“Why is the hill last if it’s the hardest?” Cadence couldn’t help but think this was Aaron’s own special form of torture.

“Because you’re tired, probably more than a little angry with me for pushing you so hard, and I want to see what you’ve got when there’s not much left in the reserves.”

“Have I been acting like I’m angry with you?” she asked, a bit surprised to hear that. She wiped her forehead on her sleeve for the hundredth time.

“Actually, no. You’ve kept a good attitude the entire time even though I’ve demanded a lot of you. I’m incredibly proud of you.”

Cadence didn’t know what to...