Chapter 57: Bear Necessities

Ezra sat out on the front porch in an old rocker, staring out at the woods around the cabin. Ezra's decision to help them pleased Liam, so much so that he offered to make Ezra's favorite meal—lasagna. Of course, Liam said he'd make it as soon as he got the ingredients for it, so Ezra had to settle for hot dogs. At least, Liam remembered to bring the chili. A hot dog just wasn't a real hot dog without chili.

Colton introduced Erin to Ezra, telling the little girl the big man was there to help keep her safe, and she could trust him. Erin just nodded as she continued to brush the doll's hair.

Ezra then made a cup of coffee and moved to the front porch. He couldn't sit in there just yet, watching the small child. It wasn't her fault; she didn't mean to remind him of a horrific time in his life. He just needed to ease into it, and sitting outside, listening to the wind through the pines, helped him make the adjustment, getting his thoughts settled, thoughts that had shrieked at him as soon