He slows in front of me, then buries his hands in the pockets of his coat. “I need to thank you again. For everything.” He inhales deeply. “I don’t know what I—what we—would’ve done today without you.”

“I told you we’d find her.”

He grins. “You did.”

I shift on my feet. I could really use a cuddle with Molly or Maybelle right now.

“We’re just all a little on edge right now, with everything…”

“I get it,” I say. “Really.”

His lips twitch.

“Well—”

“Would you like to come have a drink?” Aaron blurts out. “I mean, with me and Finn. We were supposed to go tonight, but you should come.”

“Oh no, I wouldn’t want to impose.” Plus, I really need that cuddle with my dogs.

“Come on,” he says. “I owe you.”

I open my mouth to answer, but leave it hanging when I study his face. He’s not just suggesting this to be polite. He looks like he actually wants me to say yes. I don’t remember the last time this has happened. Even when the girls at work invite me to come with them, it always feels a little like a pity invite.

Remember, you won’t see him again in a few months.

Plus, after the day he’s had, I’d hate to disappoint him.

“Okay,” I answer, which makes him smile as bright as the lights in the tall pine tree behind him.

* * *

“So, Wren, tell me about yourself.”

Finn is lounging next to Aaron in the brown leather booth of the local pub, both of them facing me. His arms are spread wide over the top of their seat, one hand around Aaron’s neck. He’s good-looking. Not as good as the guy who slept on my couch four days ago, but still cute. He’s funny too. I like him.

His question, though, I don’t like. My chest feels tight with the next breath I take. It’s been so long since I’ve been out with people like this. The last time was with Aaron last summer, if that even counts.

“You don’t have to answer any of his stupid questions,” Aaron tells me, although his eyes are fixed on his friend, who has a smug grin on his lips.

“Ah, come on now, I didn’t even say anything,” Finn answers, a hand on his heart.

Aaron’s gaze stays narrowed.

I clear my throat. “How about you tell me about you two instead?”

“Diverting the conversation away from herself. Smart girl.” He winks. “I’ve known this little shit since he was just a wee baby.”

Aaron rolls his eyes, then says, “You’re the little shit. And you were a baby too, don’t forget to say that.”

My lips twitch. There’s definitely history there. It’s cute.