Yes, losing your husband does mess with your mind no matter what kind of marriage you had. Fortunately, the waitress brought their food. Allie called Nat up to the table and, for a few moments, they ate in silence.
The thing is... Belinda said between bites.
Cant we just enjoy our meal? Allie pleaded.
Her friend waved that suggestion away, but didnt say more until they had finished and Nat had gone back to the play area.
The psychic thinks there is more to it, Belinda said. What if Nick knew about your...plan?
What are you saying?
Come on. Youve been over Nick for a long time. His death wouldnt make you crazy
Im not crazy, she protested weakly.
But what if he did know or at least suspected? Come on, Allie. We both know it was so not like Nick to go hunting up into the mountains alone, knowing that the grizzlies were eating everything they could get their paws on before hibernation. She didnt seem to notice Allie
wince. Didnt the ranger say Nick had food in his backpack?
He didnt take food to attract a bear, if thats what youre saying. He planned to stay a few days so of course he had food in his backpack.
Im not trying to upset you. But if he went up there to end it all, that was his choice. You cant go crazy because you feel guilty.
Her stomach turned at the thought of the backpack shed been asked to identify. It had been shredded by the grizzlys claws. Shed been horrified to think of what the bear had done to Nick. She would never forget the officer whod brought her the news.
From what weve been able to assess at the scene, your husband was attacked by a grizzly and given the tracks and other signs
Signs?
Blood, maam.
Shed had to sit down. Youre telling me hes...dead?
It certainly looks that way, the ranger said. Four days later, the search for Nick Taylor was called off because a winter storm had come in and it was believed that there was little chance he could have survived such an attack without immediate medical attention.
Nick wouldnt, she managed to say now. In her heart of hearts, the man she knew so well, the man shed been married to for more than six years, wouldnt purposely go into the woods with a plan to be killed by a grizzly.
But Nick had always been unpredictable. Moody and often depressed, too. The construction business hadnt been doing well even before Nicks death. What would he have done if hed known she was leaving him and taking his daughter? Hadnt she been suspicious when Nick told her of his plan to go hunting alone? Shed actually thought he might be having an affair and wanted to spend a few days with his mistress. Shed actually hoped that was the case.
Youre going by yourself? shed asked. Nick couldnt even watch football by himself.
I know things havent been great with us lately, hed said. That alone had surprised her. She really thought Nick hadnt noticed or cared. I think a few days apart is just what we both need. I can tell you arent happy. I promise you there will be changes when I get back and maybe Ill even come home with a nice buck. Hed cupped her face in his hands. I dont think you know what you mean to me, but I promise to show you when I get back. Hed kissed her then, softly, sweetly, and for a moment, shed wondered if Nick could change.
Youre wrong about Nick, she said now to Belinda. If he was going to end it, he would have chosen the least painful way to do it. Not one she looked at Nat, who was swinging nearby, humming to herself and seemingly oblivious to their conversation that chose him. He had a gun with him he could have used.
Maybe he didnt get the chance, but youre probably right, Belinda said and grabbed the check. Let me get this. I didnt mean to upset you. Its just that you need to get a handle on whatevers been going on with you for you-know-whos sake. She cut her eyes to Nat, who headed toward them as they stood to leave.
Youre right about the guilt, though, Allie said, giving her friend that. Shed known as shed watched Nick leave that day to go up into the mountains that nothing could change him enough to make her stay. She was going to ask him for a divorce when he came back.
Belinda changed the subject. I saw your brother-in-law, Drew, earlier on the ranch.
Allie nodded. He mentioned he was working up there. His construction company built the guest cabins.
Id forgotten that. Belinda frowned. I was talking to Lily about photos at the rehearsal dinner. Did you know that Sarah is one of her bridesmaids?
My sister-in-law worked with Lily one season at her brother Jamess Canyon Bar. Allie had the impression that Lily didnt have a lot of female friends. Most of the math professors she knew were male, apparently. I think James feels sorry for Sarah and you know Lily, she is so sweet.
I have to hand it to Sarah, putting up with her mother day in and day out, Belinda said.
Allie didnt want to think about it. Along with fewer incidents the past few days, shed also been blessed with no visits from her mother-in-law and Sarah.
Sarahs a saint, especially Belinda lowered her voice the way Mildred treats her. She is constantly bugging her about her weight and how she is never going to get a husband... Its awful.