My concern over HT's flight is compounded by the fact that he wanted to rush and get home the night before his sister so we could have some man time together. I know he needs me during this critical time. He's smart as a whip, finishing graduate school at the University of Montana. Want's to be a veterinarian specializing in animal husbandry. He got that gene from his grandfather, of that, I am sure. I wish he knew my dad. He sure would have loved him. They are so much alike.

Like all Longmire men, HT had a hard time in school at first, partly because his sister was the social butterfly, and partly because he is so introverted and quiet. Vic thinks he's worse than me which naturally means that I worry about him. He lives in his head too much but deciding to go to school away from Grace was a big step for him and so far, he is doing well. He had a year left of eligibility for football but decided not to play once he landed an academic scholarship. It turns out he's smarter than his old man and at that I smile.

"HT coming home early for Thanksgiving?" Stu breaks my thoughts.

"Ah, no, he's coming home for my birthday."

"Special one?"

"70th"

Stu sticks out a hand, "Congratulations, Walt. Damn you look good."

"Thanks, Stu. Helps that Vic got me running in those 5k's years ago."

"Hey didn't you run a marathon?"

"Yeah, a few years back, ran the Boston Marathon. It was the 20th anniversary of Boston Strong."

"That's right. Hey, that made the papers here. I remember now."

I nod my head, embarrassed, and remembering the news article about the recently retired Sheriff placing first in his age category for the marathon. I couldn't tell the paper that the local Sheriff ordered me not to get old and fat.

Before we got married, I promised myself I would always try to keep her satisfied. Fortunately, the physical side of our relationship is just as strong as always. I've held up pretty good and am about ten pounds lighter than I was when we were hitched. Vic tells me if I age like Clint Eastwood than she will maintain bragging rights in the county. She still makes me blush but I aim to please her.

Henry and I joined the YMCA and we lift weights at the gym 3 times a week. He swears it helps is libido. Henry hasn't changed. Still the handsomest man in the county.

"Stu, any word?"

"No, not yet"

I see Stu scribbling on a notepad and typing on his computer screen but I don't see the small plane headed in. Stu dawns a serious face and he banters back and forth into his headset. Something is not right but I don't know what it is.

Stu's red head sinks into his meaty palm and as he scratches his forehead back and forth as if he is trying to create the answers I interrupt, "Is the plane down?"

"No, Walt. It's missing."

"What do you mean missing?" The sausage rolls on the back of his neck fold and seem to multiply as the sweat trickles down his forehead.

"Well I last had contact at 1500 hours and I just checked with Missoula the plane took off on time at 1318 hours so they should have been here around 1430 hours."

"You think they diverted?"

"Could be but they didn't notify us"

I stand there looking out at the vast Wyoming sky, white from the storm, my stomach in knots.

The phone rings in my pocket. "Sorry Stu" for ignoring the no cell phones sign blasted on the entry door to the tower. The phone rings with a picture of Grace.

"I gotta take this Stu."

He nods his head letting me know it's ok

"Hi Gracie"

"Hi Daddy, did you get HT?"

"At the airport now."

"Oh my goodness. I am relieved, Dad. I've been getting this terrible feeling that something was wrong."

I'm silent. They have done this their entire lives. Even though they are fraternal, they are still twins, and intuitively close.

I'm silent as I think, no as I confirm, in my spirit that something is wrong and HT is in trouble."

Her voice echos, "hello, Dad" "hello!"

"I'm here GM"

"You must be thinking of Uncle Lucian" she laughs.

"I was thinking about him and how much he would want to give you and HT a big ol hug be proud of ya."

"Oh Daddy, I miss you and Uncle Lucian"

"I miss you….a lot..kiddo…but Mom and me will see you on Friday, right?"

"Dad, I wouldn't miss your birthday for anything in the world."

"You're still riding with Cady and the kids?"

"Yup, sure am."

"I don't like you missing this much school."

"Stop worrying, I already squared it with my profs and I'm turning in my assignments early. Dad, it's ok really. Like I'm gonna miss your 70th and all the crap Mom and Uncle Henry are going to give you. No way, am I going to not be a part of that."

I can't help but laugh.

"Ok Grace, I'll talk to you later."

"Dad, are you sure everything is ok because I don't feel ok."

"Everything will be fine." Technically I didn't lie. They will be fine. I just don't know when.