Zephyr's face turned red with fury. "Aspen—"

Esther stepped in quickly. "Zephyr, that's enough. Let it go. Aspen's our daughter. I understand her, and I understand her feelings. Think about it—men like Andrew? How many girls in this world could actually resist someone like that?"

Zephyr sighed and nodded. "You're right. No ordinary woman can walk away from a man like him. Aspen, we won't force you anymore. If you truly want to stay with him, then stay. All we ask is that you take care of yourself."

Aspen broke into a tearful smile, the joy on her face was obvious even as tears spilled down her cheeks. "Thank you, Dad. Thank you, Mom, for understanding me. I know I'm being an ungrateful daughter for not going back to Bridgefields with you…

"But I really, really like Andrew and I've never felt this way about anyone in my life. If I leave him… I don't know if he'd be sad, but I know I'd be devastated. I'm sorry—I have to go back to him."

Zephyr and Esther stood there, faces full