"Cliff..." Tears rolled down Eden’s cheeks. "I..."

"Stop." He turned from her and rubbed his own eyes. "I didn't tell you that story to have a pity party or anything. I just felt like you should know."

"You protected me, Cliff," she said softly. "And I’ll always be thankful to you for that."

"I’m just thankful you’re here," Cliff said, averting his eyes. "Come on, the town’s just up ahead."

After several minutes of awkward ...