Night Prey (17 page)
Authors: Sharon Dunn
“I can't promise you that he won't relapse. I can tell you he is serious about staying sober.”
“You haven't had a drink in twelve years.” She walked ahead of him a few steps.
“Everyone's recovery is different.”
She turned back around to face him. “I will try.”
“I do think it is worth it, risking the hurt.” He placed his hands on her shoulders and brought her closer. “When I thought Peter had done something to youâ¦I saw my life without you and that was more unbearable than any hurt you may have caused me in the past.”
Her lips parted. She tilted her head, eyes searching. “I'll risk it if you'll risk it.”
“Like old times for all time?” He looked at her, his expression filled with expectation.
“No, better than old times. No more secrets.”
“I'll take that as a yes then.” He gathered her into his arms and kissed her.
J
enna's stomach fluttered more than the wings of the doves her father would release during the wedding ceremony.
“Jenna, are you ready to go?” Her father stood at the door to the tent that had been set up as a changing room for the bride and bridesmaids.
Cassidy gave her a last hug. She stepped back and held Jenna's face in her hands. “You look beautiful. Now, I need to go find my escort down the aisle.”
As Cassidy exited, her father stepped toward her. He looked handsome in his dress pants and white button-down shirt, but what she liked best was how clear and filled with love his eyes were. “Nervous?”
“A little. I'm glad you're here.” He held out an elbow, and she wrapped her arm through his.
It was a short walk down the hill to the clearing in the forest where the wedding party had gathered. An acoustic guitar played the wedding march. The music swelled. Jenna took in a quick, sharp breath as the attendees turned to look at her. Her father patted her hand. Etta and Norm smiled at her from the first row.
Keith stood at the end of the aisle wearing jeans
and a light blue button-down shirt. She smiled. He was dressed up for Montana. His expression brightened when he looked at her. Warmth spread through her from the top of her head to her toes.
As her father handed her over to Keith she heard him whisper, “Take care of her.”
“I will,” he mouthed, looking directly at Jenna as he gathered her hands in his.
As they said their vows, Jenna looked into Keith's eyes. She still saw some of the skinny, wild kid who could talk her into anything, but there was something deeper, more anchored there, too.
She loved the man Keith had become.
Jenna said the final words of her vows, “â¦and to a lifetime of love and adventure.”
On either side of them two large cages were opened and six doves flew out and fluttered over them as the attendees applauded.
Overhead, Jenna thought she heard the plaintive cry of a red-tailed hawk.
Â
Dear Reader,
Though I had seen eagles at a distance and been awestruck by them, it wasn't until I had a close encounter with an eagle that I really appreciated how magnificent they are. My husband talked me into climbing a butte on his family ranch to see an old eagle's nest that had been occupied when he was a kid growing up.
Turns out the eagles had moved back in. I got to the top of the butte expecting to see some sticks and twigs formed into a nest. Instead, we caught a female bald eagle by surprise. She flew up and away, coming within a few feet of us. I don't think my heart has ever beat so fast.
When I took my kids to hear the educational talks that our local raptor rescue center puts on, I got to meet a blind owl and an eagle with a six-foot wingspan. I carried the idea around for some time of having a character who saved birds of prey. I am so glad I had an opportunity to show the important work the raptor rescue people do through the character of Jenna.
Blessings,
- Do you think Jenna was wise for being cautious about entering into a romantic relationship with Keith? What were some of the reasons why she was so cautious?
- Why is Keith guarded about sharing details about his past with Jenna?
- Jenna has a secret she has been keeping for years. What events finally help her break free of the secret?
- What does Keith do to show that he has changed? For Jenna? For his grandparents?
- Keith uses painting to work through his emotions. Do you have a creative outlet that helps you see your problems more clearly?
- Do you know any soldiers like Keith who not only have to recover from the trauma of war but also have to reintegrate into civilian life? What steps does Keith take to make the transition?
- What role does Jet serve in Keith's recovery?
- What did you think of the Montana setting? What details do you remember best?
- Do you think you would like to have a job like Jenna's, rescuing birds of prey?
- Both Jenna and Keith have to heal relationships: Jenna with her father and Keith with his grandparents. Did anything in their story remind you of something in your own life?
- Jenna goes for almost a whole year communicating with her father only on a limited basis. Do you think time apart in a relationship that is strained is a good idea?
- Jenna feels a special connection to her father because they both love to read. She and Keith formed a friendship based around outdoor activities. How have you built relationships with friends and family members?
- What does Jenna do to make Keith realize she accepts him just as he is?
- Do you think a friendship like the one Jenna and Keith had as kids was a good basis for a romantic relationship when they were older?
- Have you ever had to deal with someone who had addiction issues? Were there events you felt you handled well and other choices you wish you could change? Did anything in Jenna's story strike a chord with you?
ISBN: 978-1-4268-7665-3
NIGHT PREY
Copyright © 2010 by Sharon Dunn
All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the editorial office, Steeple Hill Books, 233 Broadway, New York, NY 10279 U.S.A.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
This edition published by arrangement with Steeple Hill Books.
® and TM are trademarks of Steeple Hill Books, used under license. Trademarks indicated with ® are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the Canadian Trade Marks Office and in other countries.
