Lone Wolf by Tracy Krauss Page A

already a family unit.
    â€œRyder Lone Wolf” was announced over the speakers and Thomas’s heart swelled as he saw his handsome son, tall and straight-backed, pause under the arch, Renee at his side. They paused briefly before walking down the aisle toward the stage where he would take his seat with the other graduates. Thomas stood and snapped a few pictures before joining in with the applause. Rhea would be proud.
    The thought of his former wife made his stomach squeeze with a hollow emptiness that wanted to rise and choke him, and Thomas had to purposely tamp it down. He had loved Ryder’s mother fully, passionately. Nothing would change that. But she was gone now and God had finally given him release to move forward with someone new. He glanced over at Nicole’s profile. Make that with Nicole—as long as he didn’t blow it.
    After the ceremony, they joined the graduates in the lobby for some cake and coffee. Later that night there would be a banquet and a dance for invited guests, but this was a chance for the community at large to mingle with the graduates and offer their congratulations.
    â€œWay to go, cuz.” Renee punched Ryder in the arm. “Now that’s two Lone Wolfs who graduated high school.”
    â€œTwo?” Tanzi raised her brows.
    â€œYeah. You and now Ryder,” Renee explained.
    Thomas pointed his thumbs at his chest. “Excuse me? What am I? Chopped liver?”
    Renee giggled. “You don’t count. You’re too old.”
    â€œThanks a lot, young lady,” Thomas replied in mock offense.
    â€œNever mind,” Tanzi said, her face sober. “You’ll be graduating soon enough and then it’ll be four.”
    Renee shrugged. “Maybe. Or I might run away and join the circus.” She giggled again.
    Thomas rolled his eyes and smiled. “Fourteen-year-old girls. I suppose I better get used to it. Whisper and Maggie will be going there soon enough.” He stopped and blinked, realizing he’d just assumed he’d be part of Maggie’s life when she reached that stage.
    â€œYou should introduce me to some of your friends,” Renee said, tugging on Ryder’s arm.
    As if on cue, another young man called over to Ryder. “Lone Wolf. Get over here for a group photo.”
    â€œDon’t worry,” Ryder directed at Tanzi. “They’re all nice guys. I’ll look out for her.” He gestured for Renee to follow and they moved into a circle of other graduates and their escorts.
    â€œSo, Tanzi,” Nicole said. “Thomas tells me you’re studying to be an engineer at the U of S.”
    Tanzi nodded. “That’s right.”
    â€œI enjoyed my time there. Of course, dentistry wasn’t quite the same as engineering. No rivalries with any other colleges like the engineers and the agriculture students have going.” She stopped and smiled. “They were fun times, though. Saskatoon is a nice city.”
    â€œMy, but you’re sounding old,” Thomas teased. He put on a falsetto voice. “I remember the good old days…”
    Nicole gave him a playful nudge. “Stop that.” She turned back to Tanzi. “What are you doing for the summer?”
    â€œI’m a flagger for the department of highways.”
    Thomas nodded along with Nicole. Even he hadn’t known that. “They pay pretty well, I imagine.”
    â€œAnd you get a great tan.” Tanzi smiled for the first time, and her face lit up.
    â€œSo do you have plans for after you graduate?” Nicole asked.
    Tanzi quickly sobered. “I’ll probably look for something out of Saskatoon and then move Renee in with me.”
    Thomas hadn’t realized the kind of pressure his young niece was under. “Good idea.” An understanding look passed between them. “I’ll keep my eye out.”
    â€œMommy, I’m thirsty.” Maggie tugged at her mother’s