Page 66 of Escape

“I just… well, I’m just worried about you.”

Tears pricked my eyes. I didn’t want to cry, but it was overwhelming to hear the genuine concern in her voice. I turned my hand in hers, gave her fingers a squeeze, and rasped, “You have no idea how much that means to me.”

“Oh, don’t go getting upset now,” she advised. “My son will probably kick me out and never let me come back.”

I laughed and assured her, “I won’t let Huck do that.”

“Won’t let me do what?”

Bonnie and I turned our heads to the side and saw Huck had entered the room. I pressed my lips together to stifle my laughter while Bonnie remained quiet beside me.

Huck lifted a curious brow. “Maybe I don’t want to know what you two are up to.”

“It’s better that way,” Bonnie warned him.

“So, are you staying with us for dinner tonight?” I asked her.

She shook her head. “No. No, I just wanted to drop off something for you two to have and visit with you for a little bit.”

“Oh, are you sure?”

“I’m positive.”

“Well, I’m glad for the visit all the same,” I told her.

As a smile washed over her expression, I felt a wave of appreciation move through me. But I couldn’t ignore the twinge of guilt I felt as my heart squeezed with regret.

If my life hadn’t gotten so out of control all those years ago, maybe I could have saved myself so much heartache if I’d found a way to remain in contact with Bonnie following Huck’s enlistment. How different would my life have been?

Bonnie stayed and visited with us for a little while longer before she left. It was wonderful to have her there, and I enjoyed catching up with her.

No sooner had she left, Huck and I had the delicious dinner she’d made for us. And when he brought out the dessert, I declared, “Okay, I think it’s official.”

“What is?” Huck asked.

“Between you and your mom, I’m feeling so well cared for and unbelievably spoiled. Even after I get myself back on my feet, I’m never going to let the two of you out of my life.”

Huck grinned at me. “That’s good, honey. Because I don’t think I could survive without you in my life after this.

I loved that he felt that way, because it communicated the sentiment perfectly.

Survival would be difficult for me, too, if I had to move forward from here without having Huck in my life in some form or another.

SEVENTEEN

Huck

“Huck!”

My eyes shot open at the shrill sound of my name being called out. No, not simply called. There was an undeniable pleading edge and desperation to the tone.

It was pitch black in the room, an indication it was the middle of the night. I was in my bed, and it took me half a second to realize I hadn’t made up that voice in my head while I was dreaming.

Josie was here.

She was in my house, in the guest bedroom, and she needed me.

Without another moment of hesitation, I tossed the blanket back from my body and sprang up out of the bed.