She shrugged. "If you like it."
As she turned to leave, Elizabeth called after her.
"Wait, let me call Jack to drop you home."
Thea shook her head with a gentle smile.
"No worries, Auntie—I'll be fine."
Elizabeth wasn't convinced.
"You know I can't just let you walk off alone like that."
Ryder smiled wryly. "If you want my advice, just take her word for it—it's always the final say."
A few minutes later, Thea sat quietly in the back seat beside Mr.Jack.
Her fingers toyed with the edge of her sleeve as her thoughts circled back to the small gift.
"Uncle Jack… Do you think Ryder will like it?"
He glanced at her kindly through the rearview mirror.
"Miss Thea, you made it with love. What more could anyone want?"
She nodded quietly, then whispered, almost to herself,
"I just hope it still means something to him."
He smiled.
"It will. Your thoughtfulness always has."
