The Long Road Home

-Jacey-

Because the canoe was a complete loss, it took two trips to get all our gear back to the landing. My father insisted on running both, dropping Jeanie and me off at the landing and hauling the rest with Caleb.

I wasn’t sure what they talked about, but Caleb did not return to the landing looking particularly happy.

“I’m so glad you two got back to us safe,” Jeanie said for the thousandth time, hugging us both under each arm.

“And that you finally learned how to be a good brother and sister,” my father added.

“Stepbrother,” Caleb corrected him.

My father shrugged. “Same difference.”