Oh! That made her laugh. The sudden sound of it surprised him as much as it seemed to surprise her.

For the second time since meeting her, Malachi was made aware of just how infectious her energy was. What seriousness he had managed to pull over his face was broken by a half-smile, and his hands loosened from their habitual hold behind his back to rest more casually at his sides.

His attention was drawn beyond the path and to the water flowing steadily below.

“Subtle,” he commented.

Was it really a good idea to swim in the river at this hour? That was not even a question that really needed to be asked, but here he was, considering it seriously. It did not look as rough as it could have been, he supposed.

“You’ll get your clothes all wet,” Malachi warned, “but if you really want to, we can walk down there. If you promise to hold onto me.”

He did not need her going too far and getting swept down the river.