Page 95 of His One True Wish

Louise,

You’ve got it. I appreciate your trust in me and want you to know that Cam and I already tore down half the southern fence. I thought you might like a few pics.

Axl

There were three pictures attached. One was of Cam running across the field, her legs fully airborne, as though she were flying. The fence line was half missing with a few sturdy new posts in the distance.

Axl took a picture of the posts, which showcased his workmanship.

And there was a selfie. Axl with his arm around Cam, sitting on the ground in front of a fence post. The sun shone on his skin and his reddish-gold beard. He looked happy, relaxed, his deep-blue eyes sparkling.

My body stirred as I looked at his gorgeous face.

Axl,

Beautiful. I made the right choice. I wish I could walk the property with you now, but know I love it.

Louise

My heart clenched looking at the date. Gran died three days later. This was the last message she replied to. The rest of Axl’s messages were unread.

Mom knocked on the door. “Honey?” She poked her head in.

“Hey,” I said, looking up from the computer.

“What’s that?” she said.

“Gran’s computer?” I said, pointing to the screen. My heart pounded.

“Oh, you know, she mentioned she wanted to get an Apple. I didn’t know she did.” Mom shrugged. “You should probably take that home to Seattle. I don’t need it.”

“Yeah,” I said, looking at the list of messages. “Hey, Mom, did Gran ever mention an account at OACA bank?”

“OACA, the Smoke River branch? No. No, we have our main account, which you have access to, and a business account.”

“Okay,” I said. “I’m just checking into some stuff.” I didn’t want totell her what I’d learned until I understood the situation. If Gran’s secret emails had me reeling, I had no doubt Mom would be doubly upset. “I’m just going to poke around here and then pack up this room.”

“Great,” Mom said. “Abby is going to come by. We’ll do another run to the storage facility. I just can’t believe we’re getting this done.”

“Yes, we are getting it done,” I said, painting a big smile on my face.

Mom closed the door and I went back to the messages.

Subject: Smoke River July

From: Axl Grey

Louise,

I’m sorry. I meant to send this last week. I hope you haven’t been wondering about me and Cam. We’re doing fine and really settled in. It’s been hot and humid, but with the windows open, we get a nice breeze from the river. You are right about the mountain air up here. It helps me sleep.

The fence is complete. It looks beautiful. I’m starting on the barn and want to thank you for being comfortable with me building up the floor and fixing the lights. I think you’ll be happy with the updates.

I wired you funds. Any questions, let me know. I may have a friend coming to visit for a week or two. Just a temporary thing but wanted to make sure you are aware.

Best,

Axl

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