Blake's POV
The Portland visits became monthly routine—bus from New York, weekend at a modest hotel, careful time with Aloe and Evelyn that felt like learning a new language. Each visit, Evelyn grew more comfortable with me, and Aloe's guardedness softened incrementally.
Three months into regular visits, Aloe finally asked the question I'd been waiting for.
"Blake, what do you want from this? From us?"
We were at a park watching Evelyn attempt the playground equipment with more courage than coordination. The question hung between us, requiring honesty I was still learning to give without strategy.
"I want whatever you're willing to give. If that's friendship, I'm grateful for friendship. If it's more..." I watched Evelyn climb stairs she couldn't quite manage. "I'd like to see if we c
