Chapter 23
A week and a half later, Joel and Chelsea, along with what seemed like every other member of Timber’s clan, stood back beneath a wide, pale sky streaked with thin, drifting clouds.
The air was cool and bright, with a gentle breeze that stirred the grass and brushed softly through the trees, as Chelsea slowly opened the cage to show Vixen that there was life after captivity.
The eagle emerged with careful, uncertain grace, his dark feathers edged in the sunlight and his keen eyes alert to the open world beyond the cage.
He hopped out and half-turned to look at the crowd standing back to give him space.
He made several more hops, then spread his broad wings wide, the feathers catching the light as he tested the air.
After a few half-running steps, he lifted into flight.
There was an awed silence all around, broken only by the whisper of wind and the soft rustle of leaves, then Chelsea burst into joyous laughter as she waved goodbye.
Lots of well wishes and congratulations were called out as everyone gathered around.
Joel watched Vixen soar against the open sky, gliding as if he had always belonged there, a big grin on his face. Chelsea leaned in and whispered, “You did good.”
He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and tucked her up close. “We did. This was a group effort.”
Slowly, the crowd drove off, and finally the two of them headed to the farmhouse ready to start this next chapter of their lives with the same enthusiasm as Vixen had.