After a moment’s hesitation, I did what he suggested. He didn’t move his arm, so I ended up resting my head on his shoulder. It should have felt weird, but all I could feel was relief to have his steady body to lean against.

The heat of him was comforting and I only startled a little when his hand casually dropped on to my shoulder as if he was my boyfriend.

“Such a pretty name, Love,” he said softly.

“Thank you,” I murmured, confused by how happy-squirmy his praise made me feel.

“Not a common name around these parts, how did your parents decide on it?”

“Ummmm… I think they...