Page 72 of The Wayward Son

He went into his grandfather’s room and took off his wet clothes. He was still covered with goosebumps. He dried off, then went through the dresser. He found a pair of sweats and a thermal shirt. The pants fit, other than being a little too short. But he had to squeeze into the shirt. He probably had forty pounds on his grandfather. He dried his hair again, then returned to the living room. The fire was burning hot and Sage had refilled their coffee cups.

Sawyer set two pillows in front of the fire and sat on one of them. He took a sip of coffee.

Sage watched him for a minute. “Is that better?”

“Well, I’m wearing Granddad’s clothes, so it’s a little weird. But I guess it’s better.”

Jade came out of the bathroom and took another blanket from the couch before sitting next to Sawyer. She smiled at him.

“I think we’re going to make it.”

Sage looked down at them. “If you two are okay now, I’m going back to bed.”

“See you in the morning, Little Sis.”

She pointed at him. “Next time, bring your damn phone.”

“Will do.”

“And by the way, I woke up about an hour ago, shivering. So, thanks for that.”

“How is that my fault?” She cocked her head, and he said, “Never mind.”

Sage left the room and Jade looked at Sawyer. “What’s that all about?”

“She and I are…weirdly connected.”

“I kind of remember that from when we were kids. But she got cold because you were?”

“Yep.”

“That’s just freaky.”

“Tell me about it.”

Jade yawned loudly. “I’m so tired.”

He patted her arm. “Before you fall asleep, get more comfortable. Lie down and put your head on the pillow.”

She sat and looked at him. “Are you going to the bed?”

“No. I’m staying right here.”

She laid down with her head on the pillow and he did the same with the tops of their heads a few inches apart.

She yawned again. “I would never have done that walk with anyone else. I’ll follow you anywhere, Sawyer. I trust you. And I feel safe with you.”

He lifted his head and kissed the top of hers. “Go to sleep, Skittles.”

She was quiet for a moment, then asked, “Do you believe in destiny?”

He laughed. “That’s a pretty deep question after the night we had.”

“Sorry. You can tell me tomorrow.”

Sawyer’s phone ringing from the bedroom woke him. He thought about ignoring it, then remembered it could be his father. He got up from the floor and ran to the bedroom.

“Dad?”

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