Page 300 of Mountain Grump

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That hope swells inside my rib cage.

She’s eating the food I left for her this morning.

And she’s sitting in the chair I got just for her.

I hesitate. Then I send her another message.

Me: I miss you.

The hope twists around itself.

It’s true. The most true thing I’ve ever felt. I miss her so fucking much.

But I don’t know if telling her?—

Wife: I miss you too.

The relief that hits me is so thick I shift back.

I want to go to her.

Right now.

I want to fall to my knees in front of her and beg her forgiveness.

But that’s not what she needs.

She needs to believe me.

Wife: I want to believe you.

I press a fist over my heart.

She always said it was like I could read her mind. Like I knew what she was thinking.

But she did it just as much to me. And even now… even apart, it’s like we’re together.

Me: You will.

Me: Friday. Noon.

I send her the address.

But just the address.

It’s two days away. And I don’t want to wait that long. But I can. Because a lifetime is on the line.

Chapter 175

Tilda

I lookedup the location on the map as soon as Ethan sent it to me. But it didn’t show anything. All I could tell was that it was next to the state park. Not far from my house, but I have to take a roundabout way to get there.

So, I don’t know where I’m going, but there are three vehicles ahead of me, and they’re all slowing to take the turn I’m headed for.

I follow the row of cars as we all head down the gravel road.

It’s narrow and winds between tall trees.

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