I woke the next morning to the first rays of dawn stealing through the room’s window. Analise was facing me, her eyes open. She looked soft and peaceful.

“Thank you,” she said, in a voice only slightly above a whisper, her breath warm on my face.

“For what?” I asked.

“For saying no and for holding me.”

“You’re beautiful,” I said.

“So are you.” She paused. “Do you think I’ll ever see you again?”

“I don’t know.”

“I hope so. I hope someday you come back on a white horse and save me.”

“Analise …”

She put her fingers on my lips to still them. “A girl needs her fantasies.” She laid her head against my chest, and I pulled her tight against me. Her warmth and softness were exquisite. She wasn’t McKale, but she was lovely.

After a few minutes Analise groaned slightly as she pulled away. “I better get up before the kids wake.”

“Wait,” I said. “What are you going to do now?”

“Get the kids ready for the day.”

I laughed. “I was thinking a little broader.”

“Like with my life?”

I nodded.

“I don’t know. But I feel so much better. I haven’t felt this peaceful since the day before Matt died.”

“You loved him,” I said.

“With all my heart.” She touched my face. “I’m glad your walk brought you through Sidney, Mr. Christoffersen.”

“So am I.”

She leaned forward and kissed my cheek, then climbed out of bed. She looked back from the door. “Bye.”

“Bye.”

She walked out, pulling the door shut behind her. I sighed, then lay back and looked at the ceiling. Then I got up and showered.

When I walked out of the room the two children were eating bowls of cereal, staring at the backs of the cereal boxes in front of them. Casey turned around and looked at me. “Hello, Mr. Christoffersen.”

“Hi, sweetie.”

“Are you going to be here tonight?”

“No. I’m going back out walking.”

She frowned.

Christian wouldn’t look at me.

“Hey, Christian,” I said.

“What?”

“I have something for you.”

He turned and looked at me. “What?”

I took my Swiss Army knife out of my pocket. “I thought you could use this.”

He sat there staring. I could tell he wanted it, but wasn’t sure how to accept the gift. I walked to the table and set it down next to his bowl. “It will come in handy with your Scouting.”

He nodded.

“Better not take it to school, though. I’m sure they frown on students bringing knives to school.”

He nodded again.

“Okay, you take care.”

He still didn’t say anything.

A few minutes later Analise walked into the dining room. She grabbed the milk carton. “Okay, kids. Run out to the car. I’ll be right out. Christian, don’t forget your pack.”