He wanted to reach out and tuck a stray curl behind her ear, but he clenched his hand at his side instead, keeping it from reaching for her.

     He swallowed. “Is your sister okay?” he asked.

     She sighed, her shoulders slumping and her body losing the rigidness that had been holding her up. He couldn’t help but reach for her then, pulling her into his chest and offering her his strength.

     “Yeah,” she mumbled into his chest. “She’s okay.”

     “Can I meet her?” he asked, and Emma tilted her head up to meet his eyes.

     “You want to meet my sister?”

     He shrugged. “Sure. I mean if you don’t mind....