Chapter 7: Home - The Broken Road

Patrick knelt on the floor in front of my desk. “Kri, are you okay?”

Jonathan peeked around the corner of my cubicle. “What’s going on?”

I tried to rein in my tears. “It’s my cousin. She’s in the hospital. Something’s wrong with her transplanted kidney.”

Patrick grabbed my hands. “Tell me how we can help.”

“I’ll get her some coffee,” Jonathan commented before disappearing around the corner.

Patrick handed me a wad of tissues from his desk.

I sopped up my tears. “I need to go home.”

Patrick reached for my hands as they fell into my lap. “Virginia home or Montana home?”

I stared at him through watery eyes. “Montana home.”

Patrick stood and walked back to his computer. “I’ll help you find a flight.”

My cell phone rang again. I glanced at the Caller ID, then picked up the phone. “Hello?”

“Hi, Kri. It’s Charlie.”

The tension eased from my head and chest the second I heard his voice. “Hi, Charlie.”

“Kimme and Ann are here with me. I have you on speaker phone. We need your help tracking down the source for some data from that aging report you worked on earlier this year.”

“Okay.” I sniffed as I tried to clear my head and focus on the question at hand. “Which statistic are you looking at?”

“Krissy, are you okay? You sound sad,” Kimme interrupted.

Tears pooled, then spilled from my eyes. “No. It’s my cousin, Lexie. She’s in the hospital in Great Falls. They think she might be rejecting her kidney. I’m trying to find a flight home.” My heart stalled as I began to panic. “Oh, God… what if she dies before I get there?” I folded in on myself as I began to sob.

“Kri? I just pulled Betty, Jerry, Doug, and Cec into the room with us. We’re going to pray, okay? You don’t have to say anything. Just listen. We’re going to pray for your cousin, right here on the phone.” Charlie didn’t give me a chance to respond. He immediately began praying. “Father, we pray that you lay your healing hands on Lexie. Breathe new life into her kidney. Hold her in your loving arms. Guide her doctors and nurses… guide their hearts and hands and minds. Comfort her family and friends…”

Patrick slid a note in front of me. I read the slip of paper. The cheapest ticket I can find is just under $3,000. He looked at me apologetically.

I buried my head in the crook of my arm as I curled over the top of my desk. I continued pressing the phone to my ear.

Charlie’s voice rolled over me. “We pray this in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.”

I tried to say something, but I was completely unable to speak. I felt… hollowed out, hopeless, and unbelievably cold. Finally, I forced the words from my mouth. “I can’t come. The plane tickets are too much.”

“We’ll figure out a way to get you home,” Kimme soothed.

“Thank you,” I whispered. I glanced at the piece of paper Patrick had slipped in front of me. There was no way I was going to make it home.

“Keep us posted on Lexie. We’ll keep praying for her and for you,” Charlie responded.

“Please, Kri. Don’t worry about that data. We’ll do some more digging here or sort through it later. You just focus on your cousin and on finding a way to get home,” Ann added.

I sighed as a fresh round of tears threatened to fall. “Okay. Thank you. I’ll be in touch.”

Jonathan rounded the corner with a cup of coffee. He handed me the cup and smiled encouragingly. “It’s a caramel macchiato, skinny and extra hot.”

I smiled weakly. “Thanks, Jonathan. That’s very sweet of you.”

Patrick offered a sympathetic look. “I'm sorry I couldn’t find a cheaper ticket, Kri. They really rake you over the coals for last minute flights.”

I took a sip of coffee and steeled myself as I picked up the phone. I called all three airlines that flew into Montana to inquire about bereavement fares. None of the airlines offered a bereavement fare for a hospitalized cousin. They all said the same thing… bereavement fares were extended to immediate family only.

I was calling my credit card companies to see if they would extend my line of credit enough to pay for a plane ticket when my cell phone rang. The Caller ID displayed the toll free number for my old office.

I reached for my phone. “Hello?”

“Hi, Kri. It’s Ann. I think I’ve found a way to get you home.”

I clenched the phone. “What? How?”

“Mac and I have enough frequent flyer miles for a plane ticket. Mac has been too sick to travel, and I’m not going anywhere without him. So we’d like to use the miles to purchase you a ticket,” she explained.

I breathed a huge sigh of relief. “Ann, are you sure?”

“I’m positive. Mac and I want to help you with this. I just need to know which day you want to fly in and how long you want to stay.”

I shook my head in disbelief. I pulled up the calendar on my computer and quickly glanced it over. “I have to clear this with my legislative director, but I should be able to fly out tomorrow and stay for a week. Can you give me an hour or so? I need to track her down so I can get her approval.”

“Sure, Kri. Call me as soon as you can.”

“Thank you, Ann. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you, but thank you.” I disconnected the call, then rushed downstairs to search for Ellen. I eventually found her in the Capitol building, hovering just outside the senate chambers. She immediately approved my request.

I tried to call Ann back, but she didn’t pick up. I left a message on her voice mail, then turned my attention to work. There were a number of briefings I needed to complete before I could leave.

My cell phone rang just before five o’clock. I answered on the first ring. “Hello?”

“Oh, Kri. I’m so sorry,” Ann hoarsely exclaimed.

My shoulders tensed. “Ann, what’s wrong? What happened?”

“I lied. I’m so sorry I lied to you; but I couldn’t follow through with it. I… I had to tell you,” she stammered as she began crying.

“I don’t understand, Ann. Why would you lie to me? What did you lie about?” I asked, thoroughly confused.

“I don’t have any frequent flyer miles. Justin made me tell you that I did. He was standing over my desk when I called.”

All of the air rushed from my lungs. “Why would Justin do that?”

“He wanted to buy the plane ticket, but he said you wouldn’t accept it from him. He asked me to lie… to tell you that I was getting the plane ticket, so you wouldn’t know it was coming from him. I just wanted to help you get home, but Justin made me promise that he’d get some time alone with you. He said you two had some things to work out.”

I choked on bile as it burned its way up my throat. “I told Justin I never wanted to see him again.”

Ann sighed heavily. “Kri, he’s already purchased the ticket. He’s going to lose all that money. You should still come.”

“Ann, you have no idea what Justin has done to me. There’s no way I’m flying to Montana on his dime. I won’t owe him. Justin is a lying, manipulative cheat. My days of being manipulated are over. I won’t go down that road again.”

Ann began sobbing. She spoke between deep, shuddering breaths. “I’m so sorry, Kri. Please forgive me.”

I bit back my own tears. “There’s nothing to forgive, Ann. You were just trying to help. Justin manipulated you the same way he manipulates everyone else. You did the right thing by telling me the truth.”

“So you aren’t coming?” she asked dejectedly.

“No, Ann. I’m not coming,” I admitted sadly. “Thank you for trying to help. I have to go.” I tried not to cry as I ended the call.

Patrick shot me a concerned look as I texted a quick message to Kadyn. I’m heading home. Please come by after work. I really need to see you.

I shut down my computer, gathered up my things, and gave Patrick a quick hug. “Thanks for trying to help, Patrick. You’re a good friend.”

I held it together until I climbed into my jeep… the same jeep I’d driven to Lexie’s house a million times. She used to live ninety minutes away. Ninety minutes. If I were still living in Helena, I would have been there by now. But, now? She was an entire continent away.

There was no gradual succumbing to tears. I wrapped my arms around my stomach and curled in on myself as they claimed me in huge overpowering waves.

* * *

Kadyn beat me home. He was standing in front of my apartment door in his uniform looking capable and strong. He turned toward me when he heard my heels. He froze the moment he saw my face. “Kri?”

I was immediately reduced to tears.

Kadyn gathered me into his arms. “Kri, what’s going on?”

“It’s my cousin, Lexie. She's in the hospital in Great Falls. There’s been some complications with her transplanted kidney. She… she could die, and I can’t get home.” I sobbed into his perfectly pressed shirt.

Kadyn slipped the keys from my hand. He unlocked the door to my apartment and steered me toward the couch. “Why can’t you go home? Did Ellen refuse to grant you leave?” He walked to the bathroom to retrieve a box of tissues, then joined me on the couch.

I tugged a couple of tissues out of the box and swiped at my cheeks. “No. Ellen gave me the time off. The plane ticket costs close to three thousand dollars. I don’t have that kind of money, even with my credit cards.”

He handed me a couple more tissues. “What about your parents?”

I shook my head. “No. There’s no way they can afford an expense like that.” I buried my face in the soggy tissues as I began sobbing all over again.

Kadyn held me until my tears ran dry. “Hey,” he interjected softly. “I’m going to run home so I can change clothes. Why don’t you slip into something more comfortable, fix yourself a cup of tea, call the hospital, and check on your cousin? I’ll order a pizza and bring it by in a little bit.”

I shook my head. “I’m not hungry. I just want to go to bed.”

Kadyn pulled me to my feet. “I think you should go lie down then. Do you mind if I take your house key so I can come by to check on you and walk Cade later?”

“No, not at all.” I handed him my keys as I walked him to the door. “Thanks, Kadyn. Thanks for being here for me and for putting up with all the tears.”

He pulled me in for a soft kiss. “There’s no place else I’d rather be. Go lie down. I’ll be back to check on you in a little while.”

I changed into my Eeyore pajamas before dragging a pillow and blanket to the couch. Cade settled in next to me as I dialed Lexie’s husband, Nate.

“Hi, Kri,” he answered tiredly.

I closed my eyes as I braced myself for the worst. “How is she?” I asked hesitantly.

“She’s stable now. She just fell asleep.”

I breathed a small sigh of relief before the questions came tumbling out. “What are the doctors saying? Does she have to go on dialysis? Will she need another kidney transplant?”

“It’s too soon to tell how badly the kidney has been damaged,” he responded cautiously.

I hated drilling him with questions when I knew he’d been fielding them all day. I vowed this would be my last one. “Do you know how long she’ll be in the hospital?”

“My guess is a week, maybe longer. It depends on whether they need to place a dialysis catheter in her. They’re trying to sort through her drug protocol first. The nephrologist is adjusting her meds, so it’s going to take some time to see how her kidney responds.”

I sighed miserably. “Okay. I’m trying to get there, but I’m having a hard time finding an affordable flight. I’ll keep trying, I promise. When Lexie wakes up, tell her I love her. Tell her my kidney’s still got her name written all over it. Make sure the nephrologist knows she has a potential donor.”

“Thanks, Kri. I’ll let them both know.”

“Hang in there, Nate. I know it’s difficult, but try to get some rest.”

“You too, Kri.”

I disconnected the call and immediately dialed my parents to see how they were coming along with their drive to Great Falls.

My mom answered on the first ring. “Hi, honey. Did you have any luck finding a flight?”

I fell back against the couch. “No. Maybe I should just drive back.”

My mom gasped. “Kri! That would take days. You can’t make that kind of drive alone. It’s too dangerous.”

“She’s not driving!” my dad bellowed in the background. “Tell her she’s not allowed to drive back here.”

I couldn’t help it. I started laughing at my father’s stern tone. I was twenty-eight years old, and he was still laying down the law.

“Promise me you won’t, Kri... not unless you find someone who can help you with the drive,” my mom interjected in a pleading tone.

“Mom,” I groaned. “No one can take that kind of time off from work.” My confidence crumbled as tears stole through my lashes. “What if she needs me? What if she needs my kidney?”

My mom’s voice grew firm. “Then I’ll get tested. She can have mine.”

“Oh, God,” I sobbed. “Mom, you can’t go through that kind of surgery, not without me there. I couldn’t bear it.”

My mom sighed. That single breath revealed more than any words ever could. “We’ll figure something out, Kri. Just… keep her in your prayers.”

I reached for the box of tissues Kadyn had left sitting on the coffee table. “I will. How far are you guys from Great Falls?”

“We're about three hours away,” my mom responded. She sounded every bit as tired as I felt.

I sniffled loudly. “Be safe, okay? Hug her for me. Hug dad, too… and tell him to hug you.”

My mom laughed. “I will, Kri. I’ll call you when we get there.”

“I love you, mom.”

“Love you, too.”

I set my cell phone on the table and fell back against the pillow. Cade whimpered softly as he curled up next to my chest. I tugged the blanket over both our heads and burst into tears.

* * *

I woke four hours later. Kadyn was sitting in the chair across from me. He was typing something into his phone. “Good. You’re awake,” he observed without looking up.

The blanket slid from my shoulders as I sat up. “How long have you been here?”

His thumb hung suspended over the phone as he glanced up at me. “Two hours. I’ve already walked Cade. There’s pizza in the kitchen if you’re hungry.”

I shuffled into the kitchen to grab a piece of pizza and a glass of water. Cade padded after me.

“How soon can you be ready?” Kadyn called out from the living room.

“Ready for what?” I mumbled around a mouthful of pizza. My head was still foggy from sleep.

“To fly to Spokane.”

I swallowed my food with some difficulty, then cleared my throat. “Spokane, Washington?”

“Yes. I can get us on a military hop to Fairchild Air Force Base, but it leaves early tomorrow morning. We’ll have to drive to Montana from there. Unfortunately, there aren’t any hops into Malmstrom since it’s almost exclusively a missile base.” Malmstrom was the Air Force base in Great Falls.

My hand fell to the counter. I abandoned the pizza and slowly walked around the breakfast bar while staring at Kadyn. “What is a military hop?”

Kadyn shoved the phone in his pocket. “When you’re in the military, you can ride on military aircraft scheduled for your destination. Typically it’s done on a stand-by basis and only when there are extra seats available. Shawn pulled some strings and got us both on a military flight to Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane. As best I can tell, Great Falls is five and half hours from Spokane. I’ve already lined up a rental car.”

“What’s the catch?” I asked nervously.

“Nothing.”

I stilled. “What’s the cost?”

“Nothing.”

I stared at him in complete shock.

Kadyn rose to his feet. “Come on, let’s get you packed up.”

I shifted nervously. “What about you?”

He nodded toward a duffle bag by the door. “I’m already packed.”

My eyes grew wide. “Just like that?”

A smile crept across Kadyn’s face as he closed the distance between us. “Just like that.”

I threw my arms around him and burrowed into his chest. “Thank you, Kadyn. Thank you so much!”

He wrapped his arms around me. “You're welcome. I hope you don’t mind that I’m tagging along. It was the only way I could get you on a military hop.”

I looked up at him and smiled. “I'm thrilled you’re coming. I can’t wait for you to meet Lexie, my parents, Kimme, Charlie, and Dan…” I pulled away as a new thought struck me. “Oh, no. What do I do about Cade?”

Kadyn chuckled. “I’ve already called the dog walker. She’s going to pick Cade up at noon. She’ll keep him at her place until we get back.”

I shook my head. “Is there anything you haven’t thought of?”

He grinned. “Nope. I think we’re good to go.”

I rolled up to my tiptoes and kissed him softly on the lips.

He scooped me into his arms as he sought a more thorough kiss. I braced my elbows on his shoulders as my feet dangled a few inches from the floor. My body slid down his until my feet touched the floor. I groaned softly when I felt Kadyn harden against me. My breasts pebbled against his chest, betraying me. His tongue swept through my mouth in slow, seductive strokes. I lingered in the kiss, my tongue coaxing and teasing him toward something more.

Kadyn groaned as he pulled away. “You keep kissing me like that and we’ll never leave this apartment.” He smiled as he swatted me on the bottom. “Let’s get you packed.”

I called my parents and Nate back while Kadyn helped me pack. He wandered back into the living room when I called Kimme. I knew we wouldn’t have much time in Helena, but it was on the way to Great Falls. I wanted to see Kimme, Dan, and Charlie, even if it was only for a few minutes.

I grabbed a piece of pizza and joined Kadyn on the couch when I ended the call. “What time do we have to leave for the airport?”

Kadyn raked his hand over his head. He suddenly looked tired. “Our flight leaves BWI at seven, so we should leave for Baltimore in four hours.”

I glanced at him nervously. “Would you mind staying here tonight? We’re both tired, and four hours isn’t very long to sleep. I don’t want to risk sleeping through my alarm. If you sleep here, we can each make sure the other one’s awake in time to leave.”

Kadyn nodded. “Sure. I’ll crash on the couch.”

I shifted nervously. “Kadyn, I… I know this is a bit forward, but I was really hoping you would sleep with me.”

Kadyn’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Just sleep,” I clarified. “Well… hold me and sleep.”

Kadyn studied me. “That sounds difficult… but nice. I’ll give it a try. If it proves too difficult, I’ll sleep on the couch.”

I stood and pulled him from the couch, suddenly anxious to be back in his arms. “I’ll behave. I promise.”

Kadyn grinned. “It’s not you I’m worried about.”

Kadyn changed clothes while I washed my face and brushed my teeth. My breath caught when I saw he was no longer wearing a shirt. He was wearing loose fitting pajama bottoms that rode low on his waist. I couldn’t take my eyes off his chest as he brushed past me with his toothbrush.

I stumbled into my room in search of something appropriate to wear. I dug a black camisole and gray sleep shorts out of my drawer and quickly changed. I pulled all the decorative pillows from my bed and slipped under the covers. Cade jumped up and settled in next to my chest.

Kadyn walked back into the room. He paused just inside the doorway. “You sure about this?”

“Yes,” I whispered hesitantly. I was nowhere near sure.

Kadyn flipped the light off and climbed into bed. He wrapped his arm around my waist as he pulled my back to his chest. He nuzzled my ear, then whispered, “Sweet dreams, Kri.”

I rolled over so I could face him. I reached for his face as my eyes adjusted to the dark. I kissed him softly on the lips, then whispered, “Who needs dreams with you around?”

Kadyn chuckled as he rolled onto his back. He pulled me toward him until my head rested on his chest. His heartbeat thundered in my ear. Clearly, this man wasn’t a dream. He was very, very real.

I linked my leg over his and ran my fingers over his finely sculpted chest. I couldn’t resist touching him, after seeing him like this. I traced my finger all across his pecs, then over each line that defined his abs. My pale hand practically glowed against his dark skin. “You’re beautiful,” I whispered in the dark.

He laughed as he linked his hand with mine. “You’re crazy.”

I held our entwined hands up so I could better see them in the thin strands of streetlight that were shining through my blinds. I loved the way his dark skin contrasted with my light. I pulled his hand to my lips and kissed his knuckles. “I’m crazy… about you.”

Kadyn pulled me on top of him. He fit our hips together so that we were perfectly aligned. “Say that again,” he demanded in a husky voice.

My breath caught at the feel of our bodies fit so snugly together. I groaned as desire pooled along every inch where his body touched mine. “God, Kadyn. No one should feel this good.”

I tried to break loose, but Kadyn tightened his hold. He locked me into place. “I told you this was going to be difficult, Kri,” he warned in a playful tone. Then he turned serious. “Do you have any idea how much I want to make love to you right now?”

I had a pretty good idea. The evidence was very compelling. Every inch of my body was screaming for the same thing, but I was terrified to take that step. “I… I think we should wait. I’m still working through some issues when it comes to that kind of intimacy.”

I shuddered as memories of Tom snaked through my mind. He had been insatiable, controlling, and selfish in bed. Whenever I tried to decline, he would dig our marriage certificate out of the file cabinet and waive it in front of me. You signed this. You’re my wife. You don’t get to say no.

Kadyn sat up. He pulled me with him until my legs straddled his. “Hey,” he said softly. “What’s going on inside that pretty head of yours?”

I shook my head. “You don’t want to know, Kadyn. There are some things better left unsaid.”

Kadyn settled me more comfortably on his lap, in a position even more intimate than the last. “No. That’s not true. It’s better to talk about it. We can’t work through the problem if I don’t even know what it is.”

I nodded, but I kept my eyes cast low. My voice was barely a whisper. “I don’t know how to enjoy sex, Kadyn. He called me names, hit me, and then forced me into bed. Sex was not enjoyable for me. It was all about him, and I didn’t get to say no, Kadyn, not ever. Sex was an obligation… a responsibility… a chore.”

Kadyn crooked a finger under my chin as he sought my eyes. His jaw clenched when our eyes finally met. “It’s not supposed to be like that, Kri. Not even close. It should be about what both people need. Both people should feel wanted… cherished… and loved.”

I burrowed into Kadyn’s chest as tears pooled in my eyes. “I wish I had met you first, Kadyn.”

His fingers wound through my hair, forming curls he gently released. “Me too.”

I clung to Kadyn’s shoulders as if he was a raft in a stormy sea. “Thank you for being so patient and understanding.”

Kadyn eased me back under the covers. He turned me in his arms until his body was spooning mine. He wrapped his arms tightly around my arms and chest, then kissed me on the shoulder. “You take all the time you need, Kri. I can wait, but I promise you it will never be like that with me. When you give yourself to me, you’ll know what it means to be loved.”

I relaxed into his arms, comforted by his promise and the feel of his body locked so securely around mine. We fell asleep within minutes, still inextricably intertwined.

* * *

I couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that I was flying on a military aircraft. The inside of the airplane looked like a stripped down version of a commercial jet. The plane was a little noisy. It was definitely a no-frills way to fly, but I was so thankful for the opportunity to go back home, I couldn’t have cared less.

Kadyn and I slept the first half of the flight since we had gotten so little sleep the night before. I pulled out my Kindle after I woke up, but I was too keyed up to read. Kadyn was quiet so I filled the silence with stories about the people he was about to meet.

We were about an hour outside of Spokane when Kadyn finally revealed what was on his mind. “Am I going to be the only black person in Montana?”

I looked at Kadyn in mock shock. “Oh my God, you’re black?” I couldn’t help but laugh at the look on his face. I reached for his hand as I offered up a more serious response. “To be honest, less than half of one percent of the population registers as African American with the Montana Census Bureau.” The only reason I knew this little known factoid was because I’d been required to conduct a demographic analysis based on gender, age, and race for the aging report I’d worked on for Charlie.

Kadyn’s brow furrowed. “That’s not very many.”

I shook my head. “No, it’s not. Montana’s population is primarily white. There’s a bit more diversity in the university towns and in Great Fall because of the Air Force base. However, Montana is very much a ‘live and let live’ kind of place. No one will think twice about you being there. It’s Idaho you need to worry about. We have to drive through Idaho to get to Montana, and the Aryan nation has been harassing minorities in Idaho for years.”

Kadyn sighed. A troubled look settled over his face.

I tried to ease his concern. “We’ll be in Idaho for less than thirty minutes.”

Kadyn gazed out the window. “Are your parents going to be okay with me?”

I captured his eyes from the reflection off the glass. I smiled, knowing that on this point I could deliver some good news. “Yes. My parents will adore you… and so will my friends. Not a single one of them is going to care about the color of your skin.”

Kadyn visibly relaxed, but I now found myself sharing his concerns. I wanted him to feel comfortable and safe in the place I still called home.

* * *

Neither of us breathed easy until we crossed over the border between Idaho and Montana. About a half hour outside of Helena, four men on motorcycles fell in behind us. They had been sitting on the side of the road when we initially drove past them.

I twisted in my seat as I peered out the rear window of our rental car. I had a sneaking suspicion that one of the riders was Dan. I picked up my cell phone and called Kimme.

She answered on the third ring. “Hi-ya, Krissy. How are you guys coming along?”

I glanced at Kadyn and smiled. “We’re making good time. Any idea where Dan is?”

She giggled. “Yes. He’s waiting just outside of Helena for you. He and some of his Vietnam Vet friends wanted to give you an escort into town.”

I laughed. “I thought that might be the case. Thanks, Kimme. I’ll touch base later.” I disconnected the call. Then I turned around and waved out the back window.

All four bikers gave a quick salute, in unison.

I grinned at Kadyn as I turned back around in my seat. “Apparently, we have an escort.”

Kadyn nodded. “I noticed.”

“No worries. It’s my friend, Dan. Do you want to meet him before we drive through to Great Falls?”

“Sure.” Kadyn pulled the car into a gas station on Euclid Avenue. All four of the Vietnam Vets pulled in behind us.

I jumped out of the car and ran toward Dan. I threw my arms around him before he could even get off his bike. “Dan, it’s so good to see you! I've missed you so much!” I buried my face in his shoulder as I began crying.

“Hey, darlin’. I’ve missed you too.” Dan squeezed me tight. Then he slid off his bike. His friends fell in behind him as he acknowledged Kadyn. “Sir.”

Kadyn offered Dan his hand “Please, call me Kadyn.”

Dan shook Kadyn’s hand. He motioned toward his friends as he continued the introductions. “I’m Dan. This is Ron, Larry, and Marty. We served in Vietnam together.”

Kadyn shook hands with the other three men. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Dan hooked his arm around my neck affectionately. “It’s an honor to meet you, sir. Thank you for taking care of our little lady.”

I shot Kadyn an inquisitive look. I couldn’t understand why Dan kept referring to Kadyn as “sir” when Kadyn was so much younger than he was.

“It’s because I’m an officer,” Kadyn explained before turning his attention back to Dan. “It has been my pleasure, sir.”

I glanced at Kadyn again, now thoroughly confused by his use of the word “sir.” It was all entirely too formal for my liking.

“It’s a sign of respect,” Dan whispered into my ear. He had clearly picked up on my confusion.

The six of us made small talk while Kadyn fueled up the car. I ran inside the store to grab some bottled water and load up on snacks. We made plans to spend an evening with Kimme and Dan on the return trip to Spokane. I gave Dan another hug in the midst of a whole new round of hand shaking, then Kadyn and I climbed back inside the car.

Dan and his friends continued to escort us through Helena. They didn’t fall back until we reached the edge of Wolf Creek Canyon. By then, we were halfway to Great Falls.

* * *

The five hour flight and the six hour drive caught up with us as we coasted into Great Falls. We were both exhausted by the time we reached the hospital. I grew increasingly anxious as we made our way down the hall from the nurse’s station in search of Lexie’s room.

Her voice echoed down the hall, just before we reached the room. I froze, then fell back against the wall as tears pooled in my eyes. I took a deep breath and blew it out as I tried to rein in the tears.

Kadyn cupped my face in his warm hands before kissing me gently on the lips. “You can do this, Kri.”

I searched his eyes questioningly, then nodded. I reached for the nape of his neck as I pulled him in for a more thorough kiss.

He indulged me in the kiss. Then he folded me into his arms. “Ready?” he asked, gazing down at me.

“Yes,” I breathed. My hands and eyes lingered on his chest. I marveled at the strength radiating from his body.

Kadyn reached for my hand. He squeezed it encouragingly as we walked the rest of the way to Lexie’s room.

I stilled in the doorway and soaked in the sight of her.

Lexie was propped up on a number of pillows drinking water from a pink plastic jug with a matching straw. “Kri, you’re here! I didn’t think you’d make it before visiting hours were over.”

I swallowed against a lump of tears as I closed the distance between us. I eased onto the bed and gently wrapped her in my arms. I closed my eyes and savored the feel of her heart beating against mine.

I grudgingly released her as a nurse walked into the room. I tried to ignore the tubes in her arms and the machines hovering along the edge of the bed as I scrambled for a way to make her laugh. “You know, cuz, if you wanted me to come back for a visit, you could have just said so.”

Lexie laughed. “I just needed a break from work, and they wouldn’t give me any time off.”

The nurse burst out laughing. “I know that’s true!”

“You must be Kadyn. I’m Nate, Lexie’s better half,” Nate said, extending his hand toward Kadyn.

Kadyn pushed off from the door frame. He shook Nate’s hand. “Hi, Nate. It’s nice to meet you.”

I ducked out of the nurse’s way as she took Lexie’s temperature.

The two men joined me at Lexie’s bedside. Nate pulled me in for a quick hug. “It’s good to see you, Kri.”

Kadyn’s eyes softened as he approached Lexie. “Hi, Lexie. I've heard a lot about you.”

Mischief sparked in Lexie’s eyes. “I could say the same about you, Kadyn Rand.”

Kadyn raised a single questioning brow as he fixed his gaze on me. A smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

I reached for Lexie’s hand. “How are you feeling? Is there any more news?”

Lexie scooted across the bed. She patted the mattress, encouraging me to sit next to her. “I’m feeling better. We’re still waiting to see how my kidney responds to the new drug protocol.”

I eased onto the bed. “When are you busting out of here?”

“I don’t know,” she responded sullenly. “We have to play it by ear.”

“Do you know where I can track down a cup of coffee for Kri?” Kadyn asked as he turned toward Nate.

I smiled at Kadyn. “That sounds wonderful,” I responded gratefully.

Nate strode toward the door. “Sure. Follow me.”

The nurse patted Lexie on the arm. “Your vitals look good. Visiting hours are officially over, but I’ll give you two a few more minutes.”

“Thanks, Pam,” Lexie responded as the nurse walked out of the room.

I stretched out onto the bed and turned to face Lexie as we both sank into her pillows. “What’s going on with your kidney?” I whispered softly.

The spark faded from Lexie’s eyes. She suddenly looked very tired. “The kidney disease has spread to the transplanted kidney a bit sooner than we expected.”

I kept my eyes locked on hers. “Do you need another kidney?”

She sighed.  “Eventually, but we’re going to try to hold on to this one as long as we can. Hopefully, the new anti-rejection drugs will help.”

“So, no dialysis for now?”

Lexie shook her head. “No, not until my creatinine hits four.”

I breathed a small sigh of relief. “Where’s your creatinine now?”

Lexie reached for my hand. “It’s at two. One full point outside the normal range.”

I linked my fingers with hers. “Okay, so that gives us a bit of wiggle room. Hopefully, the new meds will slow this down.”

Lexie nodded, although she didn’t look terribly optimistic. She suddenly perked up. “Holy cow, Kri. That man of yours is seriously built. Just looking at him makes me feel tingly all over.”

I laughed. “Hey, you’ve got your own muscle man. Don’t be getting all tingly over mine.” Nate had been a wrestler for as long as we’d known him, so he, too, had a killer physique.

Lexie burst out laughing. “Kadyn, we were just talking about you.”

I groaned, knowing full well he’d overheard us.

“Next thing you know, they’re going to ask the nurse for some measuring tape so they can compare the size of our biceps,” Nate complained half-heartedly.

“I’d much prefer to watch the two of you wrestle,” Lexie suggested with a wicked glint in her eyes.

“Ladies first,” Kadyn retorted, “and preferably in mud.”

Lexie glanced at me questioningly. She looked as though she might seriously be considering it.

I just shook my head and laughed.

The nurse popped her head inside the doorway. She was smiling, but she tapped her watch.

Nate’s eyes met mine. “Your parents and Lexie’s parents are sleeping in the guest rooms, but you and Kadyn can have the couch.”

I pulled Lexie in for another hug before slipping out of bed. “Thanks, guys. “We’ll head over to your house, then.” I glanced at Nate. “Are you coming home too?”

Nate shook his head. “No. I’m spending the night in the hospital with Lexie.”

I smiled. Nate was a really good guy. He had done a remarkable job helping Lexie through her transplant surgery, and I loved his take charge attitude with her doctors and nurses. “Okay. Sleep well. We’ll see you in the morning.” I turned back around to look at Lexie when I reached the doorway. “I love you, cuz.”

She smiled. “I love you too.”

Kadyn handed me the coffee as we walked out of the room. “Your cousin looks pretty good.”

I nodded. “I was expecting much worse. I'm relieved to see her doing so well.” I took a sip of the vile tar the hospital tried to pass off as coffee and winced when the bitter concoction slid over my tongue.

I dropped the coffee into a trash bin just outside the hospital entrance. I shivered as the wind blew the cold night air straight into my bones.

Kadyn tucked me under his arm as we crossed the parking lot. “It’s a bit colder here than it was in Virginia.”

I wrapped my arm around his waist. “Lexie’s house isn’t far from here. I’m happy to drive.”

Kadyn smiled. “That sounds good. I’m afraid I’m running on fumes.” He dug the keys from his pocket, unlocked the car, and handed me the keys as he opened the door for me.

I slid into the driver’s seat, then reached over to open the passenger side door. “It’s been a long day, and we’ve got the time difference working against us here. Lexie and Nate have a huge sectional couch. It’s really comfortable, so we should be able to get a good night’s sleep.”

Kadyn folded himself into the passenger seat. He closed his eyes as he leaned back against the headrest. “Sleep sounds good,” he murmured.

I turned the heat up as I backed out of the parking space. Kadyn’s eyes remained closed while I drove the short distance to Lexie’s house. I nudged him after I parked the car in her driveway. “Wake up, sleepyhead. We’re here.”

He opened one eye. “Already?”

“I told you her house wasn’t far from the hospital,” I responded as we stepped out of the car.

Kadyn shot me a sidelong glance as we pulled the luggage from the trunk. “I wasn’t sure whether you were measuring distance by Montana standards or by more average means. Everything is so spread out here… the towns… the houses... the people. I’ve never seen so much wide open space.”

I laughed. “That’s why we call it Big Sky Country.”

My mom and aunt bum rushed us at the door. “Kri!” they both exclaimed excitedly.

I flung my arms around my mother. “Mom! I’ve missed you so much,” I choked through a throat full of tears.

My aunt wrapped her arms around the two of us. “We were so worried. What took you so long?”

I swiped at my eyes as I stepped back to look at them. “We stopped by the hospital to see Lexie.”

My mom clung to my arms. “It’s so good to see you, honey. I’m so glad you came.”

“Is that my daughter’s voice I hear?” my dad bellowed from somewhere deep inside the house. He rounded the corner to the foyer. My uncle followed in his wake.

My dad lifted me off my feet and squeezed all of the air out of my lungs in one of his famous bear hugs. When he settled me back onto the floor, my uncle pulled me in for a slightly gentler hug. “How’s our little Krissy?” he asked affectionately.

“Good... better now that I’ve seen Lexie.” I glanced over at Kadyn, who was still standing on the porch with our luggage. He had an amused look on his face.

“This must be your knight in shining armor,” my aunt surmised as she pulled Kadyn in for a hug.

I laughed at the surprised look on Kadyn’s face. “Yes, this is Kadyn… Kadyn, this is my Aunt Linda, Lexie’s mom.”

My uncle reached for Kadyn’s hand. “Nice to meet you, young man. Thanks for looking after Krissy.” His eyes widened as he squeezed Kadyn’s bicep. “Do you work out?”

“Uncle Chuck!” I gasped.

Kadyn laughed. “It sort of comes with the job.”

My dad shook Kadyn’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Kadyn. I heard you moved mountains to get our girl home. Thank you.”

“This is my father, Darren,” I explained.

Kadyn offered a polite nod. “Nice to meet you, sir.” His eyes softened as he turned toward my mom. “You must be Kri’s mom.”

Tears pooled in her eyes as she hugged Kadyn. “Thank you for bringing Kri home.”

Kadyn smiled as his eyes met mine. “It was nothing, ma’am.”

“Please, call me Anne,” my mom responded as she linked her arm with mine.

Kadyn set our luggage against the wall as we filed into the living room. He dropped into a large oversized chair next to the couch. My dad sat in the other chair. My uncle sprawled out on the floor, and my aunt and mom flanked me on either side of the couch.

I reached for my aunt’s hand. “Lexie looks pretty good. She said her kidney disease is attacking the new kidney, but I don’t understand why that landed her in the hospital. I have a feeling she’s not telling me the whole story. What happened? Why is she in the hospital?”

My aunt squeezed my hand. “Lexie was sick, and she wasn’t keeping any food or water down. She got dehydrated. That threw her electrolytes off, which messed up her heart. Nate thought she was having a heart attack, so he called for an ambulance. The paramedics saved her life by using one of those electric shock machines.”

“A defibrillator,” my uncle clarified.

My voice was barely a whisper. “They had to restart her heart?”

My aunt nodded solemnly.

I looked at my uncle. “Lexie and Nate didn’t tell me that part.”

My mom gently rubbed my back. “Lexie was worried about how you’d handle this being so far away.”

I battled a confusing array of emotions. I couldn’t tell if I was feeling outraged, betrayed, or completely devastated. “Well, I kind of think I’m entitled to worry about her. She’s my cousin and my best friend for crying out loud.”

My uncle hooked his arm around his knee as he sat up. “She’s doing much better now, Krissy. Her heart seems fine now that her electrolytes have balanced out.”

My eyes narrowed as I studied each family member in turn. I wanted to ensure they weren’t holding back any more information. “So now it’s her kidney they're worried about?”

My mom nodded. “Yes. The hospital discovered her creatinine was outside the normal range when they ran her blood work yesterday. Her nephrologist performed a kidney biopsy this morning and confirmed that the kidney disease has infected the new kidney.”

I leaned back against the couch, suddenly exhausted. “I knew that was a risk, but I didn’t expect it to happen so fast.”

“None of us did,” my father responded sadly.

“She’s a fighter. She’ll get through this,” my uncle declared as he stood back up. He reached for my aunt’s hand. “Come on, love. Let’s go to bed. It’s late, and these kids need to get some sleep.”

I smiled. I loved that my uncle still considered me a kid. “Good night, Uncle Chuck.”

My aunt gave me a quick hug before she and my uncle disappeared down the hall. Her voice trailed behind her. “Good night, Kadyn. Get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be another long day.”

My mom pulled me in for another hug. “Dad and I are going to bed too. I set some towels and washcloths out for you in the bathroom. There’s a pile of blankets and pillows for you two right over there.” Mom pointed to the floor on the other side of the couch. “Do you mind if Annie sleeps out here with you? She’s been kind of lonely without Nate and Lexie around.”

Annie was Lexie’s golden lab. She wagged her tail at the mention of her name. She rose to her feet and sauntered toward me.

“Of course not,” I replied.

Annie nuzzled my hand with her nose.

I patted her on the head. “I miss Cade. Being around Annie will help.”

“I’ve already taken her out back. She shouldn’t have to go outside again tonight,” my dad explained as he kissed me on the forehead. He reached for Kadyn’s hand. “Thanks again for bringing Kri home. There’s bottled water and leftover lasagna in the fridge if you guys are hungry. Sleep well.”

Kadyn rose from the chair as he shook my dad’s hand. “Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Stone.”

My mom gave Kadyn a quick hug. “Please, call us by our first names… Darren and Anne.”

Kadyn nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”

I laughed at the distraught look on my mother’s face. “I’m afraid he’s hardwired this way. I’ll keep working on him.” I glanced at Kadyn as my parents left the room. “Would you like some lasagna?”

He smiled, then nodded. “I’m starving.”

I glanced at my watch. It was after ten o’clock and we still hadn’t eaten dinner. Kadyn followed me into the kitchen. He dug the pan of lasagna and two bottles of water out of the refrigerator while I gathered plates and silverware. We heated the food in the microwave and returned to the couch to eat.

“I like your family,” Kadyn confessed as he dug into the pasta.

I chuckled softly. “Well, I’m pretty sure the feeling is mutual.”

“But they just met me,” he noted in between bites.

I shrugged as I swallowed a mouthful of lasagna. “You like them… and you just met them.”

“Yeah, but I’m a really good judge of character,” Kadyn insisted.

I shot him a curious look. I wondered why he found it so difficult to believe my family liked him. “Is this where I’m supposed to admit I’ve been talking about you?” I goaded teasingly.

Kadyn raised an eyebrow. He didn’t bother responding. Instead, he shoved another forkful of lasagna into his mouth.

I rolled my eyes at him. “Kadyn, you’ve been so good to me. Why wouldn’t I want to share that with my family?”

Kadyn smiled as he reached for his bottled water. “It’s good to know you’re talking about me.”

“Have you mentioned me to your family?” I inquired curiously before taking another bite of lasagna.

“Yes,” he admitted as he scraped the last piece of lasagna from his plate.

I waited for further explanation, but he didn’t offer any. I resisted the urge to inquire further. I wasn’t sure I wanted to know what he was sharing about my train wreck of a life. I finished my lasagna, then stood and reached for Kadyn’s plate. “The bathroom is the first door on your left. Why don’t you get ready for bed while I clean these dishes up?”

Kadyn stood. His eyes lit with amusement as he kissed the corner of my mouth. “You had a bit of tomato sauce there.”

I narrowed my eyes at him as I balanced the two plates. “Really? Anyplace else?”

Kadyn took advantage of my predicament. I balanced the plates on either side of his body as he leaned in for another kiss. “Here… and here… a little bit down here… and some behind here.” His lips burned a trail from my lips to my chin, all along my neck, then settled behind my ear.

I nearly dropped the plates.

Kadyn chuckled as he backed away. He reached down and pulled some sleepwear out of his duffle bag, then strode off in search of the bathroom.

I admired his backside as he made his way down the hall. I cleaned the dishes before digging pajamas and a toothbrush out of my suitcase. I ducked into the bathroom as soon as Kadyn was done. By the time I finished in the bathroom, Kadyn had already set our pillows and blankets on opposite sides of Lexie’s massive sectional couch.

Kadyn looked thoroughly pleased by the fact that I was wearing the Eeyore pajamas he had given me. He was wearing gray plaid pajama bottoms that hung low on his hips. He was bare from the waist up.

I took one last admiring look at his ripped abdomen and chest before flipping off the lights. I waited for my eyes to adjust. Then I forced my hands in front of me as I crossed the room.

Kadyn reached for my hand in the dark. He gently tugged me against his chest. “I was hoping you’d indulge me in a good night kiss,” he murmured huskily.

I ran my hands over his abs as he lowered his mouth to mine. My hands slid over his chest and shoulders before settling at the nape of his neck. Kadyn pulled me closer as he deepened the kiss. His tongue swept against mine in slow, intoxicating strokes. Desire spun from my abdomen all the way to my fingers and toes.

Kadyn clung to my hips as he trailed open-mouthed kisses down my neck. My head fell back as his lips danced along my collarbone. Kadyn’s hands traveled up my sides. His thumbs grazed my breasts before he cupped my face in his hands and kissed me thoroughly on the lips.

“How the heck am I supposed to sleep after that kiss?” I grumbled irritably.

Kadyn laughed as he steadied me on my feet. “At least I know you’ll be dreaming about me.”

We crawled under the blankets on opposite ends of the couch. “Who else would I be dreaming about?” I asked teasingly. I had been plagued with nightmares involving my ex-husband until shortly after I met Kadyn. Somehow, he had released me from all of those bad dreams.

Kadyn chuckled. “Your knight in shining armor?”

I laughed. “You’re my knight in shining armor, Kadyn. You have thoroughly swept me off my feet.”

“Good,” he responded smugly.

The house grew quiet as we settled onto the couch. “Kadyn?” I whispered into the dark.

“Yes?” he replied sleepily.

“Will you hold me for a little while?”

Kadyn crawled out of his blankets and moved to my side of the couch. “What if I fall asleep? Will your dad try to take me out?”

I scooted to the edge of the couch so I could make room for Kadyn behind me. “No, I think he’ll be fine as long as he doesn’t catch us doing anything else. Besides, it’s my uncle you need to worry about. He teaches karate. I think he’s still a grand master. He has somewhere around a million black belts.”

Kadyn chuckled as he locked my back securely against his chest. “Good night, Kri.”

I resisted the impulse to turn around and kiss him. I knew that would be tempting us both into a compromising position. “Thank you for finding a way to bring me here, Kadyn.”

“Hmmm?” Kadyn responded. He was already half asleep.

“Thanks,” I whispered as I burrowed deeper into his arms. “I’m really glad you’re here with me.” I sighed contentedly as I drifted off to sleep, still locked firmly in his arms.

* * *

The entire family camped out at the hospital until they discharged Lexie three days later. Lexie worked as an oncology nurse at that very same hospital, so I suspected the physicians trusted her to follow doctor’s orders a bit more than the average person.

Nate got Lexie settled onto the couch with a pile of blankets and pillows. Then he retired to the bedroom to take a nap. I sat on the couch, sandwiched between my dad and Lexie, who was lying down. I propped her ankles on my lap so I could massage her feet through her fluffy red socks. Annie was curled up next to Lexie at the base of the couch. Lexie’s arm hung over the couch as her fingers sifted through Annie’s fur.

My aunt and uncle were pulling snacks together in the kitchen. My mom was shuttling things between both rooms while she and Lexie spun wild stories about me. Kadyn was sprawled out on the floor with his arms resting comfortably behind his head. He looked to be thoroughly enjoying all of the embarrassing stories, which were being embellished considerably.

Three stories in, I decided it was time to defend myself. “Yeah, well, the only time I ever got into trouble was when this one was running the show.” I held Lexie’s foot up by the pinky toe as I nodded in her direction.

She laughed, knowing full well she was the instigator in most every misadventure we had stumbled into.

My aunt set a tray of chips, salsa, and queso on the ottoman in front of us. She shot Lexie a nervous look. “Honey, are you sure you want Mexican food tonight? Can your stomach handle that after so many days of being sick and in the hospital?”

Lexie rolled her eyes. “They gave me anti-nausea meds, mom. My stomach can handle anything.”

My aunt looked unconvinced, but she returned to the kitchen to roll her famous fried bean burritos, which had long been a family favorite. My mom was already chopping lettuce for the taco salad.

My uncle nudged Kadyn with his foot. “You’re going to get soft lying around like that. Why don’t you come out into the backyard and spar with me while they’re cooking dinner?”

“Uncle Chuck,” I warned in a low tone. “I don’t want you beating up my boyfriend.”

Kadyn laughed as he sprang to his feet. “I could use a little exercise.”

My uncle eyed him skeptically. “Do you know any Karate?”

Kadyn shrugged. “A little.” A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. I knew that smile. Kadyn knew more than he was letting on.

“I promise not to break any bones,” my uncle conceded in a voice that suggested he was making some monumental sacrifice.

“I better supervise this,” my father announced as he reached for Annie’s tennis ball. “Come on, Annie. Let’s play catch in the backyard.”

I glanced at Kadyn. “My uncle nearly made the Guinness Book of World Records for breaking the most cement blocks with one strike of his hand, so consider yourself warned.”

Kadyn grinned as he followed my uncle out the door. “I’m not one to shy away from a challenge.”

I looked at Lexie. “Do you want to watch?”

Lexie sat up and swung her legs off the couch. “No way am I missing this.”

I grabbed the blankets and followed Lexie out to the porch swing on her back deck. We wrapped the blankets around our shoulders and settled onto the swing as my uncle and Kadyn took their positions across from one another on the lawn.

Both men bowed. They transitioned into a series of smoothly executed moves, stopping just short of physical blows. My uncle occasionally offered instruction, and they both yelled “Kiai” as they ran through the drills. The tempo increased, and the instructions stopped.

“It’s really quite graceful, more like dancing than fighting,” I mused. I couldn’t take my eyes off Kadyn. His muscles rippled through his shirt as he moved.

“You really like him,” my cousin speculated as she watched the two men spar.

“Yes,” I whispered. I began rocking the swing.

“Are you in love with him?” she asked as she turned toward me.

My heart tripped as I assessed my feelings. “Maybe. I don’t know. I’m too afraid to consider the possibility.”

Lexie frowned. “Why are you afraid?”

“I’m scared. It’s too soon,” I responded with tears in my eyes. “What if he’s too good to be true? What if he waits until I’m committed to show his true colors?”

My cousin’s eyes turned fierce. “If you let what Tom did ruin this relationship for you, then he wins, Kri. He’s still controlling you.”

I nodded as I brushed a stray tear from my cheek. I knew she was right, but I hadn’t a clue how to overcome my fears.

“He loves you. I can tell by the way he looks at you. This guy would move heaven and earth just to see you smile. You can’t possibly think he’d hurt you.” She nudged the deck with her toes as she resumed rocking the swing.

I shrugged, refusing to trust my instincts.

“Have you two had sex?”

I winced at having to answer such a personal question, but Lexie had insisted there be no more secrets between us when I admitted Tom’s abuse. “No, not yet.”

“Because of what happened with Tom?” she surmised.

I slowly nodded.

Lexie pulled me into her arms. “Oh, Kri. What am I going to do with you?”

My uncle and Kadyn bowed just as my mom opened the sliding glass door. “Dinner is ready!”

Lexie sidled up to Kadyn as we filed into the house. “You’re not half bad. Clearly, you’ve studied Karate.”

“Yes,” he admitted with a smile. “And you?”

Lexie snorted. “My dad’s a grand master. Of course, I’ve studied. I have a double black belt.”

Kadyn glanced at her admiringly. We settled in next to each other at the table.

My aunt set a platter of burritos in the center of the table. “I hope you like Mexican food, Kadyn.”

Kadyn smiled. “I practically grew up on the stuff. My best friend in Illinois is Mexican. His mom is an amazing cook, so I drummed up every excuse I could to eat over at their house.”

“You’re in for a real treat between Linda’s burritos and Anne’s taco salad,” my father declared as everyone dished up.

We paused as my uncle led us in prayer. “Dear heavenly Father. Thank you for healing my daughter and for allowing her to come home today. Thank you for bringing our family together, for blessing us with safe travel, and for bringing this young man into Kri’s life. Please bless this food for the nourishment of our bodies. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.”

When I bit into my burrito, my eyes practically rolled into the back of my head. “Aunt Linda, you really need to teach me how to make these.”

“Yes, you do,” Kadyn agreed. He took another bite out of his burrito.

“You like them?” my aunt asked. She had a surprised look on her face, like she had no clue she made the best burritos on the planet.

“Love them,” Kadyn clarified between bites, “and the taco salad.”

“I told you,” my father bragged.

My mom’s eyes met mine. “When do you and Kadyn have to head back?”

I reached for my drink. “The day after tomorrow. We're going to spend a night in Helena with Kimme and Dan before we head back to Spokane. How about you? When are you and dad heading back to Hamilton?”

“We’ll leave when you leave,” my father responded.

“Linda and I are staying through the weekend,” my uncle said, reaching for another burrito, “unless my daughter decides to boot us out sooner.”

Lexie laughed. “After everything I had to do to get you here? I don’t think so, dad.”

I leaned back against my chair, thoroughly enjoying the banter and the gentle ribbing that knit my family together.

Under the table, Kadyn linked his fingers with mine. “You okay?”

My eyes met his. I couldn’t get over how easily Kadyn fit in. “Yeah. I was just thinking about how lucky I am.”

Kadyn squeezed my hand. “I was thinking the exact same thing.”

* * *

When we woke up the next morning, Nate surprised Lexie and me with massage and pedicure appointments at Lexie’s favorite spa. Then he took Kadyn to Malmstrom Air Force Base so they could tour the facilities and work out at the gym.

By the time Lexie and I returned to the house, all four men were in the backyard shooting bows and arrows at a couple of hay bales with targets painted on the side. Our mothers were camped out in the living room watching some reality show on monster brides.

My mom patted the cushion next to her on the couch.

I plopped down beside her.

“What do you girls want to do for dinner tonight?” she asked.

“Pizza,” Lexie and I replied at once.

My mom laughed. “I figured as much.”

“It’s tradition,” I insisted. “We have pizza and wine every time we get together. Besides, I don’t think anyone should have to cook or do dishes on our last night together.”

“Pizza sounds perfect,” my aunt responded.

Lexie handed me a blanket as we settled in to watch one train wreck of a wedding after another. “Please tell me I wasn’t that bad,” she finally interjected.

I laughed. As Lexie’s maid of honor, I felt more than qualified to weigh in. “Not even close. I think I was more stressed out at your wedding than you were.”

“Do you think you and Kadyn will get married?” my aunt asked dreamily.

I threw a decorative pillow at her. “Aunt Linda! We’ve only been dating for two months. I think it’s a little too soon to be talking marriage.”

She batted the pillow away. “That’s not necessarily true. I knew I wanted to marry your uncle by the end of our first date.”

“And I married your father within a few months of meeting him,” my mother reminded me. “Honestly, Kri, after seeing you with Kadyn, I can’t imagine you with anyone else.”

“Can I be your matron of honor?” Lexie asked jokingly.

I huffed out a breath, shook my head, and rolled my eyes at her.

Lexie burst out laughing. When she recovered, she reached for the cordless phone. “What kind of pizza should we order?”

“Combination,” my mom suggested.

“Hawaiian,” I added.

“And meat lovers,” my aunt chimed in.

Lexie dialed the phone. “Should I order wings?”

I reached for my purse so I could give her some money. “Yes. Wings and two bottles of Sprite.”

“If you try to pay me for this pizza, I’m going to knock you upside the head,” Lexie warned in a threatening tone.

I stuck my tongue out at her as I tucked the money back inside my wallet. I grabbed the decorative pillow from the floor and threw it at her on my way to the kitchen.

She caught the pillow and beamed me on the back of the head with it as she resumed ordering the pizza.

I ducked into the kitchen, laughing. I opened a bottle of wine and poured a glass for my aunt, my mom, and myself. I knew Lexie would decline with all the medications she was on.

The food arrived thirty minutes later. My aunt took the pizza into the living room. I trailed after her with the chicken wings, a pile of napkins, and a stack of paper plates. Lexie pulled two beers from the fridge for her dad and Nate. I grabbed the Sprite off the counter for Kadyn and my dad while my mom called the guys in from the backyard.

My dad gave me a hug as I handed him the Sprite. “Thanks, Kri. You should have seen Kadyn shoot. He’s really good with a bow.”

I handed Kadyn the other Sprite. “How’d you like shooting the bow?”

Kadyn kissed the top of my head as he tucked me under his arm. “Loved it. I’m thinking of buying one when we get back home.”

Home, I thought. Was home in Virginia with Kadyn or was it still in Montana? My chest tightened. Where was home for me?

Dad said grace before we loaded our plates with pizza and settled in to eat. I joined Kadyn on the floor and leaned into him, hoping to draw on his strength. I was saddened by how little time I had left with my family. We stayed up talking long into the night as we tried to make the most of our remaining hours together.

When Kadyn and I finally settled in to sleep on the couch, I didn’t have to ask him to hold me. He knew my heart was breaking over the impending goodbyes.

* * *

I was still wrapped in Kadyn’s arms when I woke up the next morning. I could hear someone showering in the bathroom, and the coffee pot was already percolating, releasing a rich, comforting aroma.

I rolled over to face Kadyn. His warm brown eyes met mine. “If only we could freeze time,” I said on a sigh.

“You’d never leave my arms,” he warned.

I smiled as I snuggled closer. “That’s okay. I kinda like it here.”

“Good to know,” he murmured as he burrowed his face in my neck. He kissed all along my jawline until his lips met mine in a tender kiss.

My arms tightened around his shoulders when he broke the kiss. “I could get used to this, you know.”

He raised one eyebrow questioningly.

“Falling asleep in your arms,” I explained. “You’re making it difficult for me to imagine my life without you. How did you do that?”

Kadyn looked amused. “Do what?”

“Slide so perfectly into my life,” I replied as I gently caressed his cheek.

He kissed the tip of my nose. “I could ask the same of you.”

“What’s going on in here?” Lexie bellowed from right behind me.

I nearly fell on the floor.

Kadyn caught me. The muscles in his arms bunched as he pulled me snug against his chest.

Lexie burst out laughing.

I tried to scowl at her, but Kadyn’s lips crashed against mine. I knew he was daring Lexie to stop him, so I played into the kiss.

She dog piled on top of us. “If I sit here, then you can’t leave,” she announced smugly.

Kadyn laughed. “Wanna bet?” He rose, nearly knocking us both to the floor. How he managed to catch the two of us was completely beyond me.

I heard the bathroom door open, so I yanked some clothes out of my suitcase and padded off to take a shower. I knew Lexie would keep Kadyn entertained.

Lexie hollered after me. “You know, Nate and I are big on water conservation. I think you and Kadyn should shower together. It will save water.”

I turned and narrowed my eyes at her. She had a wicked gleam in her eyes.

Kadyn laughed. “I think that’s a spectacular idea.”

My eyes widened as he rose from the couch. I spun around and sprinted toward the bathroom. I locked the door behind me, then stood back and stared at the door. I was half expecting Lexie to pick the lock. Eventually, I climbed into the shower.

They were in the kitchen cooking bacon, eggs, and toast by the time I finished my shower. I gave Kadyn a quick kiss. “The bathroom is all yours.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to join me?” he asked teasingly.

I poured a steaming cup of coffee. “I’m already clean, thanks.”

He boxed me in against the counter. “I could take you outside and roll you in dirt.”

I shook my head. “As appealing as that sounds…” I trailed off as I took a sip of coffee.

Kadyn removed the coffee cup from my hand. He set it on the counter, kissed me thoroughly, then strode off toward the bathroom. “You have no idea what you’re missing.”

I stared at my cousin in shock. “What have you done to him?”

She shrugged. “I just planted a few ideas. I thought it might jump start things between you.”

I glared at her over the top of my coffee cup. “You are very, very bad.”

“I know,” she agreed rather flippantly. “You can thank me later.”

We heaped bacon, eggs, and toast onto our plates and carried them into the dining room. The rest of the family trickled in for breakfast. We tried to keep things light, but I could tell I wasn’t the only one choking back tears.

Kadyn loaded our bags into the car while my mom and I washed the dishes. As soon as we finished the dishes, we reluctantly began our goodbyes. My aunt and uncle hugged me as one. “You stay safe, Krissy.”

My aunt hugged Kadyn. Then my uncle shook his hand. “You take care of our girl.”

“I will,” Kadyn promised.

My dad shook Kadyn’s hand before pulling him in for a hug. “It was nice to meet you, Kadyn. You come back and visit us anytime with or without Kri.”

My mom hugged Kadyn while Nate hugged me. Then Nate shook Kadyn’s hand. “Thanks for coming, Kadyn. I really appreciate you bringing Kri.”

Kadyn nodded. “I hope you and Lexie can visit us in Virginia when she’s feeling better. I’ll give you a tour of the Pentagon when you come.”

I tried to sweeten the deal while hugging Lexie. “I’ll hook you up with a tour of the Capitol. I can show you all the places the general public doesn’t get to see…”

Lexie swiped at her tears. “That sounds wonderful, Kri.”

I was too choked up to speak by the time my parents hugged me. “Be safe, Kri. Call us when you get back to DC,” my mother pleaded softly.

Lexie wrapped her arms around Kadyn’s waist as she gave him a warm hug. “Thank you for bringing my cousin back home. I owe you one.”

Kadyn returned the hug. “You owe me nothing. It was a pleasure seeing you all together. You get better so you can come visit us in Virginia.”

“I will,” Lexie promised. She grabbed me for one last hug. “I like him,” she whispered loudly. “He’s a good guy.”

I smiled at Lexie. “I know,” I whispered back.

She nudged my shoulder. “Don’t screw it up.”

“I won’t,” I replied. I winked at Kadyn, who had witnessed the entire exchange. For reasons far beyond my understanding, Kadyn remained unfazed and undeterred by my misguided attempts to screw things up. I doubted there was anything that would scare Kadyn off.

* * *

Gra and Pa met us for lunch at the Windbag. That had been Kadyn’s one and only request when we decided to spend time in Helena on our way back to Spokane. He wanted to meet them so he could thank them for helping me leave Tom. By the time lunch was over, Gra and Pa were just as smitten with Kadyn as I was.

On a whim, I asked Kadyn to hike Mount Helena with me. I had missed the mountain almost as much as I had missed my friends. “We're lucky there isn’t any snow up here,” I huffed as we reached the summit. I grabbed Kadyn’s hand and led him straight to the edge of the cliff. I sat down on a very large, flat rock that was buried into the soil so that it sat flush against the ground. “What do you think?”

“It’s a great view,” he admitted as he plopped down next to me.

I soaked in the view and the scent of sun-drenched pine. “I had to work out in the gym during the winter, but I’d hike this mountain every evening after work as soon as the days were long enough and the weather turned nice. It didn’t matter what was bothering me. By the time I reached the top, I’d have my problems all worked out.” I ran my hand over the top of the rock we were both sitting on. “I was sitting in this same exact spot when I made my decision to accept the job in DC.”

“Do you regret the decision?” he asked softly.

I gazed out over the city. Helena still felt like home. I tore my eyes away from the city as I sought Kadyn’s eyes. “No. I don’t regret my decision. If I hadn’t accepted that job, I never would have met you.”

Kadyn scooted me closer. “I was afraid you wouldn’t want to return to Virginia after coming back to Montana.”

“The thought of staying here is tempting but not nearly as tempting as you,” I responded teasingly.

He smiled. “I’m tempting?”

I threw an exaggerated look onto my face and nodded. “Oh yeah.”

“I’ll show you tempting…” He tucked me under his body as he rolled on top of me. The contrast between Kadyn’s warm body and the freezing cold ground sent goose bumps rocketing down my spine.

Kadyn’s playful expression turned serious as he lowered his lips to mine. His tongue danced teasingly along my mouth, then swept inside in slow, seductive strokes. I ran my hands across the dips and crevices that formed his broad shoulders until I reached the nape of his neck. I pulled him toward me as he deepened the kiss.

Kadyn’s eyes sought mine as soon as he broke the kiss. “I need you, Kri… as much as the air I breathe. You have to come back to Virginia.”

My pulse was racing. “I need you too,” I confessed as I struggled against an enticing concoction of desire and fear.

Kadyn’s lips met mine in an intoxicating kiss. The tension that had been building between us all morning flared as his hips settled against mine. He slowly unzipped my jacket as he trailed warm, wet kisses down my neck. His warm hands slid up my shirt until his thumbs dipped underneath my bra. My breath caught as his thumbs danced along my breasts.

Kadyn rose to his knees. He pushed my shirt up as he trailed kisses across my bare stomach. My abs flinched as his tongue dipped inside my bellybutton. He gently nipped and kissed his way up to my breasts.

“Kadyn,” I gasped, “someone might see us.”

He unhooked the front clasp on my bra. He stared at me as he caressed my breasts. “It’s November, and it’s the middle of a work day. We didn’t pass a single soul on the trail, Kri. We’re the only ones here.”

I moaned softly as I felt Kadyn’s warm tongue circling my freezing cold breast. “Please, Kadyn.”

He paused. “Please, what?”

I couldn’t speak. I wanted to tell him to stop, but I couldn’t. I didn’t want him to stop.

I whimpered as Kadyn’s mouth completely consumed my breast. My body arched on its own accord. I was mindless by the time he latched onto the other breast. “Kadyn,” I groaned. “God, Kadyn, you have to stop.”

Kadyn refastened my bra. He gently tugged my shirt back into place. Then he hovered over me with a concerned look on his face.

I tried to reassure him of my feelings. “I want you, Kadyn. I want you so much it hurts. But not like this… not here… not outside.”

Kadyn smiled. Then he gently kissed me on the lips. “Do you have any idea how beautiful you look right now?”

I laughed as Kadyn pulled me to my feet. “I probably have dirt and pine needles in my hair.”

He laughed as he dug a twig out of my hair. “Still beautiful,” he said. He linked his hand with mine and led me back down the mountain. It was nearly dark by the time we arrived back at the car.

We joined Siobhan and her family for an early dinner at the Suds Hut, where I introduced Kadyn to the best fried chicken and steak fries in the Pacific Northwest. By the time we left the pub, Kadyn was not only sold on the chicken, but he was as tightly wound around Siobhan’s little finger as I was. Although I struggled to fight back my own tears, I was incredibly thankful that Siobhan didn’t cry when we had to part ways. She seemed reassured by the visit, more confident that we’d see each other again.

We arrived at Kimme and Dan’s house shortly after seven o’clock. Dan immediately dragged Kadyn into the bat cave. Kimme and I wrapped ourselves in beautifully crocheted blankets and settled onto her couch with a bottle of red wine. We were flanked on either side by her two golden retrievers, Bella and Beau.

Kimme and I sipped on a smooth plum flavored Merlot and talked long into the night. She caught me up on office gossip, state politics, and Charlie’s ongoing budget disputes with the state legislature. I’m not sure when I fell asleep, but I woke in the early morning hours, wrapped in blankets on the couch. As I drifted back to sleep, I wondered whether Kadyn had made it to bed or if he was still holed up with Dan in the bat cave.

* * *

When we woke up the next morning, Dan announced that he had something special planned for Kadyn. He was evasive about his plans and refused to divulge any details, but he made it clear that Kimme and I were not included. I worried about how comfortable Kadyn would be taking off to parts unknown with Dan, since he barely knew the guy, but Kadyn just shrugged his shoulders and gave me a quick kiss as they ambled out the door.

I glanced nervously at Kimme.

She patted my arm reassuringly. “I don’t have any idea what he’s up to, but odds are high that he’ll bring Kadyn back alive.”

I wasn’t so sure.

Kimme drove me into the office so I could see Charlie and all of my other friends from work. They surprised me with a potluck breakfast. Charlie was flipping pancakes at one of the side tables in the conference room when we arrived. As was customary for our morning potlucks, he had brought his griddle from home. I burst into tears when I saw him.

Doug took over the griddle so Charlie could give me a hug.

I was still brushing away tears when Jerry, Ann, and the rest of my coworkers greeted me with hugs. Thankfully, Justin didn’t bother making an appearance. I wondered whether he was purposely avoiding me, since my refusal to accept his plane ticket had likely set him back a few thousand dollars.

We loaded our plates with pancakes, fruit, and Jerry’s famous Colorado Quiche before settling in at the conference room table. The phones were left to roll over to voice mail for hours as I shared stories about DC.

“What’s Rockefeller like?” Doug asked as he refilled my coffee.

I thought about how best to describe the senator, then smiled. “A gentle giant, completely unpretentious, and extremely devoted to helping others.”

“Do you still hang out with that cab driver, Habib… the one who called to check on you during the forest fires?” Ann asked. She was sitting in the chair next to me.

I chuckled, remembering how badly I had botched up my lunch date with Habib. “I see him hanging around Union Station every once in a while. He hasn’t invited me back out to lunch, but I still call him whenever I have a meeting to attend off the Hill, which is about once a week.”

“I ran across his business card in your rolodex the other day. We're trying to keep your office exactly as you left it, just in case you come back,” Ann responded with teary eyes.

I leaned over to give her another hug. “I still want to come back.” I silently studied my friend. Ann seemed nervous, which was unusual for her. She was normally very self-assured. I wondered whether Justin had been hard on her when I refused his plane ticket.

“What about Kadyn?” Kimme asked. She seemed surprised by my response.

“I don’t know,” I admitted honestly. “I suppose he could tempt me to stay.”

Charlie smiled knowingly. “When do I get to meet him?”

“Dan’s bringing him by around one o’clock,” Kimme announced, much to my surprise. I hadn’t realized that was the plan.

Eventually, everyone drifted back to their desks. I wandered up to the front of the office so I could talk to Ann. She was sifting through the mail. I touched her shoulder gently, since she hadn’t seen me enter the room. “Can we talk?”

She glanced around nervously. “Sure.”

I lowered my voice so Justin wouldn’t overhear us. I hadn’t seen him in the office, but I didn’t want him overhearing us if he was around. “Ann, I want you to know I’m not mad at you. You didn’t do anything wrong. You didn’t know about Justin. You were just trying to help me get home. Please, don’t feel bad about what happened. I still consider you one of my dearest friends.”

Tears spilled down her cheeks. “I was afraid I’d compromised our friendship. I didn’t know you and Justin had a falling out… that you had told him you didn’t want to see him. I thought you two were still friends.”

I sighed heavily. “I know. I should have told you what was going on. This isn’t a good place to talk about what happened, but please stay away from Justin. He’s not what he seems.”

She nodded as she swiped at her cheeks.

My eyes softened. “How’s Mac feeling? Is he still sick?”

Ann reached for some tissue. “The cancer treatments have taken a lot out of him, but he’s doing better. He asks about you all the time.”

I nodded. Mac often joined us for happy hour after work. We had celebrated his birthday shortly before I moved to DC. He was an amazing man, a WWII veteran who had earned the Purple Heart. He was considerably older than Ann, but she was crazy in love with him, and Mac felt the same exact way about her. I smiled at Ann. “Why don’t you give him a call to see if he’s up for company? I’d really like Kadyn to meet him. Maybe we can swing by before we leave for Spokane.”

Ann reached for my hand. “Mac would love that.”

I squeezed her hand. “Good. Then consider it done.” I walked back to Kimme’s office to see how Kadyn and Dan were coming along.

They showed up a few minutes later. “I’ve decided you can keep him,” Dan announced as they strode into Kimme’s office.

I rolled my eyes, then rose from my chair. “Gee, thanks, Dan.”

Kadyn pulled me in for a kiss.

My eyes trailed over his body. “You’re unharmed?”

He smiled. “Yes.”

“What did you guys do?” I couldn’t resist asking given Dan’s mysterious behavior.

Dan folded his arms across his chest. “That stays between Kadyn and me.”

Kadyn shrugged as he followed Dan’s lead.

My eyes flitted between Kadyn and Dan. “Okay, be that way.” I linked my arm with Kadyn’s. “I’m afraid my friends would never forgive me if I didn’t drag you around the office and introduce you to everyone. They’ve listened to me talk about you all morning long, so it’s only fair I give them a face to link to all those stories.”

Kimme laughed at the tortured look on Kadyn’s face. “You only have twenty-two people to get through…”

Dan settled into my chair. “Your escort is on standby, so let me know when you’re ready to leave town.”

I laughed. “We have one more stop to make after this. I think it’ll be another hour or so before we’re ready to leave town.”

Dan nodded. “That’s fine. Take your time.”

I took Kadyn up to the front office so I could introduce him to Ann. Then we worked our way back down the hall. When I popped my head into Charlie’s office, he invited us to sit and talk for a while.

Charlie asked many of the same questions my father had asked of Kadyn, but Kadyn took it all in stride. After thirty minutes or so, Charlie stood and shook Kadyn’s hand. Then he walked around the desk and gave me one last hug. “I approve,” he whispered into my ear.

As Kadyn and I walked out of Charlie’s office, Justin passed by us in the hall. His dark brooding eyes locked on mine, but he didn’t say a word.

* * *

Our drive back to Spokane was uneventful. I was thrilled Kadyn had met my family and friends, and I was relieved my cousin was doing so well. I was thankful Justin hadn’t confronted me and that we hadn’t run into Michael or Tom while we were in Helena. Despite the fears and concerns that had led me back to Montana, a lot of good had come from this trip.

We were on the return flight to Baltimore when Kadyn revealed what he and Dan had been up to. He seemed thoroughly amused when he described the events. “Dan took me out to the mountains to some biker bar in York. I’ll admit I was a little nervous about his intentions at first. It struck me that he could kick me out of his truck at any point, and I would be lost for days.”

I groaned. “I’m sorry. I know Dan can be a bit unpredictable at times.”

“Don’t be. I had a really good time. It was a little early for lunch, but Dan insisted we order burgers. He claimed they had the best burgers around, and they really were quite impressive. When we finished eating, Dan drove into a remote area of the mountains and revealed an impressive stash of guns that had been covered up in the back of his truck. We set up targets and shot them up until we ran out of bullets.”

Dan’s methods for delivering messages could be a bit frightening at times, but deep down inside I knew he was an honorable guy. Still, my mind pinged with all the things that could have gone wrong with that scenario. “Well, I’m thankful he didn’t water board you in some misguided attempt to reveal your true intentions toward me.”

Kadyn burst out laughing. “Oh, he’s fully aware of my intentions. Dan is quite skilled at getting information out of people.”

I smiled as I turned to look out the darkened window. I was curious about Kadyn’s intentions, but I wasn’t about to ask the question when I knew I wasn’t ready for his answer. Eventually, the hum of the airplane’s engines lulled us both to sleep. We woke just as the plane touched down in Baltimore.

As we drove back to Alexandria, it dawned on me that my family wasn’t the only thing I was going to miss. I was going to miss spending most of my time with Kadyn and falling asleep in his arms. Something had changed between us, something big… but I still wasn’t ready to admit what it was.