KATIE DROPPED HER HEAD to Brendan’s chest. Out here in the dark of a country night there wasn’t much light beyond the stars and the dying fire. Still, she felt better shielding her eyes from it against Brendan’s body. He put a hand on the back of her neck, his palm warm and his touch soothing. Katie rubbed her face against his skin and his open shirt. The fabric was damp. She was crying, her whole body trembling.
“Are you all right?” Brendan asked.
Katie felt more than heard the words and nodded frantically. The last thing she needed was for Brendan to misunderstand emotions she could barely catalogue herself. It was so much all at once.
“Yes. Of course. Just. I feel ....” She trailed off. She had no language for what she was. She was relieved. And untethered from everything that had he
