My skin felt hotter where he had touched it; it was a good heat, but his words burned hotter than his touch. Of course he was sorrier for hurting her. Of course. That shouldn’t bother me.

“C’mon, Jared! Let’s go!”

We looked up. Kyle was calling to Jared. He seemed utterly at ease, as if he had not been on trial for his life today. Maybe he’d known it would go his way. Maybe he was quick to get over anything. He didn’t seem to notice me there beside Jared.

I realized, for the first time, that others had.

Jamie was watching us with a satisfied smile. This probably looked like a good thing to him. Was it?

What do you mean?

What does he see when he looks at us? His family, put back together?

Isn’t it? Sort of?

With the one unwelcome addition.

But better than it was yesterday.

I guess…

I know, she admitted. I’m glad Jared knows I’m here… but I still don’t like him touching you.

And I like it too much. My face tingled where Jared’s fingers had brushed it. Sorry about that.

I don’t blame you. Or, at least, I know I shouldn’t.

Thanks.

Jamie wasn’t the only one watching.

Jeb was curious, that little smile gathering up the corners of his beard.

Sharon and Maggie watched with fire in their eyes. Their expressions were so much the same that the youthful skin and bright hair did nothing to make Sharon look younger than her grizzled mother.

Ian was worried. His eyes were tight, and he seemed on the verge of coming to protect me again. To make sure Jared wasn’t upsetting me. I smiled, to reassure him. He didn’t smile back, but he took a deep breath.

I don’t think that’s why he’s worried, Mel said.

“Are you listening to her now?” Jared was on his feet but still watching my face.

His question distracted me before I could ask her what she meant. “Yes.”

“What’s she saying?”

“We’re noticing what the others think of your… change of heart.” I nodded toward Melanie’s aunt and cousin. They turned their backs on me in synchronization.

“Tough nuts,” he acknowledged.

“Fine, then,” Kyle boomed, turning his body toward the ball that sat under the brightest spot of light. “We’ll win it without you.”

“I’m coming!” Jared threw one wistful glance at me—at us—and ran to get in on the game.

I wasn’t the best scorekeeper. It was too dark to see the ball from where I sat. It was too dark even to see the players well when they weren’t right under the lights. I began counting from Jamie’s reactions. His shout of victory when his team scored, his groan when the other team did. The groans outnumbered the shouts.