Page 55 of Ultimate Freedom

Demi gave Whitthe look, and he picked up on it instantly. Changing the subject, he gave a brief description of the buildings on the way and got them there in no time. It surprised Bella when Demi stopped her from opening her front passenger door. “Better to let me go first.”

Bella looked at Whit sitting next to her on the front seat. “Why?”

He pointed through the snow-covered window, and both watched as a huge wolf came bounding out of the forest heading straight for the small woman standing so proud.

For the first time, Bella saw her friend in a completely different way. Small in stature, the silhouette of a proud woman unafraid, with her thick red braid slung over one shoulder, meeting up with the wild animal.

“Let’s give them a few moments.” Whit smiled at Bella’s astonishment. “It’s Nito, her pet. He doesn’t take well to strangers so it’s best to wait until Demi gives us the okay.”

“My God, he’s huge. Comes past her waist.”

“I know, right? Seeing them together like this, messing around, scares the bejesus outta me sometimes. But he’s so gentle with her; it almost brings me to tears.”

Bella quickly turned his way; his words having shocked her. City people didn’t talk that way… well, city men didn’t. Yet this big man knew it and didn’t care. Understanding that if she was to be in their lives, she would need to know him properly and she just nodded. His soft mushy side as well as the one he wore for strangers were being revealed to her, and she took it as the compliment it was meant to be.

Soon, they were settled inside the cabin. Nito had grudgingly allowed Bella to pet Pearl before he took his place in front of the fire where the two animals caught up on their hellos. While Whit carried their gear inside, Demi began gathering essentials to start a stew cooking.

Soon, Whit headed into town to pick up Charlie and left the girls alone. “Your man fits here, doesn’t he?”

Demi thought about Bella’s statement and nodded. “It’s his place. He loves it. Wants us to build a big house closer to the river over yonder a bit.”

Bella didn’t hide her shock. “Are you two getting married? Why didn’t you tell us?”

Demi pulled her ring out and slipped it on her finger. She’d put it on a chain and wore it inside her shirt. “I was scared to lose it while shoveling the snow on the drive in to pick you up. Then you were so upset with Tanner, I decided not to show you until the right moment.”

“Oh, Demi. I’m so sorry to have spoiled that for you. It’s absolutely gorgeous… and definitely from the north with those gold nuggets.” While Bella hugged Demi close, she made up her mind not to bring down her sister’s joy. “Tell me all about it.”

“I guess it’s that same age-old story. We fell in love and now it’s important to give Charlie a proper home.” She looked around her cozy cabin and admitted what no one else would ever say. “This place was perfect for me. But then I wanted Glen to move in. I told you about him.”

Bella nodded.

“He’s my brother from another. Truly. You’ll know what I mean when you meet him. Then Whit and I became a couple, so he moved in. And Glen met Rudy.”

“His partner.”

“Yes. Next came Charlie, and after his mom died, leaving him an orphan, we needed to give him a family. He moved into Glen’s room who left to be with Rudy full time. And soon after, along came Harold who was just supposed to be visiting. But he felt so happy here, how could we send him back to a lonely existence in Vancouver?”

“You? You couldn’t.”

“Exactly. So, he moved into Whit’s house in Stewart with another lady who needed a place, and they kind of take care of each other.”

“And… now I’m here. In your way.”

Demi ran to Bella and grabbed her shoulders to get and keep her attention. “Never. You’d never be in the way. Ever. I love having you here, and you know it. Inside, you know it. I just wanted you to love this place, and I guess I’m embarrassed about how – how small and insignificant – even countryish we must seem to you.”

“You do seem small but never insignificant. And countryish is beautiful in its own way. Sure, it’s different from the city but I still have all the pictures you’ve sent me from this place. The mountains and valleys and streams filled with salmon. The wildflowers and wildlife. Are you kidding me? It’s paradise, Demi. I envy you.”

“So, living here with us will be okay?”

“It’s an honor. I’ll love every minute. But I won’t put Charlie out of his room. I saw Whit carry my stuff in there.”

“Fine then. Break his heart. He’d planned on bunking in with his best buddy Teddy while you were here. Now he won’t have to. I’m sure the couch will be comfy for you and them… and your crying fits when you think I can’t see you.”

Bella crossed her arms. “You’re being sarcastic and not doing a very good job of it.”

“Oh, you think so?”

“Fine. I’ll stay in his room. But… if he wants to come home, I’ll go to the hotel.”

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