Violet sank into the passenger seat, her bag resting loosely on her lap. A faint smile lingered on her lips, the kind of smile that came without effort but stayed long enough for Ethan to be noticed. She hadn’t expected Emma to speak up for her today, not in front of everyone, not with that much courage. The moment replayed in her mind, warm and surprising, softening the edges of a day she thought would end like any other.

From the driver’s side, Ethan glanced at her. The smile caught ...