“I tried, Kate, but you were always so strong, so self-sufficient. Don’t get me wrong,” he hurried to add, “I admire that about you. Your strength and determination.” He gave her a half smile. “I knew the moment you walked into Philosophy 101 that day that you were the one. Before we even spoke. That’s why I asked you to be in my study group, before anyone else could ask you.”

“Simon, I––”

“No, let me finish,” he said. “You’ve always been the one, Kate. I fell in love with you from the very beginning. I knew there would always be a place in your heart for Jake, and I didn’t resent that. I really didn’t. But he took up so much of your heart that there wasn’t enough room for me. You kept me from getting too close.”

Kate hung her head and wiped away silent tears.

Simon put a gentle hand under her chin and lifted her face to his, looking into her eyes. “You’re an incredible woman. I so respect and admire your dedication to your work, the mother you are to Annabelle, the amazing person you are. The only thing I’ve wanted all these years was to be the person by your side, supporting you, loving you. I wanted to take care of you. Letting someone take care of you doesn’t mean you’re weak. We have to take care of each other.”

“Can you ever forgive me? I’ve thrown away so much while I’ve stayed mired in the past, in the mistakes I’ve made. Punishing myself. And you. Our family. I’m so sorry.”

“I love you. I hope one day you’ll understand how much, and that we can begin again.”

“I hope so too, Simon.” She squeezed the hand holding hers. “I hope so too.”

34

FOUR YEARS LATER