Page 112 of Falcon’s Forever

"Apparently."

She stays another minute, maybe more. Eventually she pulls back and I let her go without holding on.

"See?" she says.

"See what?"

"You can let go of people," she says.

I stare at her.

"That was terrible. Sorry."

"Very."

"It’s still true, though."

Zip's officially infecting her too. "Go inside before you freeze."

She starts backing toward the door. "You're very bossy."

"It’s a strong suggestion, not an order."

"That’s better." At the door she stops. "Falcon?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm glad you stayed."

"Me too."

She disappears inside, and a minute later the security channel confirms the lock. I stand there longer than I need to.

Zip wanders over after Cara leaves. “You done?”

I look at him. “With what?”

“Having a deeply emotional moment in the middle of my patrol route.”

“You could’ve left.”

“I’m working,” he points out.

“Then work somewhere else.”

Zip grins. “You hugged.”

I start walking toward the clubhouse. “Zip.”

He falls into step beside me. “Was it nice?”

“Zip.”

“She touched your face,” he continues.

I stop and turn toward him. Zip throws both hands up, laughing.

“I’m done,” he promises. “I’m done.”