Chapter Seventeen
The sun began its ascent into a cloudless cobalt-blue sky. Lela curled her hair into soft waves, applied a little makeup, and dressed casually, sliding on jeans, a black T-shirt, and her college sweatshirt. After packing a small suitcase with more T-shirts, jeans, a bathing suit, her perfume, and pared-down makeup bag, Lela walked around the house trying to think of what other things they might need ‘just in case.’ She packed some snacks and some basic first-aid items. Her suitcase was bulging by the time Nathan arrived at nine a.m. She was waiting for him on the porch, leaning against the railing, when she first heard, then saw his truck pull onto her property. He parked, stepped out, and greeted her with one of his best smiles.
“Hi, handsome.”
“Hi, beautiful. Are you
