Epilogue
BETWEEN THE full moon and the pristine snow, the desert glowed almost bright as day. The large, black wolf stood on the crest of the hill, muzzle pointed to the moon. A second wolf joined him, smaller but with the same black fur. A white spot, almost perfectly round like the moon, shone on the pup’s chest.
One by one, six adult wolves padded up the rise to form a pack. The moon was so bright the stars faded into the black satin of the heavens. All but one. One pinpoint of light flared and then jetted across the sky, a fiery comet skyrocketing toward the North Star.
The Wolves watched the shooting star until it faded away. Ears perked, noses raised, one by one they howled. Their voices joined, harmonized, the notes sweet and clear as they sang to the Christmas Moon—a song of brotherhood. A song of fathers and sons. A song of family.
Transitions
NEW YEA R’ S found them back in the bayous. They’d moved again, this time not too far from New Orleans. Close enough no one would think to look for them but far enough they wouldn’t be recognized . They were still off the grid but near Izzy’s family. They would have a safe place to stash the kids if it became necessary. Hannah hoped it never would.
Watching out the RV’s window, she smiled as the Wolves played football with the boys. Even little Micah was right in the middle of it, though Lightfoot and Sean occasionally substituted him for the football. The kid loved it, squealing in delight whenever he was tucked under and arm for a run, or gently tossed in a playful pass.
Hannah discovered something over this past holiday season and it was a gift she cherished. Family. Not one of blood but one of the heart. The connections were priceless and precious and all that was sacred, she would not take such things for granted ever again. This had been her present from their magical Christmas in New Mexico. Well, that and on the more practical side, the mysterious return of the RV and their SUVs. No questions asked.
They’d all come back to Louisiana, driving various routes so they were under the radar. Discovering that even the women had warrants out was troubling. Izzy’s family had ties in the parish and they were safely out of sight for the time being. Being a pessimist, Hannah wondered how long it would last.