Chapter 16

Dan was nowhere to be seen. But that was just as well. After the way we’d last parted, I didn’t want his negativity to ruin our send-off. Or upset anyone else either in my party or those who were so graciously bidding them farewell and telling them to have the best time ever.

This trip had become less about a last single hurrah and more about thinking time for me.

We shifted, helping one another with the harnesses to be sure we would be comfortable doing it along the route, and bounded away up the trail west. The ocean called, and the Triple L Ranch would be waiting when we returned. At the entrance to the pass, we stopped and looked back. Triple L lay stretched out below us, its pastures and woodlands stretching as far I could see. It was a beautiful place. My heart swelled with love for my home and pack mates, but right before I turned toward the west again, I caught site of one figure standing alone in the spot we’d said goodbye to everyone. I didn’t need anyone to tell me who he w