“You have every right to be upset that I gave away the card without asking you first,” Chase answers. “But I only did it because I could tell how conflicted you were. You care so much about other people and about Gran Flo’s cards, I knew either choice would have torn you up. There was no time to think, so I did a very not-Chase-like thing and followed my gut. And I thought you’d stop me if you disagreed.”

Anger flushes my exhausted muscles. Am I just looking for someone to blame for losing the card, for losing what feels like another important piece of Grandma? It doesn’t matter.

“It’s not like I was going to take the card back from Cain once you gave it to him,” I say. “You didn’t leave me much choice.”

“I…” Chase takes a breath, looking out the window instead of at me. “You’re right. I should have let you decide.”

Chase delivers these words with an annoyed-sounding edge, but I know that’s only because he hates being vulnerable.

“So you would have kept the card?” he asks, turning back to me.

I freeze. This is the part where I know I lose any high ground.

“I honestly have no idea,” I finally answer. “So maybe it was best you were the one to make the call? I don’t know.”

Chase processes this a moment.

“Maybe. But how likely is it that Cain will actually return the card?”

“I know we weren’t there,” Cleo suddenly jumps in. “And if it were me, I probably would’ve kept the card. I don’t think it has any power to give him peace. That said, giving Cain the card was the kind thing to do. That can’t be too wrong.”

“For what it’s worth, I agree,” Logan adds. “Besides, that card will find its way back to us if it’s meant to be.”

Hearing Logan’s words surges back my emotions. I can accept a lot, but I can’t stomach his destiny fantasies right now. Before I can say anything else, Chase reaches his hand out to place on mine, sensing the tides turning under my skin.

“If you’ll indulge me a minute, I spent some of our drive sorting something out,” Chase begins.

I remember he did spend some time scribbling away in his journal early this morning, transcribing more secret thoughts. Despite myself, I’m always eager to hear those.