Page 99 of Barefoot Lake

“They’re your people now, too, Ace. You know that, right?”

“Yeah,” she says very sleepily.

“Let’s get you to bed.”

“Mmhmm.”

Her eyes are fluttering closed, so I scoop her up and carry her inside.

Scott mouths “good night” at me before settling onto the couch. He waits until I’ve shut my bedroom door to turn on the television.

I pull off Alice’s coat, boots, tights, dress, and bra, and maneuver her uncooperative arms into one of my t-shirts. She’s maybe half-conscious, but zero percent helpful.

I get her situated under the blanket before changing and brushing my teeth. As soon as I lie beside her, Alice turns toward me and curls against my side. Everything feels right.

I brush her hair from her forehead.

“You still up, Ace?” I ask softly.

“Mmhmm,” she mumbles.

“Alice?” I try again.

She opens her eyes and smiles.

“Hey, Jake.”

“Hey, Ace. I just need you to know I love you.”

She props herself up, more alert now.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

My heart is thudding.

“I love you, too, Jake.”

I squeeze Alice tight against me and fall into the most peaceful sleep of my life.

CHAPTER 38

Jake

Aweek after Thanksgiving, I make the turn toward my and Alice’s houses and spot Alice sitting on the steps outside of my house. She stands when she sees the truck and points to the gravel on the other side of my lawn.

I quickly park and step out of the truck.

“Is something wrong?” I ask.

“Does your friend Ila take walk-ins?” she answers my question with a question – one completely out of left field.

“What? Ila? Unless it’s a big piece, she only takes walk-ins or appointments a few days in advance. She loves the excitement of spontaneous art. Why?”

“Will you take me to see her?”

I can hear the excitement in her voice like she’s bursting to say something. The worry I felt seeing her waiting on my stoop leaves me.