It would have been a lie if later she told herself that she didn’t feel a twinge of anger then, that she hadn’t had to hold back from shouting that she’d paid his bloody bills, every last dollar, every last cent of them. It would have been a lie if she believed she hadn’t wanted to spit straight in his face. Progress, she thought, isn’t always easy.

But it also wouldn’t have been honest if she had said, “No problem. I took care of it.” So instead Annie told him, “I’ve decided that if we’re lucky, we get to learn from our mistakes.” She smiled again, then slipped from his touch, and headed back to the On Time, feeling lighter than she had in years, not caring if he watched her walk away.

Chapter 29

Chapter 29

Winnie was stepping out of the cottage as Annie was returning. Annie told her where she’d been and what she’d done; Winnie responded with one of her loving hugs. But she was quiet, unusually subdued.

“I’ve had a lovely visit with your Donna,” Winnie said as she led Annie from the cottage, up toward the Inn. They sat along one of the newly built stone walls that framed the terrace. “Lucy’s with her now. When I left them, the dog was on the bed. I hope that’s okay with you.”

“If Donna likes him there, absolutely. Whatever she finds comforting.”

“I think what she finds most comforting is being here. With Kevin and you.”

“I hope the outcome of the archeological tests doesn’t boot us off the land before . . .”

“Before her time has come?” Winnie patted Annie’s hand. “Let’s not worry about that. The tribal council knows the value of family and the importance of living . . . and of dying.”

Annie nodded. Then she said, “At least I finally had closure with Mark.”

“And how are you after seeing him?”

“He’s the same. I’m the one who has changed.”

“Life changes all of us when the time is right. Speaking of which, I suggest you have a talk with Donna. There are things she wants to tell you.”

“Such as?”

Winnie smiled. “They’re not for me to say. Just remember to be patient and listen carefully. And that though most of us do foolish things throughout our lives, we’re all just flesh and blood. There’s no getting around that.” Then Winnie stood. “Now this old flesh and blood of mine needs to get on the road before the light of day totally fades. I called Earl; he’ll pick up Lucy. She’ll spend the night with them. The dog, too.” She placed a finger on her chin. “I suppose that means John will be alone tonight.”

Annie laughed. “Thanks for the thought, but I’ll stay here with Donna. Especially since you’ve given me so much to think about.”