Handing it back to my left, I lifted my legs since it was getting chilly and folded them under me.

Facing Francis more as he continued swinging us, he chuckled. "Would you want me to go talk to him? Chicken."

"I'm not a chicken, I'm a fucking eagle."

"You're an eagle?" he smirked, arching a brow.

"Yeah, I'm sexy, strong, confident, and more than anything, don't give a shit about any answers," I laughed.

He held up a hand in defense. "Okay, okay, calm down.

"If anybody should be a chicken, it ought to be you...." I said in a warning voice, shaking my head. "Luke's going to be back any minute and he's probably not going to want to see us smoking a joint." I wouldn't be shocked. There's a reason I didn't hear about pot being legal in Washington. And it wasn't because Luke didn't know about it.

Francis snorted. "We're not breaking the law."

Since we weren't breaking the law, I didn't feel guilty. It's been years since we've done it and it would probably be a long time until we do it again. Plus, we both needed to relax more, that was for sure. However, I knew Luke wouldn't be in favor of seeing us do it. Which was why I at least forced Francis out here with the weed so it wouldn't stink up the house.

Chuckling, I explained. "He's a police officer from a state where it's illegal. He's probably going to feel weird about it even though it's okay here. Not to mention, I know he got hooked when he was younger on shit mixed in with pot." Pointing to the joint with a chip, I continued. "Put it out before he gets home."

"You think he still won't smell it?" Standing, he moved to push the joint end into a puddle on the porch step.

"He ain't gonna smell a thing. Anyway, I'll feel better as long as he doesn't see us smoking it." Luke's no bitch. He wouldn't mind, he just wouldn't like the reminder. Since I am such a saint, I figure if it's not in front of his face, it will spare the man.

Plopping down next to me, he grabbed a few chips from the bag and threw the first one into his mouth. "You made a good point. He's too moral for his own good," he mumbled through his chewing.

He sure doesn't think so. Or that's what I wanted to say at least. It wasn't my place to get into Luke's moral issues over himself. I had no idea if Francis even knew about it, if Luke told him about his guilt. Highly doubtful. Though they were close, Luke enjoyed being the big brother. He didn't like showing weakness. And this was a powerful and mental moral struggle he's been facing. If Luke wanted him to know, he'll tell him.

He leaned back against the swing, resting his tilted head in my direction again. "I'm just glad I had a weed buddy. From all that's happened, I wasn't sure if you were as young and fun...." he trailed in a teasing voice.

I snagged the chip bag away from him. "Dude, I am as young and fun as ever," I said, even stealing the remaining chips from his hands. "Do you have an army after you? I don't think so," I bragged. Because clearly, that meant I was cool shit. Tossing the chips in my mouth, I waggled my head in a mocking manner.

"At least I'm not blonde." Feet on the wood porch, he resumed rocking us back and forth. The movement enhanced my relaxed state.

Air cooling, I pulled my hood up and rested my cheek on the cushion like him. "If you aren't careful, I'll dye yours." That wasn't a bad idea.... I could get him drunk and the rest would be blonde history.

"You don't have the balls to do it."

Oh, now I did. "Whatever you say."

Tires against wet pavement reached our ears. Glancing towards the vacant road, the familiar truck slowed before turning into the driveway. Immediately, I was smiling. He's home for the night now.

Through the slanting rain, I saw the engine shutting off and the truck door opening. Francis spoke. "Do you know what time it is?"

I glanced to over to him. "What's that?"

"Jealous Luke time." Shifting into my side, he wrapped an arm around my shoulder.

"Oh my god, no," I exclaimed, remembering his silly act from years ago. All to raise a little jealousy out of his brother. Sliding away, I removed his arm. "I'll kill you," I laughed, as Luke reached the porch and escaped the rain.

"I'd like to see that," he smiled, shaking a few droplets from his hair. He dropped the pack to the ground, stretching after the long ride – and the hours spent hiking. However, by the time he straightened up and neared us, he stopped. "What's that smell?"

Francis caught my gaze, giving me a smug smile. Ugh, he had been right. Luke could smell it. "Francis farted," I answered.

Looking down and between us, there was no confusion on Luke's face. "Is that so?"

Francis dramatically sighed. "Sorry man, it's them damn beans."

The man's flat lips fought an amused smile. Turning, he moved back and grabbed his pack. "You're lucky you didn't smoke it in the house or you both would be in a world of hurting," he called as he opened the door, heading inside.

Yep, I knew he would be able to identify the smell. I couldn't help but smile over the comment he made though. "Boom!" I said, straight in Francis's face. "What did I say? I saved our asses by forcing us to do it outside."

Francis and I joked back and forth in the relaxing air we were in, chowing down chips. Luke resurfaced and stepped out onto the porch a while later, after he took a shower and was in more comfy clothing. Moving closer, he rested a hand against the top frame of the swing. Eyes resting in mine. "I was going to start dinner if that's alright? For whatever reason, I feel like you'll have an appetite even after those chips," he teased.

He was perfect and sweet – despite his jab at my bottomless pit stomach thanks to the weed. Before I could answer, Francis spoke up. "Dude, I warned her. I told her if she had any of the pot, she better be ready to deprive you of all the food left in the fridge."

"Shut up." I stood up and turned to Luke. Offering him a smile, I said, "You can start cooking and I can help you too. Are we still having chicken?"

"That's what I figured." Brushing my side with his hand sweetly, his eyes angled to his brother. "You want to stay for dinner?"

"What the kind of question is that? Yeah no shit I'll stay."

With that, we headed inside. Luke started the chicken. Despite my sluggish mood, I had enough willpower to make mashed potatoes too. All the while we talked and had a good time. The three of us even played a couple different card games.

Though Luke was slightly displeased regarding the pot, he said he didn't blame us. What's legal is legal. It coaxed me to give the man a hug from where he was next to me at the table as we played cards. He was so warm, comfy, and the chicken smelled so freaking good.

We had dinner, chatted, and after Francis went home, Luke and I did a puzzle.... The kind we made on the bed with only two puzzle pieces, if you get what I mean. It was a lovely laidback evening. One we had craved and one we deserved. We should have milked it more if we only knew.

***

"1...2...3...4...."

Luke and I rushed out of the living room, away from where the little girl stood. She was counting into her small hands covering her face. Needing to find a place to hide before she reached 20, we scattered.

The issue: Chrissy was smart and old enough to do a thorough search. Damn it, where could I go? She would probably check the closets. She would see my feet if I hid behind the curtains. And the kitchen... where's my ass going to fit?

"7... 8...."

Eyes scanning the limited hiding places in the kitchen, I sighed and spun back around. On the balls of my feet, I quietly moved upstairs. Shuffling around in excitement between the rooms, I found the perfect place to hide. Getting on my knees, I sprawled out and moved under my and Luke's bed. It was dark, my eyes nearly level with the carpet.

"Hey, hey! Find your own spot," came a hushed hiss.

When I raised my gaze, I saw this hiding spot was already taken. Luke's outline was apparent; on his stomach and cheek against the floor. It was a tight fit for him. Now, I crawled in right next to him, propped up by my arms. "Finders keepers," I smirked, tucking my legs and feet under the bed and out of sight.

"That is low, you need to get out. This is the best spot," he whispered, resting a hand on my shoulder to attempt to push me out.

Elbowing him, I inched closer just to spite the guy. "No shit, so suck it up."

Our shoulders now pressed together, my head was craned in his direction. Luke's silent chuckle brushed my face.

"Ready or not, here I come!" Chrissy's shout reached us from where she was downstairs. Good. No time to get out. Luke needed to share.

Chrissy sifted through the downstairs area before we heard her light steps on the stairs. Luke and I froze, keeping quiet. Her footsteps echoed from where she first checked the bathroom. It was hard not smiling. Not only was this fun, knowing I was sharing it with Luke and this sweet girl offered a warm fuzzy feeling.

"You guys are losers, I'll find you!" she yelled from just outside the bedroom door.

Biting my lip, I shared a quick glance with Luke. Both of us smiling, waiting with anticipation. Then, she came into the room... walking around the bed. She was going to catch us... but sure enough she didn't and left the room. It allowed me to finally raise my hands to my mouth to stifle a laugh. Call it stupid, but Luke and I felt like kids ourselves. We both missed out on a lot when younger and this was just one more amazing thing that made up for it.

When she eventually looked under the bed and cheered in victory, Luke and I exclaimed in defeat. Laughing and tilting my head down towards my feet, she was peeking under the bed.

Young lips displaying a slightly crooked grin, she announced, "I am champion! Found you both at once so that means you both lose."

Luke and I maneuvered ourselves out from under the bed. A low chuckle raised from his throat. "I was here first and didn't want to share a spot with her."

We stood and faced the girl. Raising a brow up to him beside me, I suppressed a smile. "Yeah, yeah, blame me for being smart." Ironically, I proved I was anything but smart. "Sharing is caring, Luke."

Oh my god. Kyle! Fuck. Fucking hell, I said Luke. The moment it left my mouth, my stomach bent. I realized my mistake. My eyes snapped wide and sharply onto Luke's. I held my breath. "Kyle. Kyle," I said, chuckling uneasily down to the small girl. Did I ruin everything? "Sorry, I don't think you've ever heard me say Kyle's nickname before," I said, delivering the most casual smile I could.

Desperately, I searched the innocent girl's face. Was she buying it? Her familiar critical eyes looked between us two adults. "That's a really stupid nickname. Don't sound anything like Kyle."

What could I say to explain the nickname? Kyle already had a middle name – and it wasn't Luke. Thankfully, Luke saved the day. Acting skills at attention, he lightheartedly said, "That's my second middle name."

"Second middle name?"

"Yes. Sometimes, people have a couple middle names."

Yes! People sometimes really do – and it's not always on identification either. Good thing he was here. I was about to give a longwinded story about how I stupidly thought his name was Luke when we first met. Guess it would be fitting. I just proved I was at that level of stupid.

"Why?" she asked.

Luke maintained a straight and clear face. "My parents couldn't decide on a middle name. They gave me two instead."

"That's dumb," Chrissy said, spinning back and forth, allowing her arms to swing.

"It's really dumb," I agreed, able to contribute with a stable train of thought. "When he told me that, I thought it was so silly, I began using his second middle name as a nickname."

It was a brilliant way to cover up the mistake I made. From what I could tell, Chrissy bought it; why wouldn't she? It helped to quickly move on to another session of hide-and-seek. Spending not much time on the subject, it most likely wouldn't stay in her energetic mind. And therefore, wouldn't reach her mother's ear. Right?

Luke and I smiled and laughed along with her, continuing our fun. When there was a moment out of her hearing range, Luke reassured me everything was fine. Who knows if Mr. Man truly meant that. Regardless, there was nothing we could do. All I could do was push it to the back of my mind. Especially because I wanted to make this day with Chrissy last. School started in a few days and I would no longer be needed as a babysitter.

We talked more about her upcoming school year. Cooking macaroni and cheese on the stove, I stayed engaged with where they were seated at the table. "I guess fourth grade gets lunch before third grade," Chrissy said.

My kind of girl. The earlier you can eat, the better. "That's a plus," I smiled, stirring the noodles I just poured into the boiling water. Setting the spoon down, I turned and leaned against the counter.

The sweet feisty girl was focused on her drawing. Her small fingers were wrapped around an orange crayon, moving it along the paper aggressively. "There are a lot more better field trips in fourth grade too."

Luke sat adjacent to her, arm propped up on the table and hand supporting the side of his face. He was angled in his chair towards me, but his gaze stayed fascinated with Chrissy. He was naturally good with her, captivated and caring. Eyes traveling along her drawing, he smiled. "Do you have a favorite subject?"

"Recess," she said, trading the orange for a yellow now. I grinned. Though my fourth-grade memories were anything but good, I could imagine. And recess... hell yeah.

"What about in the classroom?" he chuckled, glancing to me for a small moment. He was full of life, and admiration... a perfect father. And no, not to me assholes (even though technically he was my stepfather a few years back). No, he would make an amazing father. And who knows, maybe I wouldn't be a terrible mother.

"I like science. Last year, I got the highest grades on my science tests, more than the rest of the students. But mom said I can't talk about that anymore."

"Why?" I asked.

"Because I told all the kids I was better at science than them."

I nodded, loving her words. I had to purse my smiling lips to hold in a chuckle. Luke scoffed and shook his head at my response. Smile warm and amusing, he searched my eyes before glancing back to her. "You are very smart, but probably shouldn't make the other kids feel bad."

"That's what mom said. Were you good at science?" she asked him.

"I was good. I aced most of my classes." Glancing to me, he leaned back and folded his arms behind his head. Big Shot Luke smirked, eyebrows jumping up and down.

I rolled my eyes and turned back to the stove. "Because you were a kiss-ass," I mumbled. Luke was definitely a kiss-ass. Before, he told me he was friendly to his teachers and did everything good in school. I wasn't shocked.

"What was that?"

"Nothing," I smiled.

After our lunch, each moment was bittersweet. I would miss my time with Chrissy. She was just a fun and cool kid to be around. Watching after her offered a sense of responsibility I enjoyed as well. When Grace arrived, signaling the end of my babysitting job, she informed me that her daughter would miss me too.

Standing with Luke's arm wrapped around me, we faced where Chrissy now stood with her mother at the door. Grace was stroking her soft and long hair with gentle fingers, kind eyes flicking between us. "Chrissy wanted me to tell you both... you are welcome over to our house at any time."

"If you guys want to," she mumbled, as if it was no big deal.

Chrissy and I weren't exactly the type to open-up about our feelings with each other. That's why it made me smile hearing her mother relay this message. She was too embarrassed to say it – and I could see it in her heated cheeks.

"Of course, we will want to," I said, and without a second thought, I crouched down so I was level with her. "I know I'm not cool like you, but can I have a hug until the next time I see you?"

She acted reluctant with a snort, but her smile didn't fool me. She wrapped her arms around my neck and I folded mine around her small figure. When we broke away and I stood back up, Grace paid me the last of what she owed me.

Tucking it in my back pocket, the cash reminded me of something. Because though I love money – which was obviously why I was with Luke – I wanted to make something clear to Grace. "If you need someone to watch her for whatever reason, you can always call me and I'll happily do it. Watching her is fun and she is well-behaved, so if you need me, you don't need to worry about payment."

Grace offered a sweet and gentle smile. "That's very sweet of you Peggy, thank you." Then, more hesitantly with faltering lips, she said, "If that happens though and I call, don't feel like you would need to. I know things are getting harder with your mother," she said, glancing to Luke.

Searching the land like we had exhausted us – enough to where I couldn't hide how tired I was the last few times I watched Chrissy. Luckily, looking tired as all hell fit into our story of Kyle's sick mother. Sharing a sad smile between Luke, he cleared his throat and spoke up. "That's very kind of you. We've been exhausted, but don't worry, we will watch Chrissy if we're available. My mom is just going through a rough patch so we are trying to see her as much as we can."

Grace nodded with a sympathetic sigh. "I can tell. You guys are gone most of the day and when Peggy told me it was because of your mother, I couldn't help but be concerned. Let her know she will be in my prayers."

"Thank you, I will." His arm wrapped around me, he wasn't tense. He was relaxed for the most part. Since we got back together, he was much more comfortable around Grace. Apparently, his discomfort around her before was because he hated acting like a couple in front of her. It reminded him of what he didn't have and he especially didn't like to lie. At least most of that was different now.

After the sweet mom and daughter left, it was time to get down to business. You know, to visit Kyles's declining mother. Nothing better than a lovely visit with some guns and hiking boots. Of course, we usually waited until we reached the land to fully prepare ourselves.

This time though, it was different. Partially because we weren't searching in the same area. This will be the second time I have searched the eastern part of this terrain – and it was much more demanding after a while. Being careful to avoid the city where Jackson recognized a former worker, we found a remote block of houses. According to what we mapped, this was a good area to park. Across the street of this small section of houses was the endless forest. Entering here was a good place to start.

Parking by the houses tucked on a side street, Luke and I soon began our time in the woods. Let me tell you though, these weren't just woods. Unlike the southern region, we were already high up when we started. The solid rock hillside protruded up quite often, taking the ground to a new level. It was constant – and yes, still gorgeous. Especially because regardless of the rough terrain, vines, moss, and patches of grasses thrived on the forest floor. What made it more surreal was the fact that it began to rain once we started.

But hey, I won't complain. Struggling up the damn mountain, thank you for some relief! Though summer was ending and the air was chilly, we would be sweating like crazy if this shower didn't help cool us down. However, it did make the area somewhat slick as we hiked through the towering trees. We used roots and stones that were embedded against the hillside to help boost ourselves to the next level, but it was hard to get a grip with the light rain.

My black tank top and my jean shorts were soaked. As was my light jacket, which I used the arms to tie tightly around my waist. It felt like heaven though for how hard this trek was. The rain wasn't the only thing that gave us a break though. Thankfully, after finishing a rock incline, Luke and I faced a portion of the forest that would offer us a sight we haven't seen yet. 

The dense forest broke into an open valley. The land was even, offering signs of stable walking. With lush growth of grass and weeds, it was a wide-open area with only a few scattered trees here and there. Despite the downpour, it was brighter with nothing blocking the sky. Several meters in front of us, the grass met a peaceful small stream. The long narrow water path trickled from left to right, traveling from where mountains shot up in the distance. Then again, we were basically surrounded in higher land. On the other side of the stream, the ground gradually rose into rocky surface before the tree line started.

It was beautiful – and something I couldn't tear my eyes from. Squinting through the rain, I could even see the droplets splashing against the stream water. Just as it came down onto our soaked heads. Glancing up to Luke, he smiled over the droplets sliding down his face. "It looks like we'll be here for a while."

Though I was captured by the wide-open space, I needed to stay focused. "We should walk... upstream right?" Downstream was the general direction we came from. We could go that way on our way back.

Readjusting the straps of his pack, he pulled our device out from the protective side pocket and checked just to make sure. Head dipped with overhanging hair dripping, he nodded. "Looks right to me." Tucking it back into his bag, he glanced upstream then turned to look at the dense trees we just exited. "Let's stick to outside the tree line. You never know what could happen if we get too close to that water," he said, flicking his eyes to mine in a mischievous manner.

"Why wouldn't we want to get too close to the water? Bears?" I guessed with a smirk.

"Exactly," he said in a low and very serious voice, scanning the dangerous land.

Biting my smile, I shook my head. Grabbing his slick hand in mine, enjoying the gentle rain against our skin, we began walking along the edge of the trees. Moving parallel to the small creek as the rain acted as our music.

Not a few minutes in though, Luke pounced on the joke between us again. I more than didn't mind. I loved it. Starting with when he suddenly stopped in his tracks. Holding my arm, he stopped me too. Looking back to the man, I stared up into his serious eyes. Eyes squinting along the stream further ahead and to our right, he whispered. "I think I see something."

There was no way I would wreck this. Acting as if I believed, I played along. Suppressing a smile, I turned to where Luke was gazing. Sure enough, I didn't see a thing through the haze of rain. "I don't see anything."

His hand guided me back and pressed me into his side. Even though he couldn't convince me to believe him like last time, I could feel the chemistry building between us. "How can't you see it? It's right there," he said, pointing towards the creek, moving closer so he could line up my sight with his finger.

"So weird.... What kind of bear is it?" I said, teeth sinking into my smile.

"Oh Albany, it's the whitest polar bear you have ever seen," he whispered enthusiastically into my ear.

"A polar bear?" I laughed. This was too good.

"Oh yes, a big massive polar bear." Then, resting his hands against my wet sides, he guided my back into his chest. The fabric of his wore out plaid tee-shirt soaked me more. Leaning his head forward, he rested his chin against my shoulder. The wiry hairs of his beard tickled my skin. "It looks hungry. We should probably stay really close...." Then, as if he was being nonchalant, his hands on my hips slid forward and slowly encircling me. Just like in the woods that day at pie fest.

"You are probably right, but I still can't see it," I smiled, mindlessly looking out before us. From my side vision, he tilted his head and his eyes were on me.

Biting my lip to hold in my grin didn't work. When I slowly craned my head up and to my right, pressed back against him and wrapped in his arms, my grin couldn't hide. Gazing into my eyes with our heads craned, he matched my lips with a gorgeous smile. One that was framed by sweet lips dripping with the constant water gliding down his face.

Searching those loving green eyes, I chuckled. "These seems awfully familiar."

"There is one thing that's different," he said in a low and husky voice.

"Is it that you have spotted a polar bear instead of a black bear?"

He half rolled his eyes in amusement, smile inching closer. "Yes. But now... you are actually going to kiss me. Like I wanted you to do that day in the woods."

Hearing him say that, and feeling his arms tighten fully around my stomach, it gave me chills. Luke really did want me to kiss him that day... I always knew that was my opportunity. Validated now though, my chest filled with butterflies. Leaning in and craning the few inches, I connected my  lips to his.

Kissing him, Luke's lips were electric. As if lightning struck him and filled the water on his lips with power. Call me dramatic, but it was true. I knew it had to do with his words, how he held me from behind, and the rain along with this gorgeous scenery. Yet, it all drowned. What was left was Luke. The guy I really wished I had kissed that day.

Taking a sharp intake of breath, I caught his lips in a quick rhythm. Our lips filled with more passion, more need. Our smiles melted together, and soon, I raised a hand up to the man. Cupping his cheek which also tickled me, I took his lips deeper.

Luke responded by turning me around in his arms, pulling my chest against his. Letting out a soft chuckle against my lips, our movement continued. With smiles, with the water drenching us, and with our hands cupping each other's cheeks... ugh, it was wonderful. Luke was wonderful. Everything about him was always just freaking great.

Our lips slowly breaking away after a few long moments, we opened our eyes to each other. And while it was raining, the drops couldn't taint the sight. Stroking my cheeks with his wet cool thumbs, he chuckled just like I did. Then, the words I released... they came out of nowhere. And while a little dramatic and maybe girly, I meant them. "I wish I had kissed you that day. I want to be with you for the rest of my life," I said lightly, biting my smile.

Brows jumping, his face lit up. Hands stroking the sides of my face, he chuckled with the whitest and warmest smile. Forehead now resting against mine, he shook his head. "I've already planned on it."

There would be nothing better in my future than spending our lives together. Luke seemed to agree. He grasped my hand, kissing my lips one more time gently as our fingers intertwined. With smiles on both our faces, he turned with me and continued guiding us along the wet grass. "Still don't understand how you didn't see it. The bear was white and probably the size of a school bus."

Scoffing, I swung our hands between us. "Such a wonder why I couldn't see it...."

"You see, I think you–"

An ear-splitting bang from a gunshot echoed over the rain.  There was no processing it, or listening to it fade into the distance. A heartbreaking and loud grunt from the man beside me dominated my focus. Spinning to Luke beside me, his hand left mine and he buckled to the ground.

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Nothing like a good cliffhanger, right? I hope you enjoyed the chapter; it was a very fun one to write and I can't wait to write and post the next one!  Please let me know your thoughts and where you see this possibly turning the story :)