Chapter 18
"It's nothing," Callie said automatically, the same flat deflection she gave everyone. "Ceremony preparations. There's a great deal to organize."
"Ah," Chase said, something knowing in his tone. "The date's been moved up, I take it. I heard mention of it from your father this morning."
"Three weeks," Callie confirmed, immediately regretting how easily the information had slipped out. She straightened, trying to reclaim the careful blankness she usually kept in place. "If you'll excuse me, General, I have tasks to attend to."
"Of course," Chase said, stepping aside to let her pass, no pressure in his tone, no attempt to draw the conversation out further. But as she moved past him, he added quietly, almost like an afterthought, "The token I gave you. It still stands, whenever
