"Are you alright?" Derek asked as we headed back to the ranch. Luckily, we left before any insurgents had a chance to follow us.

"Yeah," I said, turning my attention back out the window, watching the scenery pass by.

Derek patted my hand and left it there, driving one handed. I didn't attempt to move away. It was good to have him back, but it would be a while before we were back to where we were before in our relationship. Baby steps. We needed to take one step at a ...