A wave of emotion stirred within her. Maybe all those years of doing everything alone, of being the strong, capable, independent woman she had to be, had left her lonelier than she ever wanted to admit.
"…Thank you," Addison murmured, lowering her gaze to hide the sudden vulnerability in her eyes.
Zion also came over to sit with them around the campfire, though his mind was preoccupied with countless thoughts. He remained quiet throughout the meal, lost in contemplation.
Meanwhile, Levi and Maxwell sat on either side of Addison, attentively fussing over her as if terrified she might choke on a tiny fish bone—or even her own saliva. Honestly, it looked a little crowded and overbearing, but deep down, Addison felt a gentle warmth. She smiled as she ate, chatting with them between bites.
