“We cannot choose whom we love,” Graham said, “but we can choose what to do about it. If you and Tommy found joy, then you should hold on to each other. I want both of you to be happy.”

He would. The Wynchesters were the loveliest family Philippa had ever met. How she wished her own felt that way about her.

“We want the same for you,” Graham added. “You should, too.”

She stared at him, startled. It was as though he had read her thoughts and gave her what she most needed.

Graham smiled gently. “You are within your rights to seek your own joy. Of course you wish no ill upon your friends or family. They should feel the same about you. If they do not, what are you really missing?”

Love.

He was right. Friends and family should want the best for each other. If Philippa’s parents did not care about her happiness, then it was up to her to find her own. She was uncertain what would happen with her charity projects, but highborn ladies were not the only possible benefactors. Wynchesters did impossible things every day.

It was time Philippa did, too.

Starting with making up for one very bad mistake.

“I hurt Tommy,” Philippa said wretchedly. “I didn’t mean to, but I did. This mess…I did it to myself. Instead of just saying yes to what I really wanted. Her.”

Graham’s dark eyes were grave.

Philippa drew in a shuddering breath. Her stomach felt leaden. She could not imagine how badly she’d wounded Tommy by not accepting her as herself. By not appreciating her for herself. By not letting her know there was no one else Philippa loved and admired more.

She yearned to be the one who gave Tommy what she wanted, what she needed, what she deserved. As wild and free as she always seemed, how often had Philippa stopped to ask Tommy what she wanted? What she needed?

Philippa hung her head. “Asking your sister to permanently and publicly be someone she’s not was no better than my parents’ constant demands that I be something I’m not.”

“Which is why you shouldn’t do it, either.” Graham’s voice was soft. “Sacrificing your own happiness and needs to satisfy your family’s selfish wants is just as unfair. It isn’t noble to coddle them at the expense of your own happiness.”

Philippa twisted her hands.

“Trust yourself. Believe in yourself. Live for yourself.” Graham gave her a brotherly smile. “No matter what your parents told you, it’s all right to have the things you want in life. You can reach out and grab them.”

Freedom. Love. Tommy.

Running away was not the answer. The only acceptable path forward was for both Philippa and Tommy to be themselves.