Page 28 of Tango

“Ty, why don’t you go up with Keith, while I borrow Ivy for a moment.” She smiled. Ty looked at me for a moment then nodded at her and did what she said. Abby always had the best intentions.

“I thought I should give you a little history lesson. I know you can do your job better if you know all the ins and outs of the house.”

“I’d like that. Thanks.” I looped my arm around hers to help her over an icy patch. Daniel had offered to drive anyone who wanted one, but most had declined. I think the walk was what many needed.

“Given the nature of our enemy, Lexi was cremated,” she began. “Grandpa Edison Logan, years back, put in place some rules on how core members of the Shadows family should be handled after death. Burying a body in the town or even on our land isn’t something we do. If the Cartel were ever to find out the location of the safehouse,” she gave me a terrified look, “they might do some truly heinous things. So, because of their violent nature toward the living,” she hesitated, “and the dead, we choose to cremate.”

“That’s smart.”

“Yes, Edison was a smart man. He wasn’t the type of person to leave anything to chance. He thought everything through. We hold a funeral up on the top of the mountain and release the ashes over the side so the body becomes part of the land again. There’s a spot at the base of the mountain that has a beautiful view of the lake and the sunset. There are markers there for both Edison and Meg Logan. Lexi will have her own marker next to them. That way those who love them have a place to visit.”

John quickly walked by. He reached out and squeezed Abby’s arm as he did. Once again, I was impressed by the power of family in this house. It was staggering.

“I’m glad to hear there’s a place for those who care to go and visit. That will be healthy for the kids, too. It doesn’t always have to be a grave. Personally, I like this idea better.”

“It’s a little less formal,” she replied, “like the tree and picture we have for Paul.”

We gathered on the chilly mountaintop. It had snowed the night before and made the trip up the side of the mountain trickier than we expected it to be. Everyone was there, though, and some had obviously put in the time to make it work. There were even a few folding chairs for the kids, Sue, and the aunts. I noticed Reagan was glued to her father’s side while Olivia stayed close to Brandon.

“You good?” Frank asked as I stood slightly away from the others. I wanted to give them their space to grieve.

“As good as I can be on a day like this. I just want to be here in case someone needs support.”

“Just being here is support enough.” Frank tucked his hands in his pockets. “Thank you for being here to help everyone navigate through this, Ivy. I know Doc Roberts appreciates the help.” I looked up at him and saw how much this entire situation weighed on him.

“When are you going to come see me?” I raised an eyebrow.

“Funny.” He tried to smile, but it didn’t work.

“I wasn’t kidding.”

“I know.” He closed his eyes for a moment. “This wasn’t supposed to happen. We had everything in place, then somehow, we lost control just like that.” He snapped his fingers silently. “Now, here we are.”

“What is it that you always say? Adapt, and readapt.”

“Now you choose to listen to me?” He tried to joke.

“Truth?” I turned my back to the others and faced the opposite side of the mountain. “Maybe Lexi leaving was a sign it was time for Paul to return. She knew her recklessness came with consequences. It was no secret the odds weren’t in her favor. Maybe it’s life’s way of balancing out the scales again.” He knew I wasn’t wishing Lexi harm, just trying to find a way to say there was something positive that came from what she’d done.

“You’re a mind reader now.” His face told me everything I needed to know. He was pissed at Lexi’s actions, and I didn’t blame him. The ripple effect of her actions had been selfish.

We both turned and tuned in when everyone went quiet.

Daniel hosted the service and kept it short. He welcomed others to come up and say a few words. Cole stepped forward when the others hesitated.

“Lexi was a free spirit who lived her life the way she wanted. There’s something to be said for that. She may not be here physically, but she lives in the two of you.” He pointed at Brandon and Reagan. “Never forget that.”

Mike went next, then Savannah, and Catalina followed. It was lovely. Short and sweet was the way everyone needed it to be. Just a chance to say goodbye.

“Brandon and Reagan, would you like to come up here with your dad and help release the ashes?” Daniel handed the urn to Keith and Brandon. They both knelt to Reagan’s level, removed the top, and set her free.

As the ashes poured from the jar, I closed my eyes and tried to picture Lexi being set free. She danced in the wind, sparkling and glittering as she became one with the mountains. I hoped the others were able to see it as I had. I felt the sense of relief from those who stood around me that at least this difficult part was over.

Ty

The funeral was short. No one went on too long, but it was long enough. It was simple and respectful. The kids were emotionally exhausted when we got back to the house, and they were all passed out in the entertainment room by six thirty. Daniel lit the firepit, and some of us gravitated down there to talk without worry we’d wake the kids.

The fire burned hot and bright, and I was glad because light snow continued to fall throughout the evening, and although Ivy would never admit it to anyone, she looked frozen. I tucked a blanket around her legs and draped my arm over the back of her chair. I just started to enjoy myself. I loved sitting there by the fire with Ivy. The snow looked nice, and just being with the guys and their families as they slowly made their peace with Lexi’s loss made me feel part of them. Then he sat down across from me. I immediately tensed up. I didn’t fully trust Paul yet, and neither did Moore. I saw him pull his legs back when Paul sat down. He was on edge around him, too, or maybe he was getting vibes from me. I had to consider that, as we still hadn’t had a chance to talk things out. I nodded to myself as I thought again how great it was to know Moore had my back no matter what.

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