I have lost so many things in my life that I have forgotten what it’s like to receive a gift this precious.

After half an hour on the road, Shadow clambers into the backseat, ripping my leather upholstery with his claws in the process, but so what? His big body stretches from door to door. He lets out a sigh and seems to fall asleep. But when I tilt the rearview mirror to get an angle on him, one brimstone eye opens.

Despite my misgivings about stopping, I slow down as I pass the Cronk place. I expect to see a line of vehicles from Aimee’s visiting family, but the windows are dark, and the Tahoe isn’t in the driveway. Aimee’s parents and sister live Down East. Maybe the Cronks changed their plans and drove to Washington County instead of hosting supper here?

When I turn down the drive to my house, Shadow rouses himself.

“I’m assuming you want to stay at your place. But you’re welcome to crash with me. It’ll be a lot warmer.”

Through the hemlocks I see lights coming from the house. It is unlike me to leave lamps on by mistake. Then I see that my entire trim is strung with Christmas lights. There are electric candles glowing in the windows, and a big wreath on the door.

The Cronks must have come by while I was away and decorated the place. No doubt this was at Emma’s insistence. I find myself wishing they had stayed. The occasion of Shadow’s return calls for celebration.

Unsure whether to drive into his enclosure or attempt to lure him indoors, I stop the truck outside my front steps. The key to the gate is hanging on a hook in my kitchen.

“I’ll be right back,” I tell him.

He answers with a growl which I interpret, without evidence, as a sign that he wants to come inside rather than sleep another night in the cold.

“Let me pick up a few things first.”

I slip out of the Scout and drag myself up the steps and turn the key in the lock.

Suddenly there is a choral shout. “Surprise!”

Emma Cronk runs toward me, nearly tripping over her wizard robe, while the Cronklet boys emerge, grinning, from the living room, with Billy and Aimee behind them. Charley and Ora are next, followed by a slim woman with brown hair and jade-green eyes. I wrap my arms around Emma and some of the younger boys, and shake hands with the older ones. I give Billy a bro hug and have the air squeezed out of me by his wife. Charley claps his hand against my shoulderblade, as he always does, and I manage not to wince. I lean down to kiss Ora on the cheek, only to have her pull me down for a real hug.