The normalcy.
The quiet.
I watch the way her hands move.
Careful.
Precise.
Like she’s rebuilding something small and important at the same time.
“You’re good at this,” I say.
She shrugs a little. “It’s one thing I never lost.”
Good.
Because she shouldn’t have had to lose anything else.
Blaze’s voice cuts through my earpiece.
“Ace.”
I straighten slightly.
“Yeah.”
“I’ve got something.”
Of course he does.
I glance at Tessa.
She notices the shift instantly.
“Problem?” she asks.
I don’t lie.
“Maybe.”
She stands, brushing her hands off, still holding the flowers.
“Then let’s go.”
No hesitation.
No fear.
Just… ready.
I study her for a second.
Then nod.
“Yeah.”
We head back toward the house together.
