“There’s nothing I want more. But I have to be completely open with you, and I hope you can do the same with me. I don’t want you to be misled and think I’m the exact same person I was in law school. Some of the things you find out about me might disappoint you.”

“Well, I could say the same about me. But here’s the thing: We don’t have to live in the past and rehash everything that happened to us and how we handled it over the years. If there’s something you want to tell me that you think I need to know or that you want me to know, then I’m all ears. But you should understand that there is no judgment as far as I’m concerned, and I know you’ll do the same for me and my past. If you want to just make a fresh start, I’m completely open to that too. The thing that matters most to me is getting to know you again. The woman you are today, sitting here. The woman I fell in love with eight years ago during my first year of law school might have changed, but we can learn and grow together. I’m not crazy, though. I know you can’t just flip a switch and act like all the pain and heartache you experienced because of me went away. Believe it or not, I can be patient, especially when it comes to you. Take all the time you want and need to work through it all. As long as I know that our past is not going to be a deal breaker in the end.”

Her heart pounded. He had no idea how much she still felt for him today. An ever-growing connection by the moment. It seemed even more real than it was years ago, when she thought with her entire mind, heart, and soul that he was the one. “No, Hunter. I will not hold anything over your head. The truth has set me free in this instance. I understand you did what you did out of love for me. You’re right that nothing can change the past heartache and pain, but I’m ready to move on. I’m ready for a new day. I’m ready to embrace the life in front of me right now for as long as God will give it to me, and I really hope that you can be a part of that.”

“That’s about the best news I’ve heard in a long time.” He wrapped his arms around her, and she rested her head on his shoulder. “Having you back in my arms is the most amazing feeling in the world.”