Dale

Freed.

Finally.

Ashley is home, and we’re going to make this work. Yes, it will take work. My past won’t disappear. Not ever. Like Dad said, I have to live with it. That’s not part of the choice. The choice is how I live with it—which road I choose to take.

I’m seeing Aunt Mel again to help sort everything out. The big question is whether I need to tell Donny what happened those last few days of our captivity. I waver on that. I want to tell him, to be honest with him, but he’s happy. I don’t want to destroy that.

Ashley made arrangements to finish her coursework online. By May, she’ll be a true doctor of wine! Where she goes from there is up to her. She has my full support, whether she wants to use her knowledge at the Steel Winery or live her dream to become a sommelier at a fine restaurant in Grand Junction.

Willow is moving to Colorado. She’ll be here by Thanksgiving for the big party for Uncle Ryan and Aunt Ruby. She’ll stay with us until she finds a place of her own. Ashley has already found a place in town for her to open a salon. She’s starting over in a new place, and Ashley couldn’t be happier.

And Donny…

Donny’s moving back home.

He accepted Mom’s offer to become the assistant city attorney for Snow Creek. Yes, my little brother gave up a partnership track at a top Denver firm to come home. I can’t help wondering if Callie Pike had anything to do with that decision. They were cozy the night of the reception.

The old-vine Syrah has finished fermenting. Now the aging begins. It’s going to be an amazing vintage, and even though it should have been twice the amount, I’m living with it and my part in the tragedy. There’s no way to know if my campfire truly started the fire. I’ve accepted that it most likely didn’t, as I’m always very careful, and I remember being extra careful both mornings.

But I’ll never know for sure, and I have to accept that.

Part of being free means I have to accept those things in my life that I can’t change. It’s not easy, but it’s doable.

I’m doing it.

I’m at my office now, answering a few emails before I head to the winery to check on the Syrah and other wines, when my phone dings with a text.

Brendan Murphy?

Why is he texting me?

Dale, we need to talk. Important.

Tonight at my place. Bring Donny.