CARMEN
“You don’t get to carry that,” Rio said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. “We’re fine. We forgive you. End of discussion.”
I looked between them, realizing that they meant it.
Every single one of them.
Something tight in my chest loosened just a little more.
“Okay,” I said quietly.
We didn’t stay long after that. Just enough to check things over, breathe, settle.
Then we headed to Grace and Kaden’s shop.
The second we walked in, I was distracted.
Wood carvings lined the space—detailed, intricate, each piece carrying something unique. Animals, symbols, and designs that seemed to have stories behind them.
“So wait, Kaden made all of these?” I asked, stepping closer to one.
“Every single one,” Grace said, pride clear in her voice. “All this is him; I just handle
