Page 97 of His One True Wish

I know now your travels have taken you far away from me. You are far from Smoke River and far from your family. I’m sorry I didn’t get more time to talk with you or share this place with you.You told me everything would be all right if I stayed in Smoke River, and it is.

I met your granddaughter, Billie. She was surprised I was here. I was surprised to meet her, but I’m glad to have known her. I don’t know why you didn’t tell her about me, and it’s okay. You know this already, but Billie has your eyes. We were stuck in the snow together for two days, and I am grateful for every moment I spent with her. Her love for you is as deep and wide as the snow drifts that trapped us in this cabin together. She has a strength in her heart and a spark of joy that inspires me.

You may not know this, but I haven’t always done the right thing. In fact, I’ve fucked up. I have spent my life believing that I don’t want a relationship that is real or one that will last. I’ve picked the wrong women on purpose. I believed that is all I deserved. I think you know that. I am afraid you think I’m a better man that I really am.

I need you to know that I am a better man now. It’s because ofyou, because of Billie. You are good women, and your granddaughter is the kind of woman who makes a man like me want to change.

I’m not good enough for her, and that’s okay. She knows it now, but I have to tell you that I love her. I love your granddaughter, and because she deserves more than me, I’m leaving.

I know it’s ridiculous, but I want to give you my notice. I’m leaving Smoke River. I’ve wired additional funds to cover the improvements I planned but wasn’t able to execute. Since you are away, I am hoping that your family can put these funds to good use.

I’m sorry you’re gone, Louise. I didn’t realize what you meant to me until Billie told me the news. You made a difference to Billie, and I want you to know you made a difference to me.

Cam and I are packing up today. Mason is on-board to manage things and will make sure Billie is notified that I’ve gone. It’s best for her and for me.

Thank you for taking a chance on me. Wherever you are, know I’ll see you in the night sky.

Love,

Axl

Love, Axl.

Tears streamed down my face.I wiped them off with the palm of my hand and stared at Gran’s ceiling. Axl loved me? He loved me, and he was leaving?

A wave of panic moved through me. My body tensed. I needed to see him, to know if it was true. He hadn’t told me the truth about Angel or his path, but I also understood that I didn’t really give him a chance. The connection I felt between us wasn’t one-sided. It was real. I needed to see him, even if it was just to say goodbye in person.

I jumped out of bed and called Mason’s cell. It went straight to voicemail. Pacing in Gran’s bedroom, I left a message.

“Mason, it’s me. It’s Billie. I need to talk to Axl.” I paused andexhaled. “I think he’s leaving Smoke River. I need you to stop him. I’m coming back up the mountain. Please stop him, Mason.”

I ran downstairs, gripping Gran’s key chain in my hand. I felt the same sense of urgency the night I ran from Abby and Mom and escaped to the cabin. This time, I was running toward something, not running away.

Mom followedme into the drive, her eyes wide. “I don’t understand. You’re going back?”

“I need to see Axl,” I said, walking to the truck. “Mom, Gran knew him. She picked him to live at the cabin, just like she picked Abby to sell this house. She told both of them she was going to travel. I think she knew her time was short, Mom. I think she knew.”

Mom’s mouth dropped open. She exhaled. “Wow,” she whispered, pressing her knuckles to her lips.

“I called Mason,” I said.

“Did Mason know?” Mom said, her voice tense, her hand still covering her mouth.

Abby pulled in front of the house. She climbed out of the car, holding bags from King’s Burgers.

“I brought lunch!” Abby sang, walking up the drive.

My phone rang. I answered.

“Mason,” I gasped.

“Hey, I got your message.”

“Is Axl there?”

“His plane is still here,” Mason said. “But he has plans to leave today. I can try to delay him, Billie, but I’m not sure he’ll listen to me.”

“You have to stall him,” I said, keys in hand. Abby was now beside Mom, a puzzled expression on her face.

---