Page 82 of 15 Summers Later

“I should be. If I start to drive off the side of the trail, I’m sure Ava will scream loud enough to jerk me back to safety.”

Ava didn’t look amused. “How about we don’t test that hypothesis? Do you want me to drive?”

“No. I’ve got it. I just need you not to puke on me.”

“I can’t make any promises,” Ava muttered.

“You want to go first?” Madi asked him.

“No. I’m fine following you.”

Madi nodded and began driving down the trail. Nights here in the mountains instantly cooled as soon as the sun went down, with an enveloping darkness. As he followed them, Luke wished he had thought to give them the extra blanket he kept under the seat. He considered honking to get their attention so he could hand it over, then discarded the idea. The dogs needed food and water and medical treatment, and he was certain Ava and Madi wanted to get out of these particular mountains as quickly as they could, now that it was full dark.

It took them nearly twice as long to reach the parking lot as it might have during the day, as they had to drive more slowly to avoid rocks and ruts on the trail that were harder to see in the dark.

Finally, she pulled up to her old pickup truck and he drove to his truck and trailer next to hers.

“You two get in and turn on the truck heater. I’ll load up your wheeler.”

“Ava, you go and warm up. I’ll help with the dogs,” Madi said, handing her sister the truck keys.

While Ava slipped into the cab of the truck and started the engine, he and Madi transferred the crates to the back of his pickup truck, covered with a shell.

He helped her load the side-by-side onto her trailer and anchored it down.

“I can help you with yours,” she said.

“I’ve got it. You should probably get Ava back home. What did she need to tell Cullen, anyway?”

“It’s a long story. And not mine to tell,” Madi said. “Do you want to take the dogs to the clinic or to the shelter?” she asked.

“Probably the clinic so I can give them a careful exam.”

“I’ll drop Ava off at my grandmother’s place and meet you there.”

“Sounds good,” he said. On impulse, he pulled her into a hug. “You’re a hero, Mad. You saved them. That collie probably wouldn’t have lasted much longer without water, and the corgi didn’t seem to want to leave him to get any for herself, either.”

She rested her head on his chest. “I’m glad you were here,” she admitted, which he knew couldn’t be easy for her. “I am fairly confident I could have done it with only Ava’s help. But I’m really grateful I didn’t have to try. I wouldn’t have enjoyed being stuck down there while Ava drove back up to find Cullen.”

He tightened his hold, wishing he could kiss her as he wanted to.

After a moment, she stepped away. “I need to take care of Ava. I’ll see you at the clinic.”

He nodded, climbed into his pickup truck and followed her taillights toward Emerald Creek.

22

As we navigate the terrain of freedom, we carry with us the lessons learned in captivity, using them as compass points to guide us toward a future sculpted by choice, love and the unwavering support we found in each other.

—Ghost Lakeby Ava Howell Brooks

Ava

She was so tired, she wanted to close her eyes right here, lean her cheek against the worn seat of her grandfather’s old pickup truck and sleep for a week or so.

Even as the truck bounced around on the washboard dirt road, jostling her against the door again and again, she wanted to sleep.

Had it really been that morning when she found out for certain she was expecting? The day felt as if had lasted an eternity.

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