Dad favored repatriation of the Mexican gray wolves to this area. I recall him telling me the elk population had exploded and they were ruining the range grass where he grazed cattle.
True. He mightve been the only local rancher who understood the Game and Fish program. By the time my team mapped this area and chose the best spot to release two wolf pair, Curt was too ill to attend any of our meetings. I hope no one harassed him. If they did, he never told me.
Tandy shook her head. I dont think they did. Last night, Preston Hicks said as much. My parents were well liked. Dad kept ranching a long time after my mom died. Apparently Im a different story. But I dont push around easily. Besides, you and I have an agreement. Im fully prepared to honor it.
Wyatt nodded and ate a few bites.
Me and Mama want you to stay. Ive only seen wolves on the TV, Scotty said. Wolves look like dogs. Why dont people like them? I wish I knew more about em.
How old are you? Wyatt asked, pausing to study the boy.
Scotty puffed out his chest. Im gonna be six pretty soon. In March. But I already know the alphabet and I can count to a thousand.
Good for you. I thought you were older, Hunt said and grinned. The state Game and Fish Department has informational pamphlets we give to schools on the different varieties of wolves. Theres more reading than photographs, though. He considered for a moment. I know theres a library in town. Id be happy to see if they have any books on wolves for younger kids during my next supply run. That is, if your mom has no objection. He shifted his gaze to Tandy.
You dont care, do you, Mama? A book on wolves would be so cool. Itd be even cooler to see a real live wolf. Then I could phone Mark, and hed want to come visit me.
Tandy choked on a cherry tomato shed bit into. Scotty. Hawaii is a long way from Arizona. Airplane flights are costly. She didnt want to tell him that his aunt might not welcome having Scotty invite Mark to Arizona. Which was a shame since the divorce was all at the feet of Lucindas brother.
Seeing her sons face cloud, Tandy quickly said, Lets see if Mr. Hunt can find a suitable book, Scotty. Then well talk about you getting in touch with Mark.
Please, if you dont mind, both of you call me Wyatt. Mr. Hunt is too formal.
Tandy nodded at Scotty to show it was okay with her, then added, We call Manny by his first name.
Okay, Wyatt, Scotty said with a grin. Wyatt winked at her son.
Finish before your spaghetti gets cold. And stop feeding Mr. Bones the mushrooms youre picking out.
Scottys eyes snapped open. Sorry, he mumbled. I dont like shrooms.
Tandy smothered a smile. Neither does Mr. Bones. Hes spit them all out on the floor. So just push them to one side of your plate. And be careful where you step when you leave the table.
She noticed Wyatts blue eyes sparkled with humor, giving Tandy another twist in her stomach, a reaction similar to when shed heard him laugh. That had been extraweird since the last thing she was in the market for was a romantic relationship. If falling so hard and fast for Dan had taught her anything, it was how unreliable her heart was. Plus, she didnt want to get involved with another man who traveled for work.
For the remainder of the meal, between bites, Scotty shot questions about wolves at Wyatt. He asked why so many people didnt like them. He asked what they ate. And if it hurt wolf pups to get vaccinations. I dont like needles, he said.
What amazed Tandy was how Wyatt didnt brush her son off. Instead he patiently answered every question in language appropriate for his age. That wasnt anything Scottys own father or his uncle wouldve done. Shed seen them ignore or send away Scotty and his three cousins.
By the end of the meal Scotty had begun to yawn. Its time we let Wyatt go check out his casita, and you, young man, need to get ready for bed while I clean off the table. She stood and began stacking plates.
The meal was great, Wyatt said, folding his paper towel napkin. Let me help with dishes.
His offer was nothing Tandy expected or was used to. Even out in the field, a lot of guys in uniform assumed the females in their squadron would naturally take on all domestic chores. If you want to carry your plate to the sink, Ill fetch your key. I did make the bed up over there and set towels in the bathroom. Manny handles his own laundry. Am I correct to assume youll do the same?
I will. I brought bedding. But thanks for readying the place. I had a morning meeting in Albuquerque so I drove straight through, not wanting to roust you from your bed to get the key. I tried calling the house. You mustve been out with the cattle. That reminds me, can we exchange cell numbers before I leave?
Sure.
Me n Mr. Bones are going to bed. Gnight, Mom. Gnight, Wyatt. I hope you find me a wolf book. The boy threw his arms around the legs of the man hed only recently met and gave him a good-night hug before he hugged his mother.
She watched boy and dog lope noisily down the tiled hallway and waited until she was sure Scotty had gone into his room before they traded numbers. She handed Wyatt the casita key, murmuring, Thank you for not dismissing Scottys questions out of hand. But I dont want him becoming a bother. Ive noticed since we moved here how curious he is about everything. Even I tune him out at times, and Im sure my ex-husband did, too. She shepherded the tall man to the front door.
Ex-husband? he said unexpectedly. Uh, sorry if that sounded rude. Curt didnt know you were contemplating divorce, did he? I...ah...probably shouldnt say anything. Wyatt seemed embarrassed. He lamented never hearing from his son-in-law. Not even when he was most sick. Manny said it probably wasnt easy to get calls out from a war zone, but you managed a couple of calls a week. I remember thinking it especially odd since Curt said your husband was stationed in the Philippines.
Tandy opened the door and clung to it while Wyatt shrugged into his jacket.
Look, tell me to stop being nosy. But, I thought the world of your father. He treated me like a son. Stuff that worried him worried me. Im sure you had good reason for not telling him if your marriage was in trouble. Wyatt crossed the porch. Thanks again for the terrific meal. Uh, would you rather I conveniently not find a kids book on wolves? He hesitated at the steps and leveled an uneasy gaze on Tandy.
A kid wolf book would be great. But, just to clarify, my marriage ended abruptly after Dad died. I truly appreciate all you did for him. I hope you dont think Im horrible for not coming home for his funeral. I tried to get leave, but the fighting in Afghanistan had heated up and nonessential flights from our base were grounded without exception. I so regret that. She smudged away an errant tear. Youd left by the time I finally managed to make it home.
Wyatt shook his head. I didnt think you were horrible. Fortunately your dad had prearranged his funeral. The funeral home in town carried out his wishes for a private service. Manny and I attended. We both understood why you couldnt be here.
Thanks. Manny said as much, but it helps to hear you agree. About the book for Scotty, please dont go out of your way to find one. I know you must be on a schedule.