Page 104 of Make It Last

My heart kicked in my chest. Emotion rose so quickly inside that I had to blink hard. Tanner had just taken a bite when he reached over and placed his big, strong hand over mine. He brushed his thumb slowly over the back of my palm. After he finished chewing, he asked, “Are you okay?”

“Yeah. It’s just, well, it’s a lot.”

He nodded. I smiled at him and, for no reason, started giggling. It bubbled up out of nowhere.

“We gotta get you home,” he said. “Speaking of, who took care of Growly?”

“Josie.”

“I bet he missed you.”

Just then, Tiffany appeared at our table. “I didn’t even see you come in,” I said.

“I know. You’re in love. I get it,” she teased. “Growly missed you. Welcome home.” She squeezed my shoulder.

Her husband, Wes, stepped up beside her, reaching for her hand automatically. “Nice to see you back.” His gaze flicked between Tanner and me.

“It’s good to be here,” I said even though I was tired and desperately needed a shower. Something about flying always left a film on my skin.

“We’ll have card night soon,” Tiffany said. “You’ll be there, right?”

“Of course. As long as I’m invited.”

Tiffany’s eyes went wide, and she looked affronted. “Of course, you’re invited!”

A few minutes later, Tanner and I walked out into the parking lot. Just as he reached for my hand, I felt a slight stutter in his step and glanced over. Laney was approaching. I bit back a sigh. Her features were tight. Tanner gave me a squeeze.

“Hey, Laney,” he said evenly.

She stopped in front of us, glancing between us before clearing her throat. “Hi.” Her gaze shifted to me. “I owe you an apology. Well, you and Tanner.”

“It’s okay,” I said quickly. “We all make mistakes.”

“We do.” She inhaled. “For what it’s worth, I wish you both the best.” Her tone was taut with a little pain threaded through it.

“The same to you, Laney,” I said, dipping my chin. “I’m sure I’ll see you around town here and there.”

“When I come home to visit,” she said. “I’m going back.” She let out a heavy sigh. “I have to figure things out.”

“Well, good luck.” Tanner dipped his chin once in acknowledgment.

A few minutes later, we were driving. I carefully flexed my ankle. “It feels okay,” I said. I had worried it might swell on the plane from sitting so long. I had made a point to walk up and down the aisle several times. Chris had cleared me to fly, but still.

“Yeah? How’s the weight on it?” he asked.

“It’s fine. I think I’m just cautious. I’ll be relieved when I don’t have to think about it.”

“You’re not likely to break it again,” he pointed out.

“I know. The doctor said it’s stable.” I let out a breath. “But still, I don’t ever want to break it like that again.”

“No more glacial hikes for you?” he asked.

“None,” I said firmly. “It was fun, but I’m good.” I shook my head. “I was so excited to get off the glacier, I jumped too high.”

He glanced my way, a brow rising in question.

“I could have fallen down a crevasse,” I said, maybe a little dramatically.