Chapter 1

River Foster drove the snow machine as fast as she could with the full load of pelts and supplies. She wanted nothing more than to reach home and be with Tatum again. Working beside her had become such a pleasure, and the last few weeks without seeing her every day had been torture. The wind whipped River’s long hair around her neck, and she could hear the ice pelting against her helmet as the temperature plummeted. If the weather holds off, it will take just a few more hours to get to the village and then home. River was lost in thoughts of home until the bouncing light from a snow machine coming up the river caught her attention. What damn fool is out in this weather? She watched as the driver got within a quarter mile of her, and then the light disappeared. River couldn’t hear the ice crack over the rumble of her machine, but she knew. She knew the driver had broken through the ice and was probably now underwater.

River steered her machine off the trail and headed to the riverbank. When she slowed to a stop, she surveyed the scene and saw that the snow machine was partially submerged, the engine still idling, and the driver was nowhere to be seen. She recognized the machine and rushed forward in search of the driver. Nothing. River used her gloved hands to rake away the snow from the ice covering the water as carefully and quickly as possible, but there was no sign of the driver. She continued for another fifty feet until the ice became too fragile to approach. The swift flow of the water beneath the ice would have carried them away quickly, and she hadn’t arrived in time. Pain filled her body as she realized what had just happened. A young life had been swept away unnecessarily, and there was nothing she could do. Tears froze against her cheeks as grief struck her like a bullet.

†

Tatum Chastain felt a growing sense of anxiety as the day ended. Her lover, River Foster, was due to return from her winter trapping season at any time, but Tatum felt a cloud of dread filling their home as she paced from room to room. The men from the village had completed the extension to the main cabin and built the additional outbuildings for storage and extra working space. Tatum tried to stay busy, carrying firewood for the large stone fireplace in their new bedroom and the small wood stove. She noticed Poe, her faithful raven companion, preening in the sleeping space she had made for him on one of her trips to the woodpile. The wind whipped viciously around the cabin, and the temperature hovered near thirty degrees below zero. She placed a kettle of water on the stove to boil and filled a hot water bottle to place under the rabbit pelts she had lined Poe’s bed with. The men had installed sheets of plywood as a windbreak for the porch, but it was still bitterly cold. She shivered as she stepped outside the warm cabin.

Tatum had moose steaks and other sides ready to cook, waiting in the refrigerator to welcome River home. She looked at her watch. It was already past seven, so River would not be returning tonight. Tatum cut two slices of bread from a loaf she had baked and covered them with blueberry jelly while she waited for her coffee to brew.

†

Tatum washed her dishes and admired the growing menagerie on the windowsill. She had added several pieces while she waited for River to return. She was incredibly proud of the pair of wolves she and River had seen while checking her trapping line in the late fall. A gust of wind hit the kitchen window, and Tatum looked outside at the blowing snow. The drift had grown so high she could barely see the woodpile. She would need to shovel in the morning to clear the bathroom path. Tatum chuckled. Nothing is worse than slogging through snow when you really have to pee. She was determined to use the chamber pot only as a last resort, and her plan had worked so far. Tatum hoped tomorrow would be the day River returned. She added wood to the stove and turned out the lights before walking to the bedroom. After adding more wood to the fireplace, Tatum dressed for bed and turned down the covers. The village women had gifted them several thick quilts with lush down pillows in appreciation for all their hard work. She smiled at the beautifully carved headboard River had surprised her with at Christmas. Her fingers traced the beautiful characters. “Please come home to me tomorrow.” Tatum pulled the covers over her and clutched River’s pillow against her chest. The woodsy scent of River filled her senses and guided her into a night of peaceful rest and dreams of her beautiful lover.

†

At the village, River stumbled onto Nikita’s porch after covering her snow machine. She opened the door and found her mother drinking coffee at the table, and she burst into tears. Nikita stood and rushed to her daughter, enveloping her in a warm embrace. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s been a horrible day,” River said with tears running down her cheeks.

“Are you hurt? Or Tatum?”

“No. We’re both fine.”

“Let’s get your coat off. I’ll pour you a cup of coffee, and you can tell me what happened.”

River shrugged her coat off and then removed her gloves. She shivered from shock and reached for Nikita again.

“Let me get a blanket to wrap you in. You are freezing.”

“It’s not the cold, Mom. I think I’m in shock.”

Nikita pointed at a chair. “Sit. I’ll be right back.”

River sat in the chair and allowed Nikita to wrap her in a warm blanket. Nikita poured a cup of coffee and placed it in her hands. “Drink.”

River sipped the potent liquid and felt its heat warm her throat. Her tears had subsided, and she looked at Nikita with blurry eyes.

“Can you tell me what happened? I’ve never seen you like this before.”

River held the cup in her trembling hands. “I was coming home today, so happy to end the first of the season with a full sled. About an hour from here, I saw headlights from a snow machine on the ice.” River paused to take another sip. “I watched in horror as the machine broke through the overflow ice on the river, and the rider was thrown into the current. I turned toward him, but I was too late. He had already disappeared under the ice, and I couldn’t save him. I looked for any sign of him downriver for almost an hour, but he was gone.”

“I know you did everything you could. Do you know who it was?”

River nodded her head. “It was Jay Barton. I towed his machine back to the village and got one of the Elders to go with me to break the news. His mother said he had cabin fever and wanted to go for a ride.”

“Poor woman. I know she was devastated. I will visit her once you are settled.”

“He was her baby,” River cried. “I couldn’t do anything to save him.”

“She knows you would have brought him home if it were possible. It’s horrible, but accidents like this happen. Even if you could have gotten to him, any chance of survival in these conditions would have been miraculous.” Nikita looked into River’s eyes and touched a spot on her cheek where River felt the burn. She must have pulled her goggles off during her search. “I need to get some ointment on your cheeks. You’ve got some frostbite burns.”

River nodded. “I’m okay if you want to go check on Wanda. She needs you more than I do right now.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. I’ll take a warm bath and put on the ointment. I promise.”

“Can you eat?”

“No, Mother. I’m not hungry.”

“Okay. I won’t be long.”

“Stay as long as you need. I’ll bundle up after a bath and maybe have another coffee.”

“If you change your mind, there is fresh bread and lunch meat for a sandwich.”

“Thanks.” River stood and hugged her. “Don’t worry about me.”

Her mother nodded and pulled on her coat before rushing out the door.

†

River finished the coffee and walked to the bathroom to draw a bath while she got clean clothes from her room. She carried fresh sweatpants and a shirt into the bathroom and removed her trail clothes. When she looked in the mirror, she saw the burns her mother had told her were there. They weren’t bad, but the ointment would help ease the pain. River sank into the warm bath, closed her eyes, and let the water caress her body. When the water started to cool, she bathed and rinsed the lather from her warm skin. After dressing, she dabbed the ointment on her cheeks, returned to her bedroom with her dirty clothes, and pulled on thick socks. The coffee was still warm, so she poured a cup and took a cheese stick out of the fridge. She sat on the couch and tucked the blanket around her. That’s where Nikita found her an hour later.

†

Nikita entered the Barton home and found Wanda surrounded by several women from the village. She walked up to her and pulled her into a hug. “I am sorry.”

“Thank you. I hope you will tell River thank you for everything she did. I’m not sure I told her. She was upset when she left here. Is she okay?”

“A bit of shock and some frostbite, but she will be fine,” Nikita answered. “What can I do?”

“Nothing that I know of. James is out to sea and won’t return to the harbor for another week. They can get him a message, but he can do nothing here. He will be home again in two weeks. One of the Elder men will contact him and alert townships downriver to keep an eye open for Jay’s body.” She burst into tears. “I can’t even bury my baby.”

Nikita sat beside her and held her hand. She was at a loss for anything else she could do for her. Her eyes scanned the room at the vacant stares that watched Wanda. Many of them knew the loss she was experiencing and were reliving their traumatic losses. She had learned from the experience of her husband’s death at sea that closure was difficult without a body to bury properly.

The door flew open, and Wanda’s sister rushed inside. “I just got the news. I am so sorry,” she said as she knelt before her older sister.

“Here. Take my spot,” Nikita told her. She stood and walked to the kitchen, where a small group of women were planning to bring meals and sit with Wanda. “Let me know what I can help with,” she told them.

Sonya looked at her. “How is River?”

“Shattered about losing someone so young,” Nikita answered. “I think she could use a dose of Reba. I expect she will go home to Tatum tomorrow.”

“I’ll send Reba over first thing, then. Maybe they can eat breakfast together.”

“That’s a great idea. Thank you. Reba always makes her smile. Does she know about Jay?”

“Yes. I told Reba before putting her to bed a little while ago. I’m not sure it has sunken in yet.”

“It’s hard for everyone to understand, but probably more for the kids who haven’t experienced that kind of loss. I’ll walk home with you. If she’s still awake, may I take her tonight?”

Sonya smiled. “She would love that.”

They left after hugging Wanda. “Let us know what we can help with,” Nikita told her. “Anything or anytime.”

Wanda nodded. “Thank you.”

“We’ll be by tomorrow,” Sonya said. She led Nikita to the door.

The wind howled viciously as they stepped off Wanda’s porch and rushed to Sonya’s home. Nikita wasn’t surprised when Reba ran down the hall when she heard her door open. She slid to a stop when she saw Nikita.

“Hey, Miss Nikita.”

“Hey there, yourself. Would you do something for me?”

“Anything,” Reba answered.

“Toss an outfit for tomorrow in your bag and put your boots and coat on. River could use your company tonight. She’s upset about Jay and would enjoy your company.”

“I’ll be right back,” Reba said, rushing back to her room.

“Why don’t you join us for breakfast, too?” Nikita asked Sonya.

“Don’t mind if I do. Maybe after River leaves, we can make something to take to Wanda.”

“I’ve got peanut butter if Reba wants to make her peanut butter bars. Or we can bake some cookies,” Nikita suggested. “Or both.”

“I’ll come around seven if that’s good.”

“That will be perfect. We can have coffee if the girls aren’t awake yet.”

Sonya checked Reba’s bag to make sure she had what she needed, then walked them to the door. “I’ll see you in the morning. Goodnight, baby.”

“Goodnight, Mama. Love you.”

“Love you, too.”

Nikita looked at Reba. “Ready to make a mad dash?”

Reba held out her hand to Nikita. “Just waiting on you.”

†

River bolted upright when the door burst open, and Nikita and Reba entered the house. Reba peeled off her coat, dropped her bag, rushed over to River on the couch, and flew into her arms.

“I’m sorry you are sad about Jay.”

“Thank you. How are you?”

“I’m sad, too, but I didn’t know him well. Mama said I can spend the night with you.”

“That’s perfect, but no kicking like a mule,” River teased as she hugged Reba tight. She looked at Nikita with tears in her eyes. “Thank you,” she mouthed, knowing it was her mom’s idea.

Nikita nodded. “Sonya will join us for breakfast in the morning. I assume you will go home to Tatum tomorrow, so we will make something to take to Wanda after you leave. Maybe some cookies and peanut butter bars.”

“I can make those,” Reba stated excitedly.

“You do make the best ones,” River agreed. “I’m sure Wanda will appreciate them.”

Reba snuggled into River. “I am so ready to have another campout.”

“We will as soon as it starts to warm up some. It will be way too early to start hunting or berry picking, but maybe we can do some scouting for animals. Or maybe make a trip into town and visit Troy and Erica.”

“Could we? I’ve never been to town,” Reba said.

“As long as your mom approves. We will need to purchase some supplies by then,” River said. “Maybe on your break from school this spring, if the weather is good.”

“That seems like forever,” Reba replied.

River shrugged. “We must wait until the ice is gone from the river before we can travel to town.”

“What do you plan to do with that load of fur you brought in?” Nikita asked.

“Offer it to the village if the women need it to make clothing items. After last year’s haul, I’m in good shape financially. There are a few pieces I brought specifically for you.”

“Oh, really? What did you bring me?”

“Two wolverines and a lynx. I know those are your favorites. I’ve got them on top of the sled, so they won’t get mixed in with the others.”

“Perfect. I’ll have to come up with some ideas for them.”

“I’m sure that won’t be a problem for you.”

River could see Reba’s eyes growing heavy. “Are you ready for bed?”

“I think so, River,” she answered sleepily.

“We’ll see you in the morning.” River picked Reba up to carry her down the hall.

Nikita set the coffee pot to brew in the morning, locked the door, and turned off the lights before heading down the hall.

River had put Reba in bed and was about to turn off the lights when Nikita passed by. “Goodnight, Mom. I love you.”

“Love you, too. Rest well.”

River nodded, turned out the light, and wrapped her body around Reba’s. Her slow breathing lulled River to sleep.

†

Tatum made pancakes for breakfast and fed one to Poe before sitting down to her meal. She had just finished eating and was sipping coffee when her phone rang. Tatum walked to the counter to retrieve it and saw that Troy was calling.

“Good morning,” she said.

“Good morning. I hope I’m not waking you.”

“Of course not, Troy. What’s up?”

“I just got some great news that I wanted to share with you and Charles. I received confirmation that I will start bush pilot training at the beginning of the month.”

“That’s wonderful news, Troy. Have you told Dad yet?”

“No, I wanted to call you first. I’m sure you and River played a part in making this happen. Is she home with you?”

“Not yet. River’s finishing up her trap lines. I hope she’ll be home soon.”

“So, you don’t know the bad news from the village?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about. What bad news?”

“Erica got a call last night to keep an eye out for the body of a young man from the village who fell into the river.”

“Oh no. That is horrible news. Do you know who it is?”

“It wasn’t anyone that I recognized. I’m sorry, I don’t remember the name.”

“If River doesn’t make it home today, I’ll go to the village to see if I can help.”

“The village women will suffocate the family with food and attention. They sent out a call in hopes his body can be discovered downstream to allow for burial, but there is a slim chance of that this time of year.”

“Such a tragic way to lose someone,” Tatum said.

“Unfortunately, it happens every few years.”

“Damn,” Tatum said and wiped silent tears away.

“I’m sorry to drop that on you,” Troy said.

“That’s okay, Troy. It’s just horrible news. I am very proud of you and excited that you will be starting school soon. If you talk to Charles, please tell him I’ll call him this weekend.”

“I will. Are you okay?”

“Yes. Hopefully, this weather will change, and we can visit the town soon.”

“Do you need anything? I can try to get something to you if you need it,” he offered.

“I’m in good shape for supplies, Troy, but thank you. I think I’m just ready to spend my days outside again.”

“I understand that. I think I have inventoried Erica’s store three times now.”

“Are Erica and your mom doing well?”

“Staying busy. We’ve launched a new website for the bed and breakfast, and Mom has been busy booking reservations. Tom, one of our local pilots, will be my instructor, and he wants me to start riding with him over the next few weeks to make some remote deliveries.”

“That will be a good experience for you.”

“Yeah. I’m excited. I won’t keep you, but I hope you know you can call me anytime you need to talk.”

“Thanks, Troy, and same for you, too. Keep me posted on school, okay?”

“Oh, I will, for sure. I hope to see you soon.”

“We will make it happen. Thanks for calling.”

“Goodbye, Tatum.”

†

Tatum ended the call and washed her dishes. Her heart was breaking for the family that had lost a son. She knew it was a risk living in this environment, but it was such a tragic loss of a young person. Tatum bundled up and walked outside to begin shoveling snow.

The bathroom felt toasty after being outside as she relieved her bladder. She shoveled a path to the woodpile and another to the greenhouse to check on her seedlings. Tatum would check on her plants and then carry more wood onto the porch after restocking the house. She had plenty, but felt she needed to keep herself busy today.

Tatum worked up a sweat, carrying firewood, and took a break to go inside for a drink of water. She looked at the clock to find the morning passing slowly. When Tatum glanced out the window, she saw that the snow had returned. “Coming down faster than I can keep it shoveled,” she said as she refilled her glass.

Tatum walked to her pantry and opened the door to survey her supplies. Her eyes fell on a cake mix and brownies. Some baking would keep her busy for a few hours. She pulled out River’s favorite cake mix and went to work baking.

When the cake was in the oven, she whipped up the brownie batter and slipped it inside next to the cake. The kitchen was filled with the scent of desserts, and she made a cup of coffee and sat at the table. She had tucked a section of wood into her pocket and removed it to begin carving. She found the image of a bear curled up asleep in the woods and thought of brother bear, denned up somewhere, sleeping through the winter months. When the piece was done, she swept the wood chips into her hand and dropped them into the stove. The brownies were almost done, and the cake was cooking well. Tatum placed cooling pads on the counter and brewed more coffee.

†

“Bundle up, and you can help me with some deliveries,” River told Reba after breakfast.

Reba raced to pull on her boots and thick coat.

“We won’t be gone long. I want to drop the furs at the Elder lodge. I’ll send Reba back with your stash.” River looked at Sonya. “Is there anything you need?”

Sonya laughed and shook her head. “Sewing was never my forte, but thank you.”

“No problem,” River said and followed Reba out the door. They walked to the shed, and she started the snow machine to let the engine warm up. River peeled back the tarp and handed Reba a small bundle. “Can you take these to Nikita for me?”

“Sure can,” Reba said, holding the bundle tightly.

River watched her disappear into the house and reappear moments later. “Let me back out of the shed, and then you can hop on.”

After River maneuvered the snow machine, Reba climbed on behind her. They didn’t have far to ride, so River pulled away slowly. Reba was like a beauty pageant contestant, waving to people they passed on the way to the lodge.

One of the lodge Elders welcomed them inside. “Thank you for what you did for Jay,” she said. “I know you wish for different circumstances, but it was not to be.”

River nodded. “I wish I could have been there on time, but he was too far away.”

“Understood. Some things are just fated to be. So, what have you and Reba brought us today?”

“I’ve got some pelts the ladies might be interested in for sewing projects. If it all isn’t claimed, I will take the rest to town to barter.”

“I doubt there will be any left unclaimed. Are you sure you can afford to do this?”

“Yes. I had a profitable season with the antlers and that bear skull last year. I’ve got money for anything I need. How is the meat locker holding out?”

“Very nicely. I don’t think it will be empty this winter. You stocked it so well last year.”

“Tatum and I will scout for game with Reba once it begins to warm up.”

“How is Tatum?”

“She’s doing well. Expecting me to be home soon. I should get on the trail.”

“Thank you once more for your generous gift. I’m sure the pelts will be well received. We should hear soon about the lottery picks for next year’s caribou tags. I hope we do well again.”

“Please let me know as soon as possible, so I will know how to plan my hunts for this year. We had to travel much farther to get them this year.”

“I certainly will. Do you need my help unloading?”

“I brought some young muscle for that. Where would you like the pelts?”

“Place them in the banquet room. We can organize them and spread the word that they are available.”

“Let’s get to it. You can work the door for us, please.”

“I’m on it,” the Elder woman said.

With Reba’s help, unloading everything took three trips inside the lodge. “Those look like beautiful pelts.”

“It was a good season,” River said. “I’ll see you soon.”

“Safe travels,” she answered as River closed the door.

“Do you really have to go so soon?” Reba asked as they parked in front of Nikita’s house.

“The snow has stopped temporarily, and I haven’t seen Tatum in almost two weeks. So yeah, in a little bit, I need to go. Maybe next week, Tatum and I will visit for a few days. Right now, I could sleep for a week.”

“That would be good. I haven’t seen Tatum in a while either.”

“You two can plot your next great adventure,” River teased.

†

“I know you are excited to get home, but I wish you could stay longer,” Nikita said as River placed her dirty clothes in a bag.

“You sound like Reba,” River joked.

“We miss you. This is the first winter you have been away from us.”

“I told Reba we would return for a few days next week, but right now, I just want to sleep and relax at home with Tatum.”

“I know. It’s been a long season for you.”

“Yes, it has, but a good one. This year has been terrific.”

“It will only continue to get better. Give my love to Tatum.”

“I will, Mom.”

“Have fun baking cookies,” River told Reba. “I’ll see you next week.”

Nikita and Reba watched River drive away and walked inside to start their baking project.