“Adeline.”
She stopped.
“You can build a life without taking someone else’s.”
Adeline looked back.
For a second she seemed twenty rather than thirty.
Scared.
Then nodded.
She left.
Lena never saw her again.
Winter arrived fully.
The cooperative shipment saved valley.
Snow buried fences.
Cattle survived.
So did ranch.
Christmas Eve, boys gathered around table.
This time pantry shelves were full enough.
Not abundant.
Safe.
Lena served stew.
Bread.
Apple pie.
Thomas waited until everyone seated.
Then placed something beside Lena’s plate.
A small folded paper.
“What is this?”
“Bet.”
She opened.
Seven names.
Each boy had written mark beside question:
HOW LONG WILL LENA STAY?
Thomas: forever.
Samuel: forever.
Peter: unless we make her leave.
Matthew: statistically likely forever.
Jacob: forever.
Ben: forever.
Eli: she already won.
Lena stared.
Her eyes filled.
She looked at Thomas.
“You did this?”
He shrugged.
“Eli’s idea.”
Eli beamed.
Reid looked over shoulder.
“What’s that?”
Lena folded paper quickly.
“Nothing.”
Thomas smiled.
“Family business.”
Reid raised eyebrow.
Lena laughed.
Later that night, after boys slept, Reid found paper.
He read.
Then looked toward Lena beside fire.
“You won.”