It seemed that Sophie had been right about the pouch all along. Not only had it been easy for him to set up camp with the puppy safely strapped to his chest, but Sophie had known, with her usual insight, exactly what Bubbles needed to feel safe. To be cradled like a baby. To be held somewhere tight and warm.

In fact, if it weren’t for the fact that everyone was watching him with a wariness that made him feel like the village freak, this pouch would have been the ideal solution to all his problems.

“Where’d you learn all that stuff anyway?” Jessica asked. She paused to stir the bowl of roots and dirt that was the only thing she and Sophie had managed to catch after a full afternoon’s harvest.

That, at least, made him feel somewhat better. Sophie could worm her way under his skin, charm his father into lighting aromatherapy candles, and mystify his friends with magic tricks, but her hunting-and-gathering skills could definitely use some work. It was the most primeval of triumphs, to gloat over a woman who couldn’t trap and maim animals, but what he could he do?

He was man. Hear him roar.

Sophie’s gaze shifted to Harrison’s, a somewhat wary light glinting in the reflection of the fire. He immediately regretted his triumph. What an ass I am. Of course Sophie was less than proficient at wilderness survival. He didn’t know all the details of her illness—Oscar wasn’t the kind to just tell someone else’s life story—but he had enough imagination to picture it.

She’s overcome more pain and suffering than most of us see in a lifetime, Oscar had said.

I’ve never gone anywhere or done anything on my own had been the confession from Sophie’s own lips.

The familiar burn of frustration started to mount in Harrison’s gut, but for the first time in his life, it wasn’t directed inward. Diabetes was challenging, yes, and it was something he’d always have to account for, but it was nothing like what Sophie must have gone through—still went through, if her family situation was all that she said it was.

“Um, I spent a lot of time lying in bed when I was a kid,” Sophie admitted, continuing to look at him. He nodded once, hoping to convey even a fraction of the admiration he felt for her. It must have worked, because she quirked her lips in a smile and added, “I’m also weirdly good at crossword puzzles and soap opera trivia.”

Marcus opened his mouth to ask why, but he was stopped when he caught Harrison’s eye.

The silent warning worked in keeping the younger man from badgering Sophie, but Bubbles decided she didn’t much care for it. She snuffled against his chest, whimpering despite the protective wrap holding her close.