The Fifth Season by Julie Korzenko

wait and see.”
    “Okay, I’ll wait and see.” Emma knew arguing was futile. She glanced out the window. Osprey and bald eagles dotted the trees that grew from the steep ravines of the Snake River. The rapids were flowing, wild and turbulent, kicking up frothy white water with the vengeance of an angry ocean.
    “Did you review the latest Clover report?” Nate said.
    She pinched the bridge of her nose and nodded. “It doesn’t look good.”
    “Has Stone bothered to dig any deeper into the company?”
    “No,” she said. “I think I shocked him when I insisted Clover belonged to me, but we’ll see come the end of December when the investment check is due. He knows my history, Nate.”
    “Not surprised. I heard he’d been out to River’s Edge a week or so back. He ‘en Ethan were thicker ‘en thieves growin’ up. Figured Ethan would fill him in. We’re almost there,” Nate exclaimed, his attention diverted from Stone and onto what lay before them.
    The truck swung off the main road and headed down a dry, dirt path. It bounced and lurched over pot holes and rocks. Holding the dash for safety, Emma couldn’t help but smile at the boyish anticipation lighting Nate’s face. There’d be plenty of time to discuss Clover and Stone another time. The fact he didn’t seem worried about Stone’s knowledge was a comfort. She’d no desire to ruin this day.
    After what felt like an interminable roller coaster ride, the truck stopped before a small log cabin. Emma sighed. It was perfect. The home was situated next to one of the tributaries of the Snake River, and its wrap-around deck invited you to explore its width and visit awhile. The bubbles and gurgles of a quick flowing stream echoed through thickly pined woods.
    “It’s beautiful.” She walked across the wooden planks and admired the serenity of Nate’s paradise.
    “Thanks, Emmie. Want to see inside?”
    She grinned at the use of her childhood nickname and followed him into the cabin. The sparsely furnished rooms spoke loudly of Nate’s inability to lavish any luxury upon himself. After his wife’s death, Margaret explained to Emma that her son simply stopped believing in his worth. Instead, he poured whiskey down his throat and left his child to face life alone.
    Stone Connor muddled through years of feeling his father’s wrath and self-deprecation…then escaped. He’d joined the army and never looked back.
    Emma guessed the last bit. Being raised within the Connor household meant diverting conversation away from Nate’s son, away from past pain, and away from any topic too difficult to face. She’d become an expert at dodging tense dialogue, sparing feelings and healing wounds with soft words.
    Clover Enterprises lay somewhere between tense and healing. At times, many things were best left unsaid.
    “Let’s have a quick cup of coffee, Nate, and then you need to take me back to River Run. We’ve a group of guests arriving this afternoon.”
    “That’s fine, baby girl. Just sit right there and let me serve you for a change.”
    Nate’s okay, she mused. He’s doing just fine.
    She wished her own life felt as harmonious.
     
    ***
     
    “Where’ve you been?” Stone demanded, pacing the front porch intent on either polishing the wood with his shoes or digging a hole with his heels. She was late. The trip to Nate’s cabin consumed more time than expected.
    “Sorry.” Emma scooted past him and entered River Run.
    “Okay. I’m sorry I snapped. I need to talk to you about my plan. Guests are due in less than an hour.” He followed her into the kitchen not allowing any room for escape.
    “What’s the matter, Stone? Afraid you can’t handle a simple welcome-to-River-Run speech?”
    “No.” He handed her a pad of paper. “There’s been a change of plans.”
    She took the paper and frowned at his chicken scratch. “I can’t read this.”
    “It says they’ve added a guest, an important person and would like to make certain he receives