Page 12 of Signed With Love

I set my bowl down and lift the journal to show Dad the entry that caught my interest. He adjusts his wire-framed readers. His blue eyes narrow, then his shoulders begin to shake. The laughter I’m sure is sounding throughout the home. I see it and laugh myself.

Seems like our Daisy found more than treasure on her journey, Dad signs.

He and Mom carry on a conversation, but my attention shifts back to Daisy’s words. She sure did find another adventure. I bite my lip and continue to read.

Entry 1988/04

I made the flight again. I know I shouldn’t be coming here, but the land up here holds more allure than gold bars or buried histories. Although those lured me to Cordova first, it was Victor who brought me back again.

So many times as I was flying here, crossing the Copper River or passing the Orca Inlet, I told myself to return home. Go back to Casper and never make this trip. There is nothing in Cordova for me anymore. Heartbreak, sure, and a deeply rooted need, but nothing that should have me making this flight or sleeping in this inn alone.

The scariest moment in life is following love. It’s the riskiest and most terrifying mission I’ve ever accepted. And the first time I’ve ever thought of returning home without my treasure in tow.

I set the journal down and turn to my father. He’s still observing the map of the Copper Valley. I tap his shoulder.

Who is Victor?

He slides his glasses off and sighs. An old friend and Jamison’s father, I’d assume by that date. The way his face falls, I know again this isn’t a story I want to hear, but I need to hear just the same.

He is gone too?

Yes. Died years before Jamison would be old enough to know him.

Siblings? Does Jamison have any family? I jerk my hands, my lips pressing into a thin line.

No.

My father turns away, ending the conversation. I rise and pace the living room, unable to shake the way my body is coiled. My parents give me a questioning look, and I tell them I’m fine.

Aren’t you hungry? Mom asks, then glances to my now-cold clam chowder.

No. I lost my appetite. I need to see Jamison. I need the rent check. I’ll go pay Jamison now.

Sure, I could give it to him tomorrow when he comes over, but I want to see him tonight. I have to know he’s okay. As irrational as that sounds, I need it. Being alone is hard. I didn’t know he was so alone up here.

I slip my shoes on and rush from the cabin the moment Dad digs the check out and hands it over. I move quickly, not thinking much about how the sun sits so low in the sky. I knock on Jamison’s door and release a breath when it opens. Only it’s not Jamison.

It’s the gorgeous brunette who was with him last time. Her eyes, brown ones as big as a doe’s, widen when she sees me. Although her brows are covered by her bangs, I’m sure they are raised high on her forehead.

Hi. She recovers quickly and rolls her hand in a “come” gesture, then opens the door entirely. I enter, unable to refuse even though I don’t want to intrude. She’s his friend. She’s hearing. She’s gorgeous. He’s not alone. He has other friends, ones I remember seeing the last time I stopped by. I shouldn’t have rushed so quickly. It was irrational.

The woman nervously jerks her body and stops directly in my path. She fidgets with her hair, pressing a wild strand behind her ear.

Hi, she waves again. She points to herself, then signs, name, by tapping her pointer and middle fingers together. My eyes widen. She stumbles. Her lips move in a curse, one I know all too well. “Shit.”

I hold my hand up in a calming gesture and send a reassuring smile.

The woman takes a steady deep breath and begins again. She finds her confidence. Hi, my name is Rylee. Nice to meet you. She sends me a bright smile and looks my way to see if I understand. I do.

Hi, I’m Claire.

She stares hard at my fingerspelled name as Jamison steps into the living room. He pauses, his brows drawn up. He opens his mouth, but his lips never move to create words.

I sign to Rylee. Nice to meet you.

She catches that my eyes are still focused over her shoulder and glances that way. Jamison nods, then comes toward me. Rylee disappears into the other room.

I hand the rent check to Jamison, knowing the moment it slips from my fingertips, I’ll leave. I had no reason to rush over tonight. I hadn’t even made a plan, just reacted, which I never do. I’m not spontaneous like that.

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