Chapter 16

The next morning came early. Jen was the first one to get up. The prior day she was exhausted from the emotions of telling Cody her story. She felt safe here, the first time in a long time. She had been keeping everything inside for so long. But she worried about Cody's reaction about being on Hailey's birth certificate and how he would judge her about her past.

Cody woke up. He was half expecting Hailey and Jen to be gone. He feared they would be gone. Cody could smell and hear bacon and eggs cooking. He got up and looked into Alex's room, and he was sound asleep. Cody came down the stairs and found Jen cooking breakfast.

"Good morning, Cody," Jen said with a smile. She decided that for Hailey's sake it might be better to stay this time. Hailey was already attached to Alex and Cody. She did not think her daughter would be okay moving on so fast. Winter was coming and they would be cut off from the world from time to time. She felt she had time.

"Good morning, Jen. Breakfast smells good," Cody smiled back.

"About the other night. I know I threw a lot at you and especially about," She paused and continued in a quiet whisper, "About Hailey."

"Jen I not sure how I feel about it, but I am not mad or anything. If having my name on her birth certificate keeps her away from him, I am happy to help" Cody paused for a minute. "Looks like breakfast is about ready, let me get the kids up. We can talk more tonight. Okay?"

"Okay" Jen was relieved and decided not running was the right idea or at least for now.

Cody got the kids up before coming back down again. He loved saying 'kids', it was filling a hole he had in his heart.

The four of them sat down at the table and had breakfast together like a family. Like family that Cody always imagines the life he and Lizzie were going to share with their two children. Something he would dream about, but the cold hard reality it was not the case, his wife and daughter were gone.

"So, Cody what are we going to do today? Another riding lesson?" Hailey asked.

"Hailey, Cody might have other things he needs to take care of today," Jen said to her daughter.

Cody smiled, "Hailey, we can certainly have another lesson. I was thinking that we ride down to the lodge today. We can see if we can get a temporary fix on that roof, so maybe we can keep some of that snow out. We can also pick up some of your things. I think your mom needs some clothes. My clothes are a bit big on her" Cody said with a wink and smile. "We can get out of your mom's hair today, so she can rest. Maybe if we are lucky, she will cook us a nice dinner for tonight."

"Momma, can I go?" Hailey asked.

"Yes, sweetie you can go. Listen to Cody" Jen answered.

While they got ready to go. Jen made them up some lunch to take a long. She handed it to Alex to put in his saddle bag.

"Cody, when you are at the lodge. I have a blue back pack I would like you to get." Jen said.

Cody nodded, "Where is it?

"In the pantry there is some lose boards and a gap in the floor for hiding things. The bag is in there." Jen answered.

Cody said, "No problem," And he got on his horse. He then helped Hailey get up on his horse. "Hang on tight".

Alex, Cody, and Hailey rode off on the horses.