“Lunch is ready,” Becky called and she felt the moment Mason returned to himself completely. He seemed to shake himself free of whatever had held him captive and he made eye contact with each of his friends, a silent communication that only they understood and then finally her turned to her. He bowed his head and rested it on her shoulder, breathing in deeply.

“Thank you,” he whispered and Lisa closed her eyes, relishing the closeness.

He lifted his head and she opened ...