The fire crackled between them, sending small sparks into the night as the three sat around it. The horses rested a short distance away, tied and quiet, their occasional snorts blending into the stillness of the open land.
Saul leaned back slightly, one hand resting on his knee as he laughed, his voice easy and full. Jackson sat across from him, a small grin on his face, the kind that came without effort.
"I'm telling you," Saul said, shaking his head, "this idiot thought he could outrun a bull."
Jackson scoffed, pointing at him. "You said it was tied up."
"It was tied up," Saul shot back. "You just didn't notice the rope snapped."
Cherie laughed softly, watching the two of them go back and forth. The firelight flickered across their faces, catching the familiarity between them. It was easy. Natural.
"Looks like you two had a lot of adventures together," Cherie said, smiling.
