Her Alaskan Return by Belle Calhoune

Author:Belle Calhoune
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2023-01-03T21:28:44+00:00

Chapter Nine

There weren’t many places where Judah could go in Serenity Peak that brought him absolute peace. The Halcyon Mountains were a rare exception. Beautiful and majestic, the peaks boasted the most breathtaking views he had ever seen in his life. If he stood on a certain ridge, Judah could see all of Serenity Peak, as well as Kachemak Bay. Ever since he was a kid, Judah had been hiking these trails and exploring the mountain’s hidden gems. The air up here was pristine, and the clouds seemed to be within reach.

“I thought that I might find you here.” Sean’s voice came from behind him.

Judah had been so deep in his thoughts that he hadn’t heard his best friend approaching. Even though Judah often gave off standoffish vibes, Sean knew better. He understood instinctively that Judah didn’t want to be alone today. There was something about this eleventh birthday remembrance that was hitting him particularly hard. Maybe it was because turning eleven had been full of such joy and wonder for Judah. If anyone were to have asked him he would have told them it was his favorite birthday year.

“He loved being up here in the mountains. I wanted to spend some time in a place he adored.” Judah shoved his hands into his parka pockets. “I’ve never seen him quite so happy as when we came out here.”

“I get it,” Sean said. “It’s a nice way to honor him. He was an amazing kid, Judah. Someone special that’s for sure. He had a light and a raw energy that dazzled all of us.”

“Did you know he could recognize ten different species of birds by the time he was six?” Judah let out a chuckle. “That used to make Mary so proud. Not that it took much. She was his biggest fan.”

Silence settled in as they looked out over the valley. Time seemed to stand still here. That quality was comforting to him. He didn’t have to worry about everything whirling and speeding past him.

“I blew up at Autumn earlier. I’m feeling pretty torn up about it.” Ever since he’d left Northern Lights he had been filled with recriminations. Things had gotten so ugly between them. Even though he’d been annoyed with Autumn poking around in his business, he’d been in a bad way ever since he had woken up. She didn’t deserve to be a scapegoat.

The fact that he should be celebrating Zane’s eleventh birthday today instead of mourning him caused his soul to ache. It wasn’t fair! Why Zane, God? Why did you pick my son? The question had been reverberating inside his mind ever since the accident.

“I know. She told me.” Sean shook his head. “The two of you have unfinished business, Judah. Maybe you should just hash out the past with her so you can move forward...as friends...acquaintances. Whatever you decide.”

“Hash what out? She dumped me. What’s there to talk about?” he asked.

Sean shrugged. “I don’t know, man. There was always something odd about the breakup if you ask me.

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