“Would the woman you are now actually want to be rescued?” She stopped and pivoted toward him.

“No.” She stared up at him. “How could you know that?”

He hadn’t, but he’d guessed. She’d always been confident, almost reckless, even. And she seemed as outspoken and fearless as ever. “It made sense that you grew into a someone who can take care of herself.”

She looked at him with unflinching pride. “Thank you.”