His chin trembled slightly, and he looked away. He took a few deep breaths. The first was shaky, but the last was steady.

“You don’t have to hide from me.” Lauren squeezed his hand. “When mourning someone who has lost their battle with cancer, I’m the last person you should be embarrassed to cry in front of.”

His brown eyes met hers again, and though they were still sad, she found they were warm and gentle. “I know.” He swallowed. “But for once, I’d like to be the strong one.”

Lauren was taken aback. “You’re the strongest man I know.”

“It doesn’t feel that way. I feel weak and pathetic.”

“Showing emotion isn’t weak or pathetic. If anything, it defines your strength of character. You have compassion and empathy, traits not all men have. Or at least, many don’t show them. Knowing those things about you only makes me love you more.” She attempted a small smile. “And I love big, strong men.”

“Men? Plural?”

“I was speaking in general terms.”

“Be more specific. But if the words Will Gearhart come out of your mouth, I’m leaving.”

“You’re definitely stronger than Will. In every sense of the word.”

He appeared slightly mollified. “I’d kick his ass, that’s for sure. And if I ever happen to run into him, that’s exactly what I’ll do. Actually, I’d start with his dick, then go for that ten-million-dollar right shoulder.”

Lauren sighed and shook her head. “Anyway.” She tugged at his hand, intending to get back on track. “Are you going to be okay? I thought it might be best if I told you. And I couldn’t do it over the phone.”

“It sucks, but I’ll be okay.” He dipped his chin a notch lower. “I’m glad you came. Do you want to come back inside?”

She shook her head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“You’re probably right.” He closed his eyes for a second. “I’m sorry. For what I said.”

She didn’t respond right away. She’d usually say something like, That’s okay, or Don’t worry about it. But she kind of thought he should be sorry. He needed to understand the gravity of what he’d asked, and of her response. She needed him to understand how deep her feelings ran, like a cavern in the ocean that had never been explored.

“I accept your apology, but I need you to understand something.” The question she was about to pose put a lot of faith in his feelings toward her, and she hoped she wasn’t overestimating them. “Think about how you’d feel if I asked you that question. What if I died? Today, on my drive home, I could die. What would that do to you?”