The truth was, I’d had to convince Devlynn to come to dinner at my mom’s house. It’d been mom’s idea, and Devlynn had refused at first, but she’d softened the more I told her how forgiving my mom was. The past was in the past. It’d taken a lot of rough years, but my mother finally believed that, and she never harbored any ill will toward Devlynn’s family.

I hoped tonight would prove that to Devlynn once and for all, and I think that was exactly what Mom had in mind when she’d asked us here—clearing the air between our families.

“Devlynn…” My mom covered Devlynn’s hand with hers. “I can’t lie and say I didn’t wish for a different outcome for our situation a hundred different times.” Mom’s eyes were wet with emotion. “But spending the last hour with the two of you has me so—” she trailed off as she wiped at the corner of her eyes “—so grateful that we’re all right where we are today. I hope your mom heals and can overcome the loss of your father—he was a great man.”

“He had so many shortcomings,” Devlynn whispered, wiping her tears. “Mom says he worked too much, and that’s what—” Devlynn shook her head, and her lips snapped closed. “Well, she’s told me so much about that time. I know she has regrets.”

“We all do, sweetheart. Trust me when I say everyone does, and anyone who tells you differently is plain lying to themselves.”

I laced my fingers with Devlynn’s, bringing her knuckles to mine for a kiss. “I have a million.”

Devlynn's smile cracked. A tear rolled down her cheek, forcing me to catch it with my thumb.

“All of my regrets begin and end with you, Devlynn. Our past.”

“That’s one of my regrets too, kids.” Mom patted her eyes with a napkin. “I see the special love you share, and I’m so sad it was put on hold because of that other bullshit.”

We sat silently, her words lingering before I cleared my throat and stood, stacking our plates and carrying them to the sink.

“Hey, loser!” Sarena burst through the dining room doors with a crooked smile aimed at me. “Oh, did I miss dinner?”

Sarena scanned the room, seeing Mom wiping her tears and Devlynn rubbing her back soothingly.

“Leave those dishes, Elis. Sarena and I will do them later.” Mom waved a palm at me. “We’ve had enough fuss for one night.”

“Wait… I didn’t even get to eat dinner, and I have to clean up?” Sarena scrunched her nose. “I need to find a job—I had an interview this morning at the shoe department of Bergdorf’s, but the manager didn’t look too happy by the time I left.”

“Oh, dear…” Mom bit down on her lip.