The Substitute Wife

Her best friend was gone, and Andi Maurer was at a loss, but no more so than her best friend's husband, Rory McClean.

Andi had promised Liz that she'd keep an eye out for Rory, just in case he decided to do something completely stupid, which she doubted, but if he did on her watch, she would never be able to forgive herself.

So when a blizzard was predicted on the anniversary of her death and she found out that he was headed up to their very remote cabin, she followed him there.

Naturally.

Just to make sure that he was okay.

She kept telling herself.

Not so that she could see him again, because watching him had become a bit of a pass time for her. Not because he made her feel things she knew she shouldn't.

But because she knew that was what she should do, to fulfill her vow to her friend.

Riiiiggghhhhttt.

All Rory wanted was some time to mourn his wife by himself, in the cabin that they had made their own.

He hadn't counted on a half-frozen visitor he ended up having to rescue, then take care of, instead of spending this time more than half in the bag and blissfully unthinking.

One who disturbed him more than he wanted to admit.

And more than, as it turned out, he could control . . .