Page 50 of Kian

“Why, Kian?”

“Because she didn’t want to get married.”

“And you did?”

“Yes, at the time. But looking back now, I’m glad it didn’t work out. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been with you.” He smiled.

“You should have told me about her. A woman you almost married.”

“Gretchen, I just regained my memories. She never crossed my mind until Killian brought her up. I told him to tell her I’ve been found, and she can go back to Helena. He said she sounded genuinely upset, but it doesn’t matter to me anymore. She is not important.” He shook his head. “I am not lying to you.”

She nodded. “Alright.”

“I think I’ll go out and give Killian a call. Do you want to join me?”

“I’m going to work on a painting, but take the gun with you.”

“Sure. Can Lobo come along?” He poured the rest of the coffee down the sink, rinsed the cup, and placed it in the sink.

“If he wants to.”

Kian nodded as he slipped on his jacket, retrieved the gun from the cabinet, and headed toward the door. Gretchen handed him her phone and he carefully placed it in his inner coat pocket.

“Hey, boy. Do you want to come with me?” Kian chuckled when Lobo barked in excitement. “I swear he understands every word I say.”

“Of course, he does. Be careful out there.”

“Yes, ma’am. I’ll be back soon.”

“Okay.” They looked at each other before Kian leaned down and kissed her lips.

“I won’t be gone long. Hold that thought for me.”

Gretchen laughed. “I will.”

“Let’s go, Lobo.” Kian opened the door and they stepped outside.

A few minutes later, a tear slipped down Gretchen’s cheek as she watched Kian ride off on the ATV with Lobo trailing behind him. She couldn’t shake off her fear that once he left, she would never see him again. No matter what he promised her.

****

Kian drove through the thawing woods, feeling the tires sink into the slushy snow. He was grateful for the large wheels on the ATV that could handle the conditions.

Approaching the creek, he slowed down and carefully crossed it. When he reached a clearing, he turned off the engine and pulled out the phone to call his brother.

“Kian?”

“Hey Killian. Any updates on my truck?”

“Not a single one. I bet they destroyed it. Maybe even set it on fire.”

Kian let out a sigh. “Yeah, I had a feeling. At least the snow is melting.”

“Do you think I can make it there?”

“If the weather stays warm today and tomorrow, I’d say you can make it here by the day after tomorrow.”

“Okay. I know where the cabin is, but how do I get there?”

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