Phoenix Maplewood got what it takes to make a mountain man leave his home

Goodness, the girl was cuddly. He snickered as she licked his chin, trying his best to answer without thinking of Murdock, and breaking down once more. "Lots more than even you," Shale chuckled, looking down at her. "Many older brothers and sisters. Grayday is my littermate, and I had a sister, too--Sunspot."

Sunspot. How would she have reacted to the news of Murdock's demise? Based on conversations he'd had with Grayday about their relationship, she might leap for joy, dance on his grave. For that matter--Grayday might, too.

But family was family, and in this confusing moment, Shale wanted nothing more than to be by his brother's side. Even if he was a crass windbag.

"You're learning about healing," he said, ripping his mind away from the subject of death. "What else do you like to do?"