Page 155 of Rangers Mountain Rescue
64
Aspen
The Tavern finally settles after midnight.
Not quiet.
It never really gets quiet anymore.
But softer.
Safer.
Like everyone is catching their breath at the same time.
Dylan fell asleep an hour ago, curled up on the couch with Buddy pressed against his side like a guard dog on duty. Grandpa is resting in the back bedroom, calmer tonight than he’s been in days.
Rylie turned in.
Trigger is still awake. I saw him kiss his wife, Rylie, when she left the room.
Of course, he did. Anyone with eyes can see how much in love they are.
And Havoc…
I find him exactly where I knew he’d be.
Sitting up.
Not resting.
“You’re supposed to be lying down,” I say quietly.
He doesn’t look at me right away.
“Couldn’t sleep.”
I step closer.
Not too close.
Just enough.
“Pain?” I ask.
“Some.”
“That’s not helpful.”
A faint smirk touches his mouth.
“There’s more.”
I cross my arms.
“Of course there is.”
Silence stretches between us.
