Alvin nearly hesitated. The reply almost felt stiff. Had he intruded on a wanted moment of solitude? Truthfully he'd come out for the same, so he certainly couldn't blame her. Maybe he should leave it to her to it then? "Agreed," he managed, unsure as to how to proceed.

It was strange to think anything with Miss Thompsett was awkward, he'd practically watched her grow up, the same as Sloane, but without his diminutive sister here as comparison anymore, and given life circumstances, Miss Thompsett decidedly looked the near-adult that she was tonight. "Did you want some peace and quiet?" He found himself asking, unable to let the uneasy feeling linger in the air between them. He wouldn't take it personally, especially if she needed a few minutes before going back inside. This holiday must not be very easy for her either, after losing her mother as well.

He could empathize and had come outside mostly for the same reasons. He was all riled up about Zinnia and just wanted to clear his head and wrap his brain around her situation. He was glad Gallagher had stepped up, but worried it wasn't going to be what she deserved. Not that he was in any better position to give her the life she was used to, but at least they were close, it wouldn't have been that hard.