Page 15 of Huckleberry Hill
“Here we go,” Dad said as he pushed open my childhood bedroom door and placed the suitcase upright by the big window that faced the front of the property. I had an unencumbered view of the pens and corrals. I didn’t see Declan, though, and I immediately hated that I was looking for him.
“I’m taking a few of the boys and riding out,” Dad said. “I want to get a handle on the bear situation. See what that’s about.”
Nodding, I set the sheets down on the bed and glanced at my phone.
“You mind if I take the truck to town?” I asked.
“Have at it.” He hugged me again. “I’m glad you came home, honey. It hasn’t been the same since you and Salem left.”
I buried my face in my father’s flannel shirt. I breathed in, expecting him to smell like his favorite Oak Barrel cologne and saddle soap.
But the faintest trace of jasmine perfume lingered on his collar.
I pulled away from him.
“I’ll bring you something from Sweet Teeth,” I said, turning away. “Want anything in particular?”
“Whatever Gracie’s newest experiment is,” he said. “Tell her I said hello.”
“Will do.”
Dad left and closed the door behind him.
He’d stayed the night with a lady friend, and he hadn’t wanted to tell me.
That was fine. I had secrets of my own.
I turned my attention back to my phone. Because I hadn’t answered in a timely manner, Poet had called twice. Wyn texted sporadically.
Me
Too much to explain via text. FaceTime tonight?
My phone blew up immediately with replies.
Poet
Yes!
Wyn
I’m free after 7 EST. Gotta put the kid to bed first. Can’t expect the parents to do it.
Salem
That works for me.
Poet
Me too.
I opened the bedroom window to get some fresh air. I heard the whinny of a horse coming from the stables and I longed to get in a ride.
Me
I’m running on fumes so the conversation won’t be long.
Salem
