“I’ve been the male version of you, and I woke up one morning and didn’t like myself so much. I’m taking baby steps toward a change, and I like myself better each day. I just want you to know that I’m not interested in dating right now—not just you, but anyone. A woman deserves respect and honesty, and . . .” He paused.

“What do you want in the end of this big change?” she asked.

“I want a solid relationship built on love and, like I said, respect, not just sex,” he answered. “What do you want from life?” He could tell Tilly that she would never find anything stable by chasing after men the way she was doing, but she needed to come to that conclusion on her own for it to do a bit of good.

Face your fears. Be a good person. Do what’s right. Words of wisdom from Nessa’s father came back to him.

“Are you serious?” Tilly whispered.

“Yep, and it may take a year or even two before I feel like I’ve got something good and decent to offer a woman,” he said, “but I want to be honest with you.” God, it felt good to feel like he was helping someone, but it felt even better to realize that it didn’t mean he had to be there for someone. He was talking to himself as much as or more than he was to Tilly, and it was downright liberating.

“I appreciate that.” She cocked her head to one side. “You asked me what I want from life. I want the man you are working to become.”

“Then I’d say that you have to become the woman that would appeal to that man. Maybe it won’t be me, or even someone else, but you have to want that bad enough to work on yourself,” he said.

“Why wouldn’t it be you?” She winked.

“Because when and if I ever settle down, I don’t think I want a ready-made family, and please don’t take that wrong. I’m not being hateful, just honest,” he said again.

“Thanks, Flynn.” She stood up and started down the steps. “I appreciate you talking to me, but I’m not willing to work on that much change. I want my second husband to be someone like what you’re talking about, but I don’t want to give up my good times just yet to get him. I like to flirt. I like the thrill of the chase.”

“Who’s taking care of your kids while you live like that?” Flynn asked.