Page 56 of Bear's Heart

Josie left her bedroom and went searching for Bear who she’d thought was watching a baseball game in the living room, but instead had returned to his office, and was typing away at his laptop, which had been attached to a docking station featuring an enormous screen.

She lightly knocked on his partially open door.

“Josie, you don’t have to knock,” he called to her “Come in.”

She pushed the door open and leaned against the doorway, happy to see how happy he was at his new desk.He loved the screen, as well as the sound system attached.She’d heard him play games late at night and it made her feel good that he had something to do when he couldn’t sleep.She wondered if he was up so late because he hurt or if his brain just wouldn’t shut off.

“I just had a call from Ansley,” Josie said.

“They’re not cancelling, are they?”Bear asked, looking up from his keyboard.

“No.But they’d like to bring a guest.”

“That’s not a problem.”

She couldn’t help making a face.“It’s Savannah.”

“What?”

She crossed to the refurbished armchair facing his desk to sit down.“Did you know Savannah’s been staying with them?”

“No.”He sat back in his chair and rubbed his face.“But then I was frustrated with Savannah for not leaving the house Friday morning—she was hiding in an upstairs bedroom and wouldn’t come down—and I told Rye I’d had it with her.He said he’d get her out.I didn’t know that meant he’d move her into his house.”

Josie deliberated about telling Bear that Savannah had dropped by Thursday and said awful things and then decided it wouldn’t help—any of them.“If you don’t want her here tonight, I’ll call Ansley back.”

“I don’t really care as long as she leaves with Rye and Ansley.”

“I agree with you there.”She looked into Bear’s face, admiring his lovely, rugged features and silver-gray eyes.“I’m sorry my family got involved.”

“I got your brother involved.That’s on me.”

“I’ll add another setting to the table,” Josie said, rising.“And no matter what happens, we’ll survive.”She paused in the doorway and glanced back at him.“And they’re bringing Mick.I didn’t think you’d mind if he came.”

“No, Mick is always welcome here.”

“I thought so.”

Rye, Ansley, Savannah, and a very energetic Mick arrived at precisely six.Bear already had the grill going and the steaks seasoned.They were doing a simple summer dinner with steak, baked potatoes, green salad, watermelon, and huckleberry crisp for dessert.

Bear and Rye disappeared to the small backyard—a place that wasn’t fixed up yet, but it had a cement patio which worked for Bear—and Josie was in the kitchen checking on the baked potatoes.Ansley had brought the salad and watermelon, and Josie had made the Calhoun family’s berry crisp earlier, remembering that Rye had once said he loved berry cobblers and crisps.

Savannah was quiet but also polite during the dinner.It struck Josie that Savannah was being on her very best behavior, and Josie didn’t know if it was to impress Ansley and Rye, or if the South Carolina native was truly remorseful for her rude behavior Thursday.

Once, during dinner, Bear caught Josie’s eye and he gave her a look that made her think he understood exactly what she was thinking.She gave him a faint smile, grateful that he got her.

It was after dinner, and everyone had gone to the living room to relax while Josie dished up the berry crisp and added a scoop of ice cream.

Suddenly, Savannah appeared, carrying empty glasses.“Where should I put these?”she asked.

“Next to the sink,” Josie answered.

Savannah set them down but then hesitated.“Is there anything I can do to help?”

Josie smiled tightly.“I’ve got it but thank you.”

Still, Savannah hesitated, hovering in front of the dining room doorway.“I owe you an apology,” she said unsteadily.“I behaved badly Thursday when I stopped by.I was rude, and I did say things that were unforgiveable.I’m sorry.I’m sorry for what I said, and I’m sorry I said it to you.I’ve been having a really difficult time and—” She broke off, lips pressing together, throat aching.It took her a long moment to continue.“But it doesn’t make it right.The truth is…” She gulped a breath.“I kind of hate myself, and you’re so nice—”

“I’m not that nice.”

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