Page 96 of His One True Wish

I stiffened. Was he talking about Angel? I had to assume so. I wondered what Gran would have said back if she understood the situation. I hated the idea of Angel and Axl using the cabin as a secret get-away.

Subject: Smoke River Aug

From: Axl Grey

Louise,

Summer here is beautiful. I wanted to share the sky. The northern lights reached the cabin last night. I have never seen anything this beautiful. The barn is done.

I’m wondering if you are okay with me working on the path to the river. I walk it daily. It helps me think. I’m not sure if I mentioned to you that I used to be in the military. I was in Afghanistan and spent some cold, lonely nights in the mountains. Sometimes I wake up and think I’m still there. Since coming to Smoke River, it hasn’t happened once. You are right. This place may heal people. I think it’s healed me.

I’ve spent a lot of time on my own. My friend has left, and I don’t expect I’ll be having more visitors. You mentioned something to me when you offered me this place, that the cabin at Smoke River was a place a man could become his best self.

I have to say that these few months are helping me see things clearly. I know you are traveling, and you don’t need to reply, but I wanted you to know that I appreciate our conversation and your trust in me with your home.

Here is photo of the lights. Wherever you are in the world, I hope you enjoy it.

Axl

Something shifted in Axl. He told me that this summer he ended things with Angel. I hadn’t believed him. It didn’t excuse what he’d done, knowingly sleeping with a married woman, but reading his words softened my heart. Axl wrote to my grandmother like someone who needed a friend. I ached, wishing she were alive to reply, wishing everything was different.

Subject: Smoke River Sept

From: Axl Grey

Louise,

The barn is done! A few photos for you to enjoy. I’ve been spending a lot more time in town helping Marcus out at the airport. I mentioned to you that I was retiring from my business, but I don’t intend to give up flying.

I’ve been thinking of doing some flight instruction using Smoke River as my base. Maybe even leading some fly-fishing tours. The point is, there is a lot of possibility for me and your property here.

I don’t feel restless. You’re right. There is something about the sky, the land, and the river here that grounds me.

I hope your travels are going well.

My heart ached at this sentence. Axl thought Gram was on vacation. He had no idea she was gone, yet he continued to write her.

I appreciate you listening to my musings about the property and my life. You don’t need to reply. I appreciate your time, knowing you are reading these when it suits you. I love being here. This place feels like home. Thank you for sharing it with me, and I look forward to showing you what I’ve accomplished when you are back.

Best,

Axl

I felt sick. Axl genuinely cared for my grandmother, and I’d cruelly told him she was dead without thought. No wonder he had gone white. My pulse throbbed in my forehead. Gran and Axl had a connection, one that went back months. He wasn’t just an arrogant asshole she rented to. I had the feeling Gran vetted him. In fact, it sounded like they were friends.

As I lay back against the pillow, the email client pinged with another message. I sat up, my heart thumping as I read the subject and sender. I opened the message, and barely breathing, I read it.

Subject : Goodbye

From: Axl Grey

Louise,

It feels foolish to write you, but there are things that I need to say to someone. Talking to you always came easily to me, and I realize I don’t want to stop. When I moved to Smoke River, you took a chance on me, and I made a commitment to you. You chose to rent to me, and I promised to give you updates. I know now that you aren’t going to read this. Still, I’m going to stay true to our agreement by giving you a final update and saying goodbye.

Goodbye? I sat up straighter in the bed. I felt breathless, my mouth dry.

I didn’t realize how good it felt to write to you until this week. Knowing you were on the end of the line waiting for my updates felt right to me. You gave me a purpose that felt more important than any business deal or flight I’ve taken to date. Thank you for this.

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