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“Yes. No one has to pay to stay at‘Mountain Breath’. They’re self-sufficient as much as is possible, but everyone is expected to do their part to keep everything running smoothly.” She replies, leading us to a clearing with a breathtaking vista.
Far below us now is the pristine MacArthur Lake reflecting the last vibrant colors of the sky. It’s magnificent!
“We’re nearly there. According to Miriam, this is only ten minutes from their place. Let’s go.” Claudette sounds excited, her face beaming.
She rushes ahead, clearly fired up to see her friend. In the last light, the shadows are lengthening, stretching out across the forest floor like dark fingers. If it wasn’t for Aiden, I’d be freaking out that Tiero’s men were lurking behind the trees, ready to ambush me.
But Tiero isn’t here. I’d feel him.
I wonder where he’s searching for me. Does he know I’m still in Canada, albeit on the opposite side?
A loud squeal pierces the air, echoing through the tranquil surroundings. The voice carries a joyous energy, enlivening the serene atmosphere.
We watch as a woman appears on the top of the hill, quickening her pace. Her gait is light and agile, and a little bouncy, reminding me of a playful pixie.
Claudette lets out an equally loud cry and starts running.
They stop a few feet short and circle each other as if ready to pounce. Then they crouch lower and flap their arms.
Ade and I share a look. Okaaayyy.
The next moment, in a flurry of laughter and boundless joy, they crush into an embrace.
I guess that’s Miriam. This should be interesting.
Chapter Seventeen
Ella
AdeandIwalkcloser to where Claudette and Miriam are hugging.
A warm fuzziness spreads through me as I watch the two friends. Their reunion reminds me of Rhia and me, apart from the strange turkey dance. God, I miss her so much!
Seriously, I have to find a way to get in touch with her now that we’ve arrived. Even if Carl updated her on what’s happening—and I hope he has—she’d still be worried.
“Why do I get the feeling that Miriam is going to be just as crazy as Claudette?” Aiden whispers as we approach them.
I giggle. “I prefer the term quirky.”
He winks at me, placing his hand on my lower back for a few seconds until we reach the two friends.
Miriam looks cheeky with her pixie haircut and eyes twinkling with mischief. Her features are delicate and a little dainty. Not what I expected from someone living in the wilderness.
Her cheeks are flushed with a rosy hue, and she exudes an irresistible charm. I can’t put my finger on it, but there’s something familiar about her.
“You must be Ella,” she says as she embraces me whole-heartedly.
She takes a step back and scans me from head to toe. Okayyy. What’s that all about?
“Well, aren’t you a pretty thing?” she says, smiling broadly at me. “Claude tells me there’s two of you.”
When did Claudette have time to tell her that? Miriam doesn’t hesitate to pat my belly and rub soothing circles.
Wow, sheisforward.
I want to be taken aback, but her jovial nature makes that impossible. I can see why Claudette succumbed to Miriam’s advances when they were younger.
Turning to Aiden, she greets him with the same enthusiasm. “Are you the father?” she asks.
