CHAPTER 24
Kori and Wyattstepped into a mudroom just inside the side entrance. She took note of the boots lined neatly beneath a row of hooks, the coats hanging along the wall, and the faint smell of woodsmoke drifting through the house.
And she smelled something warm, almost yeasty.
Bread.
Her stomach grumbled.
Footsteps approached, and three dogs rushed to greet them.
Kori froze, bracing herself.
But instead of jumping on her, they sniffed Thunder. Then two wagged their tails and the other his nub.
“The cocker spaniel is Biscuit,” Wyatt explained. “The lab is Good Boy. And the husky is Hamilton. They’re sweethearts. Nothing to be scared of.”
Her shoulders slumped, and she leaned forward to give them head pats. They were quite the welcome committee.
As she did, a woman appeared in the doorway. She was probably close to Kori’s age, with warm eyes and dark hair pulled into a loose knot.
She smiled easily. “I’m Millie. We’re so glad you’re here.”
“Thank you for letting me stay here.”
“Of course!” Millie led them into the kitchen.
The room opened into a large living space beyond. There was an eating area with a long, farmhouse table. Beyond that were couches and chairs around a flickering fireplace.
A man whose resemblance to Wyatt was undeniable crossed the room toward them.
“Kori Hutchins,” Wyatt said. “My brother Caleb.”
“Nice to meet you,” Caleb said. “We’re glad you’re here.”
Millie was already back in the kitchen slicing thick pieces from a loaf of bread. “Ruby dropped this off earlier. It’s homemade. You should try some.”
Kori hadn’t realized how hungry she was until the smell hit her again.
She accepted a piece and sat at the table.
Just as she did, another woman appeared from the hallway carrying a small bundle against her chest.
A baby, she realized.
“And this is my sister, Naomi,” Wyatt said. “I know it’s a lot to remember.”
Naomi smiled and adjusted the blanket around the tiny face peeking out, “And this is Grace.”
Something unexpected tightened in Kori’s chest.
This place. These people. The warmth of the room.
It felt different from the cold uncertainty she’d been carrying since Mackenzie disappeared.
They all gathered around the table, and Wyatt began explaining the situation to everyone—the trail, the backpack, tomorrow’s search.
Kori looked around the room as he did.
