In the Woods (34 page)

Harper turned, hurrying, almost running up the path. ‘It will be late when we get home.’ Her voice was faint.

‘What did you say?’

‘Chloe. She’ll be asleep.’

‘Let’s stop by Trent’s and pick her up anyway. She probably won’t wake up.’

No, she probably wouldn’t. Harper thought of Chloe sleeping, her steady breathing. Her trust that her world was safe and loving.

‘That way she’ll wake up in her own room, and we’ll all be together in the morning.’

Harper picked up her backpack, the folded chairs and the tent. Hank got the rest. She kept her mind on the morning. On Chloe. They would say goodbye to Ranger Daniels, dodge the press, and take off, leaving the woods and what happened there behind. All that mattered was that they were together. And alive.