Jadon slipped her arm through Christa’s. “That’s okay. He’ll wait.” Christa leaned her head briefly against Jadon’s shoulder. “Yeah. I know.”

They walked a little farther, the trees opening up ahead into the first glimpse of the clearing sunlight spilling across the grass, the stone outcroppings rising like natural shields.

Christa’s voice softened. “What about you and Evan?” Jadon nearly tripped. “What about us?”

Christa gave her a look. “Jadon. Please. The entire ...