Cora realized that Ace's scowl was because he felt uncomfortable. He wasn't angry at her. That was reassuring. Her heart had quickened in fear a little when she thought he was but it calmed down after realizing that.
She laughed. "Your brother seems like a real character."
"Oh, he is. You should open that now."
Okay then. She tore off the paper and ended up grinning in delight when she saw what it was. A multipack of 6x6 canvases. He remembered what she said when they got dinner about wanting to try oil pastels on canvas. No one had ever gotten her such a thoughtful present before.
"I can't believe you remembered! Thank you!" Cora said happily.
Ace seemed visibly relieved. "I'm glad you like them."
"I don't have anything for you though."
"That's fine. I really don't need anyth—"
She rode right over him. She had an idea. It wasn't much but it was better than nothing. "What's your favorite color?"
