Another glimpse at To Dance With Dolphins.
"It's so cold." Would someone find them in time?
Sean looked about. "If we get out of the wind, it'll help."
He steered Claire toward a stubby evergreen with a broad trunk and a hollow center with one side partially rotted away, creating a natural barrier.
"This should help." He took a large pocket knife and cut several evergreen boughs and spread them out on the floor of the hollow tree.
"Get inside."
"But it's not big enough for both off us. What will you do?"
"I'll be all right." Sean set her cane against the outside of the tree, then helped ease Claire down.
She huddled inside, pressing against the rotted wood.
Sean sat in front with his back to her, his hoodie pulled down over his head.
What if he froze to death? They both could. Claire opened her coat and stretched out her arms. "Lean back against me."
Sean didn't argue with her. He rested against her chest, and she put her arms around him.
They stayed like that, huddled against the storm, freshly cut boughs enveloping them in a sharp, tangy fragrance.
"I shouldn't have decided on a walk, especially not this far," Clair said. "I didn't think it would get so bad. I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault."
Claire had been careless, wanting time with Sean, wanting to be close to him, rather than paying attention to staying safe.
Now they were close - so close they might die together.
Claire's shivers increased and her hope faded.
"Someone will find us. We'll be fine." Sean drew his legs up close to hiss chest.
Claire should ask for God's help, but she could't hold the truth back. God, how can I believe in your mercy? You haven't protected me from this disease. My sister is sick ... and missing. Sean's brother died a horrible death. Why shouldn't I think that it might be your plan for us to die under this tree today?
Wouldn't it be ironic if her illness had nothing to do with the way she died? What if she could have been living differently, not letting her sickness restrain her?
"Are you all right?" Sean asked.
Other than regrets and life questions pummeling her? "Just cold. How long does it take for hypothermia to set in?"
"Someone will find us before that. Or the storm will blow through."
Claire rested her cheek against his back.
"Just don't sleep. Okay?"
The minutes passed and the world was only wind and snow. Claire's eyelids wanted to close.
What if no one came?
It seemed unfair to die like this - arms around the first man she thought she might be able to love.
And he didn't even know how she felt.
What's ahead for Sean and Claire? You'll have to read more to find out.
I'll be posting excerpts here until December 10th to give you a glimpse into the story and its unique and lovable characters.
I'm also having a Christmas drawing. Each day that I leave an excerpt from To Dance With Dolphins I'll also post a question and if you answer the question or leave a comment, you'll be entered in the giveaway. The winner will be announced on December 11th. Each time you comment I will add your name again, which gives you a better chance of winning.
I'll be giving away a complete set of the Alaskan Skies series or Sydney Cove series - your choice.
Question of the Day: Have you ever experienced a real winter storm? I'd love to hear about it.
Thanks for hanging out with me here. Grace and peace to you from God,
Bonnie
