She had the best mom. Smiling to herself, she took out her journal. It was time to write the one who couldn’t call or text her anymore. Dad.
8:52 pm
I’ll start by saying that I should have been asleep an hour ago. I blame your family, Dad. Needy, messy, messy people.
I don’t mind too much.
Today was another epic one. God, Dad, 80% of my day was scrambling up one mountain after another. My hands might be permanently flexed into claws. I’m thankful the bunkhouse is empty right now, because when the hot water hit my lower back, I know I must have sounded like a bawling calf.
I can’t believe I’ll be heading home in two days. Can you believe it? There were a few tough days where I wondered what in the hell I was doing, but all in all, this time by myself allowed me to truly reflect on my new life. A life where you aren’t there…one where I know I’ll be okay.
My brothers will be relieved.
Tomorrow isn’t going to be easy. Hell, this whole damn trail hasn’t been easy, which is probably why I feel so smugly satisfied that I’ve done it. Almost done it, anyway, and by myself.
My body feels good. Great actually. I think it’s adapted to the all-day grind. I thought of the different hikes Mom and I can start taking together. I can’t wait.
I know you’ll enjoy it if I write to you about those adventures. Especially if Mom talks her sisters into joining us. Can you imagine???
You O’Faolain men spoiled your ladies. Hey, you spoiled me, too, so no complaints. It’s only that you taught me how to enjoy all the luxurious things while also teaching me how to rough it. I’m a fire-building machine thanks to you.
Mom and her sisters have forgotten what it was like growing up in Oklahoma and running wild at Nan’s. I’m determined to get them in tents. Hell, maybe I can persuade the whole family to an annual camping trip. I bet if they did something that you loved, it would make them feel closer to you, like it makes me feel closer.
Oh, I almost forgot. The weather is iffy, but I’ve been watching it. I won’t have service once I leave. I promise to study the weather before heading out in the morning, but it looks like the cold front is holding south of the range.
I’ve got to go. A few backpackers just walked in, and I’d like to say hello before I sleep and ask them what they’re thinking about the weather.
The bunks have drapes that I can pull as soon as I shut my bunk light off. Not 5-star but not too bad either.
I’m reading your letter tomorrow night. It’s time, and I promised myself I would.
Ithinkbelieveknow I’ve forgiven you for leaving us. Leaving me.
Love your daughter,
Bébhinn
fifteen
THE WATCHER
He had a decision to make.Stay and follow, or leave and meet her at the end. He’d listened to her speaking to her mother earlier, the windows in the bunkhouse weren’t double-paned, thank the Lord, and she confirmed what he already assumed—the final stage was a go despite the weather.
That’s why he loved her so damn much. She was fearless. He wanted to be fearless for her.
He didn’t want to chance getting stuck in a snowstorm, but there was no way he wanted her to be stuck in it by herself.
Follow it was, then.
He’d been dreaming of surprising her on her last night, and God willing, the weather would hold, and he would get his wish.
He knew from her journal that she planned on reading a letter her father had left her on her last night on the Snowdonia range. He wanted to be there for her when she did. It would be an incredible bonding moment.
Christ, but her father had been scary. He’d only met him once, but Hugh O’Faolain could scare the piss out of any man.When she’d first moved into her house, Bébhinn had held a get-together for their Dublin hiking club, The Ramblers, and O’Faolain had shown up unexpectedly. The rest of the group had been thrilled, but he’d almost been caught coming out of O’Faolain’s daughter’s room, where he’d been setting up a camera.
He disliked invading Bébhinn’s privacy, but it was the best way to observe her habits and tastes when she was at her most vulnerable. He hated the few nights her then-boyfriend had stayed over, but he would be lying if he denied how aroused he’d become watching their intimate moments.
Soon, she would only ever do those acts with him. He doubted she’d like the consequences otherwise.
