Just some random thing.”She rushed into my arms, eyes misting over, and hugged me tight as I held her.“I’m so sorry, Paul,” she whispered, her...voice thick with emotion. “I know how much she meant to you.”I nodded; my eyes stung, and I blinked back tears of my own. I shook my head, as if doing so could ward off the tears that were welling up. I was a grown man, I hadn’t cried in years. Many years.“When’s the funeral?” she asked.I swallowed hard. “The day after tomorrow.”“Do you want the girls to. After lunch she would put Missa down for a nap after a brief discussion with her and give her time to journal about her experiences so far and then she would spend some quality time with Aidan if she could stay awake. It was going to be a long night with little sleep, but all was well that ended in sweet release. As Alice’s thoughts fluttered around in her mind, her body reached for a plate that was set down in front of her by Missa who had rejoined them at the table. Alice barely spoke as. I wondered when my Indians would arrive. Camp fires were built and a calf butchered. We would lay over the rest of the day and maybe one more if my crew was late."What, no guard out Son? Might be some Indians around." He was grinning. Kenny Ryeback had come into camp while I was leaned back against a tree dozing. I said nothing as I clasped this man to me, I was that happy to see him again. I looked to where there were fourteen braves sitting their horses. I walked over and gripped forearms. I didn't want her to feel the same thing.The banging against the wall starts up again. I don't know how to respond without upsetting her. I down my drink then have another. I don't like this.She grabs at my belt. My hand goes over hers to stop her."I don't think you want to do that," I warn.I'm already struggling to hold myself back. She was trying to ruin my restraint, but her green eyes are fiery."I think I do," she says defiantly.She kisses me again, opening her mouth to mine. My tongue.