You okay?

Colton comes through loud and clear, checking on me, and for a second, it warms me that he does, that maybe he felt my nervousness. His voice is that sound of home that I never knew I needed, and I find myself exhaling like I’ve been holding my breath, as I lean back into the chair a little more relaxed.

Just waiting on the others and sitting by the fire.

I reply, setting his mind at ease and hoping I sound as comfortable here as I am pretending to be.

I won’t be long. My father kept all the leaders back to talk about plans, schedules, you know...