The supper of hot soup, trail mix, and instant rice with hot sauce was over and the small fire was dying down. Since sundown it had been growing colder. Terry volunteered to take the first watch from a promontory a hundred feet above and south of their camp.

Bernadette said, “I don’t care if my uncle is sitting up above us. Put these sleeping bags together. I’m cold and want you to love me. I promise I won’t scream. With the kind of life you lead, I want to be with you. Not wasting a day. I feel the odds are going to catch up with us before I can give you a house full of Brandons.”

“Bernadette, as long as we are facing so many dangers, enjoy each day. I don’t want to live my entire life being so careful and protective. I don’t see any relief for at least two years. I want to hold you close and not make your life so difficult, you may decide to leave.”

“No chance. You couldn’t drive me away. I’m here and here to stay. My uncle has already told me living with you would be dangerous. My life has always been dangerous. You have given me something to live for. Before I met you, all I had was a belief to die for. This is better. Now it is bed time.”