“I was dropping a delivery off. Allie sourced some local soaps from my shop that she’s going to use in some of the rooms. I figured I’d stop by and see my girl.”

I hugged her. Hard.

“Oh, hey.” She patted my back. “What’s wrong, pretty girl?”

“Nothing. I just needed a hug.”

She led me over to a chair in front of my desk and made me sit. She knelt beside me. “What’s wrong?”

I heard the love, the concern. She’d been giving me that every day of my life.

“I don’t want to worry you.”

She took my hand and squeezed. “Tessa, I’ve been worrying about you since you were born. My job as your aunt and primary caregiver is to worry about you. I love you.”

“I love you too.” Tears filled my eyes. “Ro’s leaving.”

“Oh, my darling.” She squeezed my hand again.

“It was always the plan. My feelings changed. He did nothing wrong and made me no promises.” I dashed the tears away. “I know it’ll pass.”

“Tessa—”

“No.” I squeezed her fingers. “I promise I’ll be fine. Tomorrow, I’ll be my usual self, getting on with things.”

“Stop it.” Emily’s voice was sharp.

I blinked.

“You are allowed to feel. You don’t need to pretend you’re fine with me.”

“I don’t want to worry you.”

She cupped my cheek. “Darling girl, it’s not your job to make my life easy.” She frowned. “You’ve always been so good, followed the rules, got good grades, never faltered. I’ve always worried you pushed yourself too hard.”

“I didn’t want to cause you more trouble,” I whispered. “You took me in and it changed your entire life. I didn’t want to make anything harder than it already was.”

Shock was a quick slap to her face. “You weren’t a burden, Tessa. You weren’t trouble. You were a gift.”

“Em—”

“No. Did you think you had to be perfect for me? To be good and forsake your own feelings for me?”

I shifted uncomfortably. “Well…”

“No.” She shook her head. “Now you’ve made me angry.”

I stood. “Don’t be angry.”

She sighed and pulled me into her arms. “I love you. With no strings. And I will worry, no matter what you do.”

I gave a hiccupping laugh. “I like doing well and I like helping people and following the rules. It wasn’t just⁠—”

“I know, baby.” She hugged me harder. “I’ve worried that you’d never find a man to love. I’ve always known a part of you was holding back. Losing your mom and dad was so hard. I know losing those you love the most is the hardest thing in the world.” Her voice thickened. I knew she wasn’t just thinking of my parents, but Max too.