Nancy raises an eyebrow. "Sure you were." She has to reach up this time, but she knocks his hat to the ground and ruffles his hair.

"I do reckon." Jem had always fancied Nancy, been the first person to kiss her. If she hadn't had Bill, it was a given she'd wind up with Jem- that was just how these sorts of things worked in their lives.

"Y'know, I don't miss him a lick."