Burn in hell, you bastard.

She squeezed Joe's hand as they started down the road. "No problem. We'll manage to get through it together."

EPILOGUE:

"You should go in. It may be March, but the lake breeze is still cool."

Eve turned to see Bonnie sitting on the porch steps, leaning against the rail. "I'm not cold. Who's the mother here?"

Bonnie giggled. "I'm making up for all the times you said things like that to me."

"Ungrateful child."

"Yep." She shaded her eyes as she looked out at the boat on the water. "Joe's got Jane all bundled up in his sweater. Why didn't you go fishing with them?"

"I was feeling lazy."

"And you wanted to give Joe the chance to bond with Jane."

"If you knew the answer, why did you ask?"

"You shouldn't worry. He really likes Jane. It's not easy for him to let anyone else into his life. It will take a little time for him to adjust."

"I'm not worried." She leaned her head back against the rail. "Life's pretty good, baby."

"It's about time. You've been very difficult, Mama." She looked back at the boat. "You haven't told Joe about me yet."

"I will soon."

"Are you afraid he'll think you're crazy? You should know better."

"Maybe I just want to keep you to myself for a little while longer. Is that so bad?"

"Not to me."

"Or maybe I'm afraid if I tell anyone, you won't come back."

"That's pretty dumb. Why would I leave you just when you're so much happier? I love to see you happy."

Contentment flowed through Eve in a golden tide. "We're going to find you, Bonnie. Sarah offered to come here with Monty next month and search the Chattahoochee park. I have a good feeling. We're going to bring you home, baby."

"You know that never meant anything to me, but it will make you happy." She leaned forward and linked her arms around her knees. "I like Monty. He's nice and smart too."

"And how do you know he's smart?"

Bonnie didn't answer.

"Sarah said something weird happened to Monty up in the mountains that night."

Bonnie's gaze shifted back to the boat. "Did she?"

"You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?"

"Don't be silly, Mama. How could I?" The teasing smile Bonnie turned on her was brimming with love and mischief. "When you know I'm only a dream."

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