"Thank you. He's named for his father," Serena says, pointed but not impolite. She doesn't want to talk more about Pemberton right now, or maybe ever, and trusts that Beth will sense not to ask. "He's... very fortunate to have people who already care for him here."

It's still something Serena's coming to terms with. She knows that there were people who worried about the outcome of Serena's pregnancy back on the timber camp, but this feels different. Beth doesn't seem to fear her. Beth doesn't seem intimidated by her. Beth might even like her.

"I could use the help, if you've got the time. I don't even know how to use the phones here."