Avery shook her head. "I want to go out."

"Then, tell me if your leg hurts. Don't force it."

"I know."

"Avery, if I had known how many miserable things would happen to us when we came back to this country, I would not have allowed you to return." Mike helped her into the car. "When we were in Bridgedale, everything went smoothly. I never once worried about you. Who could have known that your return would bring me an endless amount of worry."

Avery was apologetic. "Why don't you return to Bridgedale!"

"That's not what I meant!"

"I know that. I think that I can handle work here. You should go back to Bridgedale—"

"Come back with me."

"I'm not going. I like my country better than I love Bridgedale."

Mike snorted. "Then, I'm not going either. I'll be where you are."

"You miss Chad, huh?"

"Why did you have to bring him up? He blocked my calls." Mike stepped on the gas. "That jerk! He only has his boss in his heart."

Avery said, "I'm sorry!"

"Why are you apologizing to me? Eve