Mr. Bixby looked like he might float away the moment Zinnia let go of his hand, which was the single reason she didn’t immediately remove her hand from his after giving it a squeeze. Maybe she should have, but they were at a funeral and no one was going to fault her for trying to give comfort here… not that anyone was paying attention to them. A few eyes might search for him every so often simply because he was Sloane’s brother, but that was the only reason.

Zin frowned at him, but at least he was being honest. The expression on his face was grim and saddening. It sent her heart into her stomach because Zinnia wished she could help him, and it sucked knowing there was absolutely nothing she could do to help him. She was hurting too, knowing that Sloane wasn’t ever coming back, but enough to float in a fog like he was; would be the same though, had it been one of her family members.

“We don’t have to stay here. Would you like to go for a walk, Mr. Bixby?” Her lips quipped into a very gentle smile, although she made no movement to stand. She didn’t want to make any decisions for him. “Maybe fresh air will do some good.” They’d be back before anyone missed them. Zinnia would make sure of it.

---