“I’m not,” Addison said, taking a step in Joanna’s direction. “Joanna, I’m sorry. Seven months ago, I was a fool. Seven months ago, I was terrified that my father’s words were true. That I was a murderer, and... and you were going to be my next victim. I was so bloody scared of losing you, I couldn’t see straight. All I knew is that I had finally found someone who gave meaning to my life, someone who made sense out of the senseless and light out of the dark, and made my nights so blissful, so exquisitely alive, my heart felt like it was going to explode. Joanna, you have more courage than I will ever have, and convictions I can only pray one day to attain, and whether you drive through that gate right now or remain by my side, I will love you for the rest of my life.”

Addison paused and took a ragged breath as her emotions began to get the better of her. “I can never apologize enough for the hell I’ve put you through, but I promise you, Joanna, I promise you, as God is my witness, I will spend the rest of my days loving you like no one else ever could. Please, please just give me another chance. I’ll do anything you want. I swear to God...I’ll do anything you want.”

Joanna lifted her chin and re-crossing her arms, she gave herself the time she needed to harness the emotions she knew would leak out in her tone. Clearing her throat, she said, “Is that so?”

A shiver ran down Addison’s spine. She had spoken the truth in the only way she knew how. She had opened her heart and confessed her mistakes, her fears, and her undying love, but Joanna’s tone had remained cold and flat, and feeling like she had just been sucker punched, Addison fell to her knees, bowing her head seconds before her tears overflowed.

With her vision blurred by emotion, she hadn’t seen the hint of a smile in Joanna’s eyes, so when Addison heard her walk away, her shoulders began to quake as she tried to smother her cries. Kneeling in the grass, she listened as the car door opened, and then a minute later it closed, but just as she felt herself suffocating from her sobs, a pair of feet came into view. Feet wearing trainers Addison knew belonged to Joanna. Drawing in a shuddering breath, Addison looked up.

“How are you at changing nappies?” Joanna said, her smile no longer hidden.

Blinded by the sun, Addison raised her hand to block its brilliance just as George appeared with an umbrella, casting a shadow, large and round, over both the women.