His body seemed to tremble as he took in another breath. “When I asked my parents to find a way for me to see you, they told me that your parents had refused them access. They didn’t want us anywhere near you or them. When I pushed it, your mother came to my hospital room and informed me that if I contacted them or you, they’d sue me for wrongful death. God, Bell. I was so damn young. I thought I knew it all then. But looking back, I was just a kid. She said you didn’t want to see me, and part of me believed her.”

It was as if someone were tearing at my insides. Tears burned my eyes, trying to break free. “Ford…” I didn’t know what to say after that, could only get out his name.

He shook his head. “So, I ran. Ran to school, and then LA, and tried to bury it all. The truth is, I blamed myself. If I had just been quicker, paid better attention, something, none of it would’ve happened. I thought you would blame me, too. But I was putting all my own thoughts and feelings on you. I was so damn focused on myself, so selfish. And I didn’t think about everything you might be going through beyond losing your sister. I didn’t even consider that you’d think I abandoned you.”

The tears I’d been trying to hold back spilled over and ran down my cheeks. “Ford—”

“I’m so damn sorry, Trouble.” The nickname was my breaking point. My knees gave way, and Ford caught me just before I hit the floor. He lifted me up, wrapping his arms around me in the tightest of hugs, whispering in my ear. “I’m so sorry.” He whispered it over and over, rocking me back and forth as I sobbed.

I didn’t know how long we stood there, Ford holding the majority of my weight. “It’s going to be okay.” He squeezed me tighter as my sobs slowed. “We’re going to be okay.”

“I’m sorry.” I’d held so much anger in my heart for him. Thought him a coward and cruel for leaving the way he did. But he’d been broken too, and my parents had dealt a death blow on top of everything that had already happened. I gave a little jerk, startling out of Ford’s arms. “Why didn’t your parents tell me what mine had done?”

Ford winced. “They didn’t think it was their place. And they didn’t want to cause you any more pain.”