“A terrifying development.” My father frowned, then winked at me.
“Mom said that too!” Eli sounded offended. I shook my head while my father smirked faintly and ruffled Eli’s hair. Then his gaze shifted toward me briefly. Subtle. Questioning. Checking. He had been watching me more carefully ever since the border incident.
Not because he knew what happened in the cabin. Thank God. Because he knew Rowan and I returned … different. More aware of each other. More distracted. My father noticed everything. He just rarely commented directly unless necessary.
“You’re quiet,” he observed casually.
“I’m unpacking groceries.” I packed the last things away.
“You’re overthinking groceries.” Annoyingly accurate.
“I’m fine.” I sighed.
“Hm.” He nodded. That sound alone carried years of parental ske
