“I loved her very much, too. Still do.”

“I know you do. But she would have wanted you to live your best life. Not hers.”

Joy would, as soon as she worked her way through Judy’s lists. She owed it to Judy to honor her sister’s memory.

Joy cradled his face and kissed him. She poured her gratitude and fear into the kiss. He kissed her back and, within seconds, the kiss grew hot and demanding. She kissed his jaw and dragged her lips down his neck. She bit his collarbone, he groaned, and she didn’t stop to think, about where they were or who could see. She pulled up the seat latch. Dylan fell back with a grunt and she toppled with him. She fumbled with his fly and he was right there with her, lifting his hips and helping her yank down his jeans and boxer briefs.

Dylan shoved her skirt to her waist and tugged aside her panties. He thrust up inside the same instant she came down on him. They gasped, and then she rode him, hard.

She wasn’t quiet, and she wasn’t gentle as she worked out eight years of guilt and shame from a tragedy that she still believed was of her making. And Dylan took it all, everything she gave.

Dylan climaxed with her, their lips locked, and once everything that she’d been keeping inside spilled out, she collapsed on his chest and sobbed.

“Joy,” he soothed. “My Joy.”

She didn’t know how long she lay in his arms, but aside from the occasional passing car and the hum of highway traffic several hundred yards away, it was quiet. She felt Dylan inhale and hold his breath. She lifted her head, surprised to find his eyes bright with moisture. “What is it?”

“Are you going to marry Mark?”

She nodded. Her gaze dipped to his chest where his shirt collar met his neck. “I made a commitment. I promised him I would.”

“That’s not reason enough to spend the rest of your life with him.”

“It’s enough for me.”

Dylan frowned. His eyes searched hers. “What about what you want? What about us? Did this week mean nothing?”

She cupped his cheek. “This week was magical, but it isn’t real life.” She wouldn’t give up the life she’d planned on a whim. She didn’t expect Dylan to do so either.