the islands, you could have lived a normal life.”
“How do I not live a normal life?”
“Having to sneak here to talk to me isn’t normal.”
“I could also be visiting your gravesite. Which one do you think I’m happier doing? Where’s this coming from, Evangeline?”
“Why haven’t you told me you’re pregnant?” she countered.
“I was going to … I just felt bad telling you when I know you’re so unhappy.”
“Do Killyama, Sex Piston, Fat Louise, and Crazy Bitch know?”
She could tell from Trudy’s face that they did. Trudy would have been the first one she told if it had happened in reverse.
Ginny hid her hurt by changing the subject. “Did you bring me a souvenir?”
“When Killyama picks me up, she’s going to place a box behind the bush next to your mailbox. She’s going to put my present to you inside.”
Trudy always waited until she left to give her presents. When they were little, Trudy told her that she was the main present and the other one was to be opened when she was missing her. Ginny never told her it didn’t work. No present in a gift-wrapped box made up for them being apart.
“Bet I know what it is,” Ginny teased, seeing Trudy glance at her watch. Trudy didn’t want to leave, but Killyama was waiting to pick her up.
“Bet you can’t.” Trudy wiped a tear away.
“A seashell charm.”
“No.”
“A coral charm.”
“No.”
They traded a couple of more guesses before Trudy looked at her watch again. “I have to go,” she said regretfully.
“I know.” Ginny bent down to get another sheet.
“Don’t forget—”
“I won’t forget the box; my present’s in there,” Ginny finished. Trudy was always afraid someone would stumble upon their gifts or she would forget about them. Every year they remained apart, Trudy’s fears became more pronounced. Ginny couldn’t understand. She had never forgotten one. She, herself, was the one who was always forgotten.
Ginny raised up to find herself engulfed in a hug.
“I should have told you first,” Trudy said chokingly.
Ginny quickly pulled herself away. “You’re too close, Trudy. You have to think about your baby and Dalton. Quit worrying about me. Your family has to come first from now on, promise me?”
“It was just a hug.”
At her mock-admonishing glare, Trudy gave into her demand.
“I promise.”
Chapter Forty-Seven
Ginny closed and latched the goat pen. Giving Millie a pat of approval, she sent her home to Moses. “Go get your treat.”
Smiling as the dog ran off, Ginny started leisurely walking back toward the house. As she strolled through the trees, she felt the wind pick up, sending the limbs swaying. An icy blast of wind managed to sneak under her collar, sending a chill down her spine. She burrowed her hands into her comfortable blue jean jacket, trying to stay warm.
Her head was down as she came out the copse of trees.
“I was beginning to give up hope anyone was around.”
Ginny raised her head, seeing two men walking toward her. Slowing, Ginny continued forward. “This is private property.”
The taller of the two men pointed his thumb over his shoulder. “Our car broke down. I was trying to find someone to call a tow truck for us.”
“This is private property. Leave.” Ginny continued to walk, but she started veering away from the men, turning in the direction of Matthew and Isaac’s workshop. “I’ll call the tow truck for you. You can go wait in your car.”
“Damn.” The stranger’s voice turned snide. “Where’s all the Kentucky hospitality I heard about?”
“Kentuckians give hospitality to their invited guests, not trespassers. You need to leave. Now.”
“She’s a fucking bitch. Let’s just get her and go.”
The man who had called her a bitch sent another cold chill down her spine.
“I’m not going anywhere with you.”
The man next to the taller man left his friend’s side to cut her off from reaching Matthew and Isaac’s workshop.
Ginny stopped, positioning herself to keep both men within eyesight.
“I can see why Reaper stayed here so long. It’s peaceful.”
“That word coming from you is hilarious. You lived your whole life destroying everyone who comes into contact with you,” she scoffed.
A satisfied smile played on the cruel face just a foot away from her. “Reaper told you about me? I’m glad to know I left a lasting impression.”
“Actually, he didn’t. Reaper hasn’t mentioned your name once. Neither have The Last Riders.”
The man’s face gloating expression didn’t change, but his eyes grew sharper. “Then you don’t know who I am.”
“Oh, I know who you are … who you both are.”
“You’re bluffing.” The gloating expression became cunning.
Ginny rolled