Page 14 of Wed By the Lumberjack

“You would never hurt a roach, much less a person.”

Despite myself, I snort. “A roach? I would most definitely kill a roach.”

He shakes his head. “One time when you left popcorn in the treehouse overnight, we found a baby roach the next day. I told you time and again, where there are babies there’s a mama and a crap ton of siblings but you insisted we just carry it outside. My cousins and I fumigated the moment you left.”

“That’s disgusting,” I wrinkle my nose.

“But it shows your compassion for even the vilest of creatures. Whatever happened, we’ll figure it out together, but I promise you, you didn’t kill anyone. You’d never do that.”

“But–”

He shakes his head and strokes my cheek. “Stop jumping to conclusions in that beautiful head of yours. I promise we’ll find out the truth. Together.”

He leans forward and kisses my forehead and my fears slowly start to melt away.

Together. Somehow if I’m with Heath, I feel like anything’s possible.

“I wish I could remember more about our relationship,” I say quietly. “But I know one thing for sure– it’s obvious why I married you, Heath.”

He swallows and I follow the motion of his Adam’s apple.

“I feel so safe with you. Grounded. Protected. If you weren’t here I’d be so lost right now.”

“I’ll always be here for you, Dixie. No matter what.”

I smile, feeling my eyes water but this time with happy tears.

“Umm, speaking of that treehouse. Is it in Moonshine Creek?”

Heath looks at me so hopefully that I cut him off before he can ask.

“I don’t remember it or Moonshine Creek. It’s just Buckee brought it up and the name sounds so familiar.”

Heath deflates a bit, but I can tell he’s trying to hide his disappointment.

“It is. That’s where we grew up, and it just so happens to be on Buckee’s ranch. Or rather, in the forest that surrounds his ranch. He never cleared it down. Anyway, my cousin Cole is collecting him from the hospital tomorrow, so as long as everything goes smoothly, I promised to meet them at the ranch with all Buckee’s medications. If you’re up to it, I can take you to the treehouse at the same time.”

I nod. “I want to go. Maybe being in our old town will jog my memory?”

Heath’s expression is unreadable again as he pulls the truck back onto the road.

“Maybe it will.”

***

Our home is downright stunning. It’s small and super cozy with one exposed bedroom upstairs beneath the A-lined roof. The best part is that it smells of cedar that drifts from the small closet.

Despite its beauty though, I don’t remember a single thing about it. I was hoping I’d remember decorating a Christmas tree in the corner of the living room or cooking a meal on the tiny two-burner stove, but I don’t.

“Are you tired?” Heath asks, bending down to take off my boots and I smile my thanks. My knee’s still throbbing.

“A little. You’d think after laying in bed for twenty-four hours, I’d be sick of laying down but I’m actually craving my own bed...although I can’t exactly remember what it feels like,” I say, shrugging out of my coat. “But first, I want a hot bath to get rid of that antiseptic hospital smell.”

Heath nods. “Your stuff’s still mostly in bags so if you need my help just call out for me. I’ll make you something to eat to take with your painkillers in the meantime. You’re almost due for your next dose– What are you doing?”

Heath’s face comes back into view as I pull my shirt over my head and reach for the clasps on my bra.

“Getting undressed?” I’m just as confused as he is. He’s staring at me as if I’ve just grown a third tit.

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