“The worst was losing my dad’s desk. It was in our family for generations. My sister and I used to sit under it like it was our own personal fort while he told us about all the people who had sat at it before. Beth thought it was magic.”

My eyes burned. It was the first time he’d spoken of his sister. “She sounds like someone else I know.”

Griffin grinned, a smile that was still sad around the edges. “The first time I saw Mia, she reminded me so much of Beth, it nearly stole my breath.”

I latched my fingers together, forcing them to stay on my lap so I wouldn’t throw my arms around Griffin. “Is it too hard for you? To be around her?”

He shook his head. “It’s a good kind of pain. Mia reminds me of all the good memories I have of Beth. I’ve been too focused on losing her for too long.”

“I’m glad it helps in a way. You can talk about her if you want. Beth. I’d love to hear more about her.”

Griffin stared out at the kids rolling around in the grass, but it was almost as if he couldn’t see them, as if he were lost in another time. “I’m not used to talking about her. But maybe one day.”

I couldn’t help the flicker of disappointment. I wanted to know it all, everything he would share with me. I wanted him to be able to bring his sister and his parents out into the light again. But I couldn’t force it. I knew better than most that sharing those secret parts of yourself couldn’t be rushed. “Open invitation.”

“Thank you.”

“But I’m glad you’re sticking around. I’d miss your scowls and grunts. And it would break Mia’s heart not to have her giant around.”

Griffin shook his head. “I told you, I don’t scowl.”

“Whatever you say, Mr. Magic Giant. You know I can’t wait for the local rumor mill to start spreading that around. The magical giant who only comes out of his castle once a week.”

That familiar scowl stretched across Griffin’s face. “You’re way too amused about this.”

I shrugged. “It is a little funny.”

“I’ll show you funny.”

Before I knew what was happening, Griffin lunged, plucking me off the bench and hauling me over his shoulder. I let out a squeal that had all the kids running our way.

“I wanna do that!” Mia begged.

I pounded on Griffin’s back. “Let me down. I swear to God I’ll put cayenne pepper in all your food for a week if you don’t.”

Ava appeared upside down in my line of sight. “What’d you do, Cae Cae?”

“She’s being an instigator,” Griffin answered.

“What’s an insta-grator?” Mia asked.