“I’ll know,” he said, disentangling himself and starting the truck. He was surprised to notice it had gotten dark while they lost themselves in each other.

“Thank you,” she said so softly he almost didn’t hear her.

“For what?”

She reached for his hand and brought it to her lips. “For not rushing me, and for knowing what I need even when I’m not quite sure.”

Luke squeezed her hand and brought it to rest on his leg as he navigated the twists and turns on the way into town. Approaching Sweet Meadow Farm Road where Mac and Maddie lived, Luke was blinded by the headlights of another car that had crept over the center line.

“Holy shit,” Luke said, swerving to avoid a collision. “What the hell?”

Sydney screamed and pulled her hand free of his.

For a brief moment, Luke feared he would lose control of the truck but managed to keep it on the road as the other car passed in a flash of light and throbbing bass.

Breathing hard, Luke pulled the truck to the side of the road and looked over to find Sydney curled into a ball in the passenger seat. When he rested a hand on her shoulder, she flinched. “It’s okay. We’re okay.”

Her moan was barely human. Oh God.

Luke released his seat belt and moved closer to her. He was almost afraid to touch her but more afraid not to. “Everything’s okay, Syd. Come here, baby. Come to me.”

She turned into his embrace, and sobs shook her entire body.

“I’m so sorry,” he said. His lips brushed over her hair. He wished now he’d been less of a gentleman earlier. If he’d taken her home rather than heading for town, the wound on her soul wouldn’t have been ripped open again.

Her gasping sobs broke his heart, and her tears wet his shirt. “It’s okay, honey.” He wondered if he said it often enough she might actually hear him. They sat there for a long time, Luke’s mind racing with thoughts about what he should do. He was afraid to let her go long enough to drive them home.

Fishing the phone out of his pocket, he continued to speak softly to Sydney while he used one hand to send a text to Mac, asking him to come. While he waited and hoped Mac hadn’t shut off his phone, Luke rubbed Sydney’s back and told her over and over again that they were okay, that everything was okay.

Mac appeared out of the darkness ten minutes later.

Moving closer to Sydney, Luke signaled for Mac to stay quiet and drive the truck. Luke could see the questions in his friend’s eyes, but thankfully Mac didn’t ask as he slid into the driver’s seat.