When he finally walked her outside, rain had begun falling over the Kentucky hills. Maddie’s father waited beneath the covered entrance, sitting inside his old service van.

He had refused to stay home. Frank climbed out when he saw them, his gaze moving from Maddie’s bare feet to the folded apron Eli carried under one arm.

“You stayed with her?” Frank asked.

“Yes, sir.”

“Why?”

Eli looked at Maddie. “She shouldn’t have had to finish the night alone.”