CHAPTER 23
Pip woke up when a branch pulled back and slapped his shoulder. Kimmie was panting. She hadn’t realized how tired she’d get carrying him for even this short distance. Wrapping the blanket more tightly around his shoulders, she leaned against a tree trunk and cuddled him close to her chest.
“It’s okay, Buster,” she said. “We’re going to go on a little ...” A little what? What kind of name could she give to a situation like this?
“We’re going on a trip,” she finally explained. “And I want you to be strong and brave, all right? Can you do that for me?”
Pip was looking around at the trees in all directions. His eyes widened, and he clutched Kimmie’s coat.
“It’s okay,” she crooned as calmly as she could. “I know just where we’re going, and I’m going to stay with you.” She wanted
