“So, he’s—he’s moving on, then.” Without her. Her heart sank. “That’s great. I’m happy for him.” She truly was, but she had thought... It didn’t matter what she had thought. Maybe she had thought he would come back for her when he was in a better place. But those were her hopes. He had promised no such thing.

“Oh, I don’t know about moving on, but he’s better because he’s getting help.” Her father’s smile said everything that he could not. His face held all the answers Annika was looking for.

Annika’s apprehension vanished as she smiled and hugged her father. “Thanks.”

They got out of the car and went into the house together. Annika felt lighter than she had in weeks. Daniel was getting help. And from her own father, of all places. Good for him. She put her hand on her heart and let happiness flood her. Good for him.

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

DANIEL

DANIEL STOOD, FROZEN to the spot, as Annika jumped out of the car. For a moment he thought she was going to approach him, and he had willed her to come to him, since his own feet seemed to be glued to the spot. But she did not, though her gaze never wavered. He hadn’t contacted her to tell her he was getting help. He hadn’t known what to say—and the truth was, after the way he’d left her when she had needed him, he didn’t think he had a right to talk to her, anyway.

What would he possibly say to her? Sorry I broke up with you? It was the biggest mistake of my life? I want you back? I will always love you?

Absolutely not. Especially not today. Today, she was hurting.

So he had remained frozen to his spot until she’d driven away.

She had looked amazing. Had her eyes been red from crying? He couldn’t tell from where he stood. How was she coping with today? The anniversary date was never easy. She must be staying at her parents’, or else why would she have been in Columbia today? He smiled to himself. She was with her family, surrounded by people she loved, who loved her, too. She would be fine.

He got onto his bike and headed for Sheila’s. Aaron was all of three months old and one of the happiest babies he’d ever seen. He’d promised Jim and Sheila a night out while he babysat his godson. Annika didn’t need him. He suppressed the ache in his heart as he realized this and focused on thoughts of Aaron. He’d been looking forward to this all day.