As afternoon wore into evening, Ryan watched Hannah continue to work her magic on the house and on Percy himself. She drew him out, reminding him of all the good memories attached to this stuff. Percy seemed to get five years younger in as many hours as she continued chattering away like a cheerful magpie. She was so open and willing to connect with everyone around her. His hand flexed at the remembered feel of her fingers laced through his. He couldn’t fathom being like that, being able to survive like that. And she seemed to thrive on it. It fascinated him. She fascinated him, despite his better judgment, and he couldn’t help but wonder what she’d do if Percy wasn’t around to interrupt.
As if reading his mind, Percy shoved up from the recliner. “I hate to leave good company, but I’m tuc
