I’m not sure.I don’t think I’ve ever experienced a blizzard like this one, going from zero to Mach 3 in minutes.Sure, life at the ranch has allowed me to live through countless nasty winter storms and hundreds of feet of snow.
But this is a beast of a different kind.Something immensely powerful.Growing fiercer.One thing I do know—ain’tnobodyon their way to rescueanyonein this shit, not even my crazy brothers.
We’re on our own out here.
Phoebe’s family must be panicked—if they’re even aware she was out in this mess.They might think she’s in her bedroom, asleep.How long will it be until they realize she’s missing?
Once she’s feeling up to it, I’ll ask her what in the name of sweet hell she was doing wandering around in a blizzard.
Like I was.
My dad and brothers won’t be concerned about me—they’ll know I’ll be fine.But that doesn’t apply to the rest of them.Phyllis will freak out.And if she does, Jasmine will.Man, I hate the idea that I’d ever do anything that would cause that little girl to cry.
I’m just going to focus on the best possible outcome.
Phoebe will be fine.The storm won’t last.By morning, the sun will be out and we’ll be on our way.The whole thing will make an entertaining story to tell and retell at MacLaine family barbecues for years to come.
I rub Phoebe’s back.Her breath comes in jagged inhales and irregular exhales.The shaking hasn’t subsided—it’s still violent.
“Come on, Phoebe.Breathe.Relax.I’ve got you.”
Once she’s out of danger, I’ll see if I can get a fire started.
That has to wait, though.Direct heat from a fire won’t be safe until her core is warm.And before I light anything, I’ll need to inspect the flue to make sure it’s not clogged with animal nests or creosote deposits.The last thing I want is for the place to go up in flames.
It’s all that’s standing between us and permanent freezer burn.
I’ll need to get some hot liquids into her.And maybe some food.
“You okay?”
She doesn’t answer me, and it’s safer if she stays awake and alert while her temperature rises.Some people who fall asleep with hypothermia never wake up.“Hey, Phoebe, are you all right?”
“I’m d-d-dead.”
“What?”I try to move enough to see her face, but she keeps her head turned away from me.
“D-dead.”
“No.”
“I d-d-died.”
“You’re not dead.You’re alive and you’re going to stay that way.”
“No.D-dead.”With the screaming wind, I can barely hear her.“B-bec-c-cause I think you’re Evander, c-c-completely naked with me, and that ca-can’t be real.”
I’m not sure how to respond, or even if I should.
“This has to b-be heaven.”
“Just Nevada, Phoebe.”
“You’re an angel.”
“Yeah…no.”
“I w-wanted to kiss him b-before I d-d-died.Just w-w-wonce.”
