There was only music, food, laughter, and the crackling fire.
After dinner, I helped clean the tables while Jace carried empty chairs toward the clubhouse.
When everything was finally organized, we slipped away from the crowd and walked toward the far side of the property.
The fire still illuminated the clearing behind us, but the music had become softer with distance.
Jace sat beneath an old tree, and I settled beside him.
For a few minutes, neither of us spoke. I watched sparks rise into the night sky, disappearing almost as quickly as they appeared.
“This is nice.” I said.
“It is.” He said.
“I don't think I've ever had nights like this before.” I said and Jace looked at me.
“What do you mean?” He asked as I folded my hands in my lap.
“When I was younger, home never really felt
