Chapter 22

Vanessa stared at the darkened screen after ending the call with Harris, lost in thought. He didn't answer her question. Blake waved a hand in front of her face, pulling her out of her thoughts. "What did he say? You looked so happy a moment ago, and now your eyes have lost their spark." Vanessa climbed onto his back as he carried her toward their lodging. She replied softly, "He said he regrets it and that he wants me back." A thought crossed her mind, and she asked curiously, "What will you do if he tries to win me back?" Blake's grip on her legs tightened slightly. "No way; I won't give him the chance." Vanessa had no idea her casual remark would prove prophetic. When they went ice fishing on a frozen sea, they encountered Harris. Pale and frail from his recent illness, he looked weaker than before. His doctor hovered nearby, watching him with care in case he might collapse at any moment. Vanessa sat by the fishing hole, holding her rod while watching Harris slowly approach