Chapter 9 – Becca

I didn't realize when I came back to help Rachel that they'd think I was back for good.

It started at breakfast the next morning. Dad, Rachel, and Paul sat around the kitchen table and I sat in my spot near the radiator as we shared the gossip we'd heard at the bonfire.

"Your Aunt Jane is retiring from teaching at the tribal school," Dad said as he gave me a look like that should mean something to me.

"Mrs. Hughes had two vacant houses she's trying to rent," said Rachel too off-handedly to be convincing.

"Aunt Nora predicted that you'll be a grandfather within a year," Paul declared to Dad. When Rachel objected, Paul laughed and said, "Don't worry Rache, Auntie Becca will watch the kids while their mom works."

As if I'd be here then. In a year. Even if I didn't have the money I'd earned from teaching in Hawaii, my photography hobby-slash-side business, and my generous divorce settlement, there was no scenario that would make me stay here. The sky was still dark from last night's rain, making the family room feel smaller than usual. I itched to get out of there. I could almost hear Jake's bike calling me from the little shed.

But instead of bolting, I changed the subject. "What's with the wolves?"

Three simultaneous coughs indicated I'd been heard. In the moment before they recovered, Rachel's face whitened, Paul stared hard at me, and Dad's deep forehead wrinkles made an appearance. He cleared his throat. "What do you mean?"

"Well, when I was hiking yesterday I heard a wolf howl and then last night I thought I saw one, only I think my eyes must have been playing tricks on me because it looked huge. I don't remember seeing wolves around. Did they just move here?"

Paul said, "What color was the wolf?"

"Gray, it was a big gray wolf."

"Hmm."

Rachel's voice pitched unusually high. "You know, I've noticed a lot more wolves around lately, too. They don't howl often, though."

Dad still looked sad when he said, "Yes, Rebecca, the wolves are a new addition since you've been gone."

It was Rachel's turn to change the subject. "Anyway, now that you've seen the reception venue, we can start planning the decorations, staging, timing, and the rest of it. The community center doesn't have a wedding coordinator, but I know someone who would love to help."

"Who?" Paul asked.

Rachel smiled at her betrothed. "Renesme's Aunt Alice." She turned her attention to me. "Jake can get you her number."

Paul gripped his fork too tight and Dad's eyes narrowed to slits.

"Is Alice dangerous or something?" I asked, trying to make light of the tension.

"No," Rachel said firmly at the same time Paul said, "Yes."

I'd meant it as a joke, but I guessed it wasn't funny.

Rachel went on as if her fiancé wasn't fuming next to her. "She's very talented. You should have seen Renesme's birthday party last year. I almost died it was so gorgeous."

Paul stood. "Rachel, can I speak to you for a sec?" He stormed off down the hall and went into the room I was staying in. Rachel followed calmly, as if she'd been expecting this reaction.

I could hear whispering in the room. Dad looked like he was watching a pot boil over and couldn't turn the heat down. He answered my unasked question. "Some people, Paul being one of them, have issues with Renesme's family."

That was strange. How could that be when Jake was so close with them? I didn't get a chance to ask though, because right then Paul stormed back into the family room. "Becca, you can work with Alice, but you need to meet somewhere public. Under no circumstances are you to go to their house, and Alice certainly can't come here. Do you understand?"

I crossed my arms. "Since when do you make the rules, Paul?"

Rachel stood beside Paul. "Becca, he's right on this one. I'd love it if you would work with Alice." She glanced at Paul. "But you need to be careful, take precautions. Make sure Jake is with you. Or Leah. She's a bridesmaid. You could have Leah go with you."

It sounded like more trouble than it was worth, and I'd decided to "forget" to call Alice when Rachel walked across the room and hugged me. "I wish I could explain."

That was the second time someone had said that to me. What was so hard to explain? I found myself withdrawing. I didn't do drama. I didn't care about little squabbles between families. I didn't have to get involved.

Rachel gave me her sweet, innocent look that no one was immune to. "Promise you'll call her this week?" Damn, she knew me better than I knew myself sometimes.

"Sure, sure." I was suddenly very warm. I needed air, fast air pushing past me as I rode far from this.

I grabbed Jake's leather jacket off the hook by the door and shoved my arms through the sleeves. Dad wheeled to the door, blocking me.

"Becca, you're grown, but you are still my daughter and you will listen to me. You be careful on that bike. Wear your helmet. It's stopped raining, but the roads are still slick. Do not go off road. Do you hear me?"

"Yup," I said, and edged around him out the door.

Becca you rebel! What did you think? Please review!