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    They found the motel after awaking and walking for an hour. Elizabeth wanted to fall to the ground and weep in gratitude. She was exhausted and hungry and felt as if she’d never be clean again.
    She sank to a bench just outside the motel office as Talbot went inside to see about rooms. He’d been quiet since awaking, refusing to be drawn into any conversation she’d attempted. She’d finally given up, deciding she was as tired of him as he obviously was of her.
    The morning sun was warm on her face, and she tilted her head back and closed her eyes, trying not to think about awaking in Talbot’s arms.
    She’d awoken before he had and been surprised to find herself draped across his chest, his arms circling her and their legs tangled. She had remained in his arms for a long time as he continued to sleep, enjoying the tactile pleasure of his body.
    It had been a very long time since she’d awoken in a man’s arms. Long before their divorce a yearago, she and Richard had stopped seeking the comfort of each other’s embrace.
    Talbot’s heartbeat had been strong and reassuring against her own, and for a moment Elizabeth had closed her eyes and been able to imagine they were in a clean bed, with silky sheets, and they had just made exquisite love.
    She jumped up, cheeks burning from her imaginings, as Talbot exited the office, two keys in hand. “You’re in room 104. I’m in 110,” he said as he handed her a key. “We’ll shower and get something to eat, then decide how we’re going to get back to Kansas City. When you’re finished cleaning up, come to my room and we’ll figure out our next step.”
    She nodded and they parted ways. As soon as Elizabeth entered the small, tidy room, she spied the phone on the desk. Eagerly she hurried to it, dialed for an outside line, then dialed her home phone number.
    Her heart thundered with anxiety as she waited for the phone to be answered on the other end of the line.
    â€œHello?”
    At the sound of the familiar voice, Elizabeth gripped the phone more tightly, relief flooding through her. “Andrew, honey, it’s Mom.”
    â€œMom! Where are you? Me and Dad have been so worried! We waited and waited for you to cometo Twin Oaks, and when you didn’t come, we came back home.”
    Elizabeth was so grateful to hear his voice she didn’t even take the time to correct his grammar. “It’s a long story, sweetheart, but I’ll be home sometime this evening.”
    She didn’t care if she had to hitchhike back, she didn’t intend to spend another night away from her son. “Are you doing okay? Is your father there? Is he taking good care of you?”
    â€œYeah, Mom, we’re fine. I saw where Dad lived when he was little and the swimming hole him and Uncle Talbot used to go to, and a whole bunch of stuff. Where are you?”
    â€œI’ll explain everything when I get there,” she replied. “Can I talk to your dad?”
    â€œYeah, hang on.”
    There was a moment of silence, then Richard’s voice came over the line. “Elizabeth, are you all right? Where are you? Is Talbot with you? We’ve been worried sick.”
    â€œWe’re fine. Talbot is with me and I’ll explain everything later this evening. Wait there for us, Richard. Don’t go anywhere until I get home.”
    â€œBut where are you?” he asked.
    She briefly explained what had happened.
    â€œThis is all my fault,” Richard said mournfully when she’d finished. “You’re mad at me, aren’t you?”
    â€œNo, I’m not mad. You couldn’t have known the plane was going to crash.”
    â€œYeah, but you’re mad about me picking up Andrew without asking you first.”
    Elizabeth sighed wearily. “We’ll deal with that later, Richard. At the moment, I don’t have the energy. We should be back sometime this