Page 133 of Forbidden to Fall

Mia was finally asleep in the Batman sleeping bag, and the three adults chatted in low tones, intermittently covering our mouths with our sleeping bags to stifle laughter. My head rested on James’s arm as we all stared up at the stars visible through the tree branches.

A distinctive wrapper crinkle sounded, and the three of us went still.

Ryan grimaced. “Mia…”

The crinkling stopped.

“Mia, are you eating taffy in your sleeping bag?” he asked.

It was silent for a few seconds, then a dramatic snore sounded.

“Sounds like she’s fast asleep,” James said loudly.

“Yep,” I concurred.

“Should we take some of her taffy while she’s not awake?” James whispered, loud enough for anyone within half a mile to hear.

“Nooo!” Mia threw off her sleeping bag and sat bolt upright.

It was a few minutes before the laughter stopped.

“You’re a terrible tease,” I whispered to James.

He kissed my temple. “I love you too.”