After their conversation about the mate bond, Bell had excused herself to the bathroom. When she returned, Renee had already revived the wedding conversation and her dreams of her future mate. Ashleigh couldn’t help but glance over at Bell from time to time, looking for signs of that sadness she had glimpsed.
But it never came back.
Bell smiled and laughed. She made jokes and took part in the conversation just like any other day. Ashleigh wondered if she could have imagined it.
By the end of the night, the girls had fallen asleep watching some romantic comedy Renee had picked out. When Ashleigh woke for her run, she expected to be the only one up, but she noticed Bell’s place on the couch was empty.
After getting ready to go, she stepped out into the cold morning air and found Bell sitting on the porch with a mug in her hand.
“Hey,” Ashleigh called out quietly.
“Hey,” Bell replied with a soft smile.
