The Sunday morning sun filtered gently through the trees, casting light across the cabin and stirring the group from their deep, restful sleep.
The previous day's hike had taken a toll on everyone, and they had all collapsed into their beds the night before, exhausted but exhilarated.
Tom was the first to wake, his body protesting the early hour but his mind already replaying the adventures of the weekend. He rolled over and watched Lucy sleep for a moment, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
She looked peaceful, her face relaxed, and he couldn't help but think about how she had defended their course against Jade the previous day. The thought of it made him grin.
His feisty little lady.
She had changed so much from shying away from confrontations to facing them head-on and refusing to back down.
"What are you smiling for?" Lucy asked without opening her eyes, but a smile played on her lips.
