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“There’s a breakfast sandwich for you in the microwave.”

The cute little huff that leaves her mouth makes me smile.

“How do you do that?”

“Practice.”

She’s still moving quietly, trying not to wake Brody. He’s sleeping like a damn grizzly bear in the living room. A marching band could tromp through the cabin, and he wouldn’t hear it.

Lexie yawns into the back of her hand, and I feel bad. I heard her and Daisy up late into the night whispering to each other. I have excellent hearing, but I couldn’t make out everything they were saying. I caught bits and pieces.

It’s crazy that two strangers can instantly become best friends. I’m wondering if Lexie has an easier time with people who don’t know everything about her past. She seemed to connect with Elizabeth the same way.

I’ll admit there is something special about Elizabeth and Daisy. It could be that both women shared their own tribulations with Lexie. I don’t know, but whatever it is, I’m thankful for it. She’s building her own little family. Much like my sister and I had to do.

“Sit down,” I tell her, going to get the boots I found by the door.

She reaches for them when I return to her side.

“I’ve got it. Give me your foot.” I crouch down in front of her, and she hesitantly rests her heel on my knee. “I want to make sure they’re on properly, so you don’t slip.”

“You’re not going to make meclimbthe mountain, are you?”

I laugh.

She doesn’t.

“I’m serious, Ash. Do I look like a nature girl to you?”

I shrug. “I don’t know what kind of girl you are. But we’re about to find out.” I pat the side of her foot, encouraging her to put some pressure on it. “How does that feel?”

She stands and walks around the kitchen. “Actually, they fit pretty good.”

“Excellent.”

I help her with her jacket, grab my backpack, and we’re off.

We both take a deep breath the minute we step outside.

“I’ll admit, it does smell good out here,” she says, following me into the trees.

The way she follows me blindly into a dark forest shows me just how much this girl trusts me. She’s probably too trusting, but she’s safe with me. Bird songs serenade us as the morning slowly brightens along our way.

When I hear a twig snap I pause, holding up my hand for her to do the same. My heart sings when she halts her steps on my order. It will be easier for me to keep her safe, here and at home, if she allows me to take the lead.

I smile when I spot a doe and her fawn. My hand lowers, and I point in their direction. Lexie’s gaze follows my finger, and she gasps quietly.

The deer’s ears prick up, but eventually she goes back to eating.

We watch them until they move out of sight.

“That was amazing,” Lexie whispers.

I take her hand and continue on. When the sun makes an appearance, we shed our jackets. I fold them up and tuck them away in my bag. So far, our hike has been easy, but we’re getting to a spot that’s a little bit trickier. “Watch your step.”

The deeper we go, the more I sense her hesitation. She slows until eventually she stops.

“Ash, I don’t think I can do this.”