Of that, Conner was. He, like Marc, volunteered a shift a week to administer checkups and immunizations. The facility was in less than ideal condition. But it was sanitary, stayed stocked with enough food to keep everyone fed, and better than no shelter at all. Still, Conner couldn’t fathom offering himself up on a stage and going on a date with the highest bidder. He’d make an anonymous donation instead.
“What could it hurt?” Edith pressed when he didn’t respond to her earlier spiel. “Unless you’re saving yourself for someone special?” She stared at him as they walked, as if searching for the answer. “Is there someone you’re sweet on already?’
“No, of course not. I’m still getting settled in. Focusing on one thing at a time.”
That Sadie Evans was the first woman who popped into his head confused him. He admired her spunk and determination. But she was Marc’s little sister. Considering the rift between the two siblings, he didn’t think it’d be wise to pursue Sadie in any romantic way. Even if he found a way to trust his own judgment again when it came to women, he’d never allow himself to entertain those thoughts about Sadie.
“Any luck on finding a house yet?” she pressed, gently.
He was relieved for the subject change, but he’d have to keep an eye on Edith. She might sign him up for the auction and forget to tell him until the day of the festival. “Not yet.” Conner’s short-term lease on his rental would end in a couple of months. His landlord had made it clear that he wouldn’t be able to extend as another family already applied for a year-long lease. But of the few houses for sale in Sunset Ridge, none felt likehome.
“You’re not sure about staying,” Edith said matter-of-factly.
Or maybethat’swhy none of those houses felt like home. “My family’s back in Houston,” he admitted, feeling a pang of longing for the people who used to be so frequent in his life.
“Itishard,” Edith agreed. “I left behind my family, too, when I met George.” They approached a bench that was a regular pit stop on their route. Conner expanded the rubber collapsible bowl gifted to Boomer by one of his many fans and filled it with water. The pup could easily have gone the whole walk before even thinking about a drink, but he knew Edith needed the rest even if she’d never admit it.
Though Conner’s family didn’t seem to need him anymore, it was still an adjustment being half a world away. If something happened, it would take an entire day of flights to get back. He didn’t feel reassured by that.
“Any regrets?” Conner asked as Edith sat on the bench and peered out at the bay. Conner pulled out his phone to snap a picture of Boomer enjoying his new present and quickly posted it with a tagged thank-you so Edith wouldn’t scold him about living in the moment.
“No,” Edith answered, softly stroking Boomer’s neck as he slobbered his water all over the pavement. Her answer came so easily, but without much to explain why. Conner didn’t press. Edith was an open book on most topics. But she no doubt had her secrets, just like he did. Secrets that may be best kept in the dark. “Come sit down. You’re missing the sunset.”
He obeyed readily and quickly forgot about the past that kept him up most nights. The bay view with mountains stretched around it was almost enough to convince Conner Alaska was his new home. He’d never lived anywhere with such beauty. A landscape that could captivate a person so fiercely that it was easy to lose track of time. “I don’t think I’d ever get tired of this,” he admitted.
“I haven’t, and it’s going on forty-two years.”
Boomer rested against his leg, positioning himself to get pets from both of them. Conner asked, “Do you think you’ll stay in Sunset Ridge?”
“Now that George is gone and my kids and grandkids are scattered all over the country?”
“Yeah.”
“I haven’t decided. I can’t imagine leaving my home. Leaving George’s memory. But the winters are getting harder on these old bones.” She stood, signaling she was ready to continue. Boomer hopped up on all fours, tail swishing eagerly as he waited for Conner’s nod to continue their adventure.
“I’m not looking forward to all the cold and darkness.” Conner shook out the rubber bowl and pressed it flat as they waited for a group of four to pass by. Boomer stayed by Conner’s side obediently—they’d worked really hard at that one—but he stared the group down with his crazy, intense look that demanded friendship. The pup was rewarded with a few smiles, but no pets.
“Too much Texas in you.” Edith chuckled. With a nudge of her elbow to his arm, she added, “That’s why you should find yourself a wife. Someone to help keep you warm in the winter.”
“One thing at a time,” he reminded.
Edith returned a gentle smile that bordered on mischievous.
They strolled in companionable silence for the remainder of the walk, both enjoying the scenery and pleasantly warm summer air. It gave Conner ample time to gather his thoughts. To appreciate how lucky he was to have Marc’s family in town who welcomed him with open arms as if he were one of their own. Beth ensured he stayed fed. Marc’s brother-in-law, Chase, invited him to watch the baseball game Tuesday night. Here in Sunset Ridge, he felt part of something again.
If he wasn’t so jaded on love, he might even entertain the idea of finding a wife and settling down, as Edith frequently suggested.
“Thank you for the walk, as always,” Edith said when they returned home.
“Our pleasure.”
She rubbed both hands on either side of Boomer’s face, and he snuck a lick to her wrist. They said their good-nights and went their separate ways.
Conner hardly had the deadbolt flipped on the front door when his phone rang. The call surprised him. It was not only late by Alaska standards, but later still in Houston. His worries that something might’ve happened back at home were quickly dismissed when an unprogrammed number appeared on his screen.
As the vet on call this weekend, he couldn’t ignore it.
“Conner Michaelson?” The female voice on the other end sounded stiff and official. It gave him an uncomfortable chill.
