A roof had helped.
A contract had helped.
Ashford’s willingness to listen had helped.
The storekeeper, the driver, every paying traveler and every honest receipt had helped.
But none of them had made the decision that changed her life.
Iris had made it in Bearclaw Ridge before she ever reached the lodge.
The job was gone.
The money was nearly gone.
Everyone had told her to turn back.
And she had kept walking.
