“I think he’ll get it better than some guys would. He’s in the thick of it with his mother, and he probably enjoys the respite he finds with you as much as you do.”

“Why does my stomach ache every time I imagine telling him my story?”

“Because it still hurts to talk about it all these years later, and you haven’t had to tell the story in a long time.”

“I knew you’d understand.”

“Of course I do, honey. I’ve lived it. I know exactly what you’re going through, trying to move forward while continuing to honor the past. Neither of us asked for what happened to us, and the only choice we’ve had is to go on with our lives. That’s not always the easiest thing to do.”

“No, it isn’t. But for the first time since I lost Toby, I want to take a chance again. I’m worried that he won’t want the same thing, but I can’t deny the connection I feel with him—and not just physically. It’s more than that.”

“Does he feel it, too?”

“I think so.”

“Then you’ve got to have some faith in him, Jenny. Tell him the story, tell him what you want and don’t want from him, and try to enjoy yourself. You’ve waited a long time for this.”

“I’m also afraid that if I get all wrapped up in him and it doesn’t work out for whatever reason…” She shrugged.

“That would suck, but that’s always a risk where these things are concerned.”

“It’s more of a risk for me than it would be for most people.”

“That’s true, but the alternative is to remain alone for the rest of your life, and I don’t think you want that either.”

“I’m sick of being alone, and I like how I feel when he’s around. It’s exciting.”

Sydney put down her glass and crossed the kitchen to hug Jenny. “That’s the most wonderful thing I’ve heard in a very long time. I’ve been so hoping you’d find someone special.”

“Don’t jinx me,” Jenny said, returning the embrace. “It’s still very new.”

Sydney released her but kept her hands on Jenny’s shoulders. “But there’s a connection. That doesn’t happen every day.”

“No, it doesn’t.” She looked up at Sydney. “Do you ever worry about something happening to Luke and having to go through the whole nightmare again?”

“I worried about that every day when we were first together, especially after the accident at the marina when he was hurt. I was a wreck for weeks after that. I obsessed about what could’ve happened.”

“How did you get past that?”