Book 2 of 2, sequel to Alaska's Illicit.
In which Mikaere returns to Alaska, but upon arriving realizes that she has a new problem: Vaughn, Darren, or should she just stick with Jared?
Vaughn's past and life are revealed, and also a serial killer mi...
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CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR: NOSTALGIA
Vaughn throws the stick for 8, almost 9-month-old Jared, looking like an overgrown prince from some kind of murder-mystery slash snow-clad fairytale series. And I watch, probably looking like...well, I don't know. But it probably aligns more with the murder-mystery part more so than the fairytale princess idea. I haven't slept very well the last couple of nights, thanks to all that's happened.
I turn back, deciding to go back inside to the warm, fluffy blankets before I stop and sigh quietly. I should probably bring in some firewood while I'm at it.
If I had to guess, Vaughn chopped some before I got here, or at least stacked it next to the cabin. Either way, I would kind of be lying if I said I wasn't a tad bit disappointed that I didn't arrive earlier to see it.
Heading over to the woodpile, I go to grab a chunk when I see it is still slightly connected to another. Not enough to make it one piece of wood, but enough to be an annoyance. So, obviously, I set it down with the intention of just grabbing a different one.
But apparently, the guy behind me is in an altruistic mood.
"There's an ax there," he helpfully points out, as if I didn't almost trip on it walking over like ten minutes ago.
I'm about to respond with, 'I know, but chopping wood isn't a pastime of mine,' when my mind flashes back to the time he said something similar back at the Chickaloon cabin. So for a moment I just focus on trying to recall what I said to him so that I can say it again.
"Yes, but I think this method is faster, wouldn't you agree?"
I glance back just in time to see his lips quirk upward a bit. He recalls too.
Vaughn and I haven't really spoken much since I arrived twenty minutes ago. I mean, we said hi and he helped me with my bag while I took care of Red, but until now, we haven't really had a good time to talk.
He moves over to me, grabbing some firewood as well, and without a word I follow him inside, my arms full with two whole chunks of wood compared to his measly five.
After we've set it all to the side of the woodstove, I stand beside Vaughn as I watch him begin to get the fire started.
I can't believe we have come full circle back to this.
I mean, well, in a way I can, but not really - not completely.
It feels...safe, but also sad. Because Moose isn't with us. He isn't there to wag his tail slowly as his ears or belly are rubbed, or to start drooling an astronomical amount at the sight of a marshmallow.
No, this time, Vaughn and I watch the fire spark to life with Red between us.
"How are you doing?" He asks as he stands up, dusting his hands off on his jeans. He's also wearing an evergreen sweater, close to my favorite color, and it brings out his eyes.
