“He was so lucky that you loved him as much as you did. That you continue to love him all these years later. That’s an incredible thing.”

“I’ll always love him.”

“I know, baby, and so does he. That’s why he decided to finally set you free. He wants you to be happy.”

Tears continued to roll slowly down her face. Jenny made no effort to wipe them away. “Do you really believe that?”

“I really do.”

“That means a lot to me.” She kissed his chest. “And I’m glad you’re here. It helps.”

“I’m glad, too. I’d never want you to go through anything so painful alone.” He continued to caress her back in small, soothing circles. “Do you think you can go back to sleep?”

“I don’t know.”

“Want to go for a walk or a ride on the bike or something to clear your mind?”

“If it’s okay, I think I’d rather just stay here with you.”

With his arms tight around her, he kissed her forehead. “It’s more than okay.”

***

On Monday evening, Jenny met her parents at the ferry and took them for pizza at Mario’s before bringing them to see her lighthouse, which they absolutely loved.

“The pictures don’t do it justice, honey,” her mother said. “It’s incredible.”

“I love it.”

“We can see why,” her dad said, taking a close look at her the way he had since her life fell apart. He was always on the lookout for cracks in her veneer. “You look wonderful. I haven’t seen you look so good in… It’s been a while.”

“Yes, it has. Come have a seat. I have stuff to tell you.” Over coffee and dessert, she told them about Alex and how excited she was to have found the same sense of connection she’d had once before.

“Oh, Jenny,” her mom said with a deep sigh as she dabbed at her eyes. “You have no idea how much we’ve hoped to hear you say that. It’s not that you haven’t done fine on your own, but you have so much love to give. And we were hoping… Well, you know.”

“Yeah, I know. I think he might be the one.” As it had every time since, her belly quivered when she remembered him saying how cute their kids would be.

“Wow,” her dad said. “And this happened recently?”

“Yes, and I know what you’re going to say—”

“You know what we would’ve said once upon a time when you were too young to know your own heart. But we’d never say that now.”

“Thanks, Mom,” Jenny said softly. “I wouldn’t have gotten through this without you guys and Emma and Leah. You’ve kept me going.”

“We’ve taken our cues from you, honey. Your strength has been our strength.”

Her father nodded in agreement.