Jules tried to swallow the lump in her throat. Will and Lucy were two of the most important people in her life, a select group she could count on one hand, and she had completely screwed this up. “Will, I—”

“She’s amazing, Jules,” he said, interjecting. “Amazing, and I …” He trailed off and Jules took the opportunity to jump in. She had to try to make things right.

“I know. She is amazing. She’s warm, she’s kind, and super smart.”

“Yeah, she is—all those things. And she’s fun. And she gets along well with everyone.”

“All true.” Jules knew that letting Will rant at her was part of her penance for being such a crappy sister.

“So how is it that she’s not good enough for me? ’Cause that’s how you made her feel.”

“I didn’t … she is, Will. Of course, she is, but—”

“Wait, do you think I’m not good enough for her?”

“No! That’s not it.” She stood, the need to pace intense. She’d let Will rant, but now she needed to set the record straight and explain how they’d come to this horrible situation. “Can I just … can you listen? Please?”

“Fine.”

“Hey, where are you? In the cabin, I mean?”

“I’m in my room. Don’t worry, she can’t hear me.” Jules heard the curtains slide on their track and imagined him staring out the window at the wintry landscape, feeling a pang for home.

“Is it snowing?”

“What? Uh, no. No fresh snow since the twenty-fourth. You’re stalling, Jules.”

“I know. Look, I’m really sorry I screwed this up. It’s no excuse, but when I was talking to Lucy and you came up, I was pretty tipsy, and it was late.” Will was silent and she could sense his impatience. “Like I said, it’s not an excuse, but it was a surprise and I reacted poorly. I know you probably don’t want to hear this, but as soon as I heard that you and Lucy had kissed, all I could think of was Tiffany—” A short groan from Will made her pause.

“That was years ago, Jules.”

“Yes, it was, and that’s my point. It’s been years since you dated anyone seriously. Your breakup with Tiffany, that was … It’s like you’ve never really got over it. And then there’s Lucy, who’s one of my best friends, and she lives in England … and I guess all those thoughts tumbled together at once and I let my worry come out as judgement.”

Another long sigh from Will. “I get it.”

Jules pressed her lips together, her eyes tearing up. It was only three words, but she knew from Will’s tone that he’d forgiven her. Now she just had to make things right with Lucy—dear, sweet Lucy.

“Look,” said Will, “you’re right about the breakup with Tiffany. It almost broke me, and I know you know that. I mean, you were there for most of it. But that’s why you shouldn’t be worried about me and Lucy. She’s literally the first woman I’ve had strong feelings for in years. I haven’t been single all this time because I’m afraid, Jules. It’s because I haven’t met anyone who mattered enough. Do you understand that?”