Elaine stepped closer, brushing the leaf lightly against Ashton’s nose. "Don’t you think I’m right?" she asked.

He didn’t respond, his deep, dark eyes fixed on her with a flicker of unease. "Lainey, I’m scared," he admitted softly.

"Scared of what?" Elaine asked, her smile warm and reassuring.

Ashton didn’t answer, but she could sense the source of his fear. He was worried she might one day follow in Logan’s footsteps—walking away from ...