I bit down on my bottom lip, trying to get my riotous emotions under control. “I’m scared all the time, Ken. Before Griffin came into the picture, I was scared that something awful would happen to one of the kids. That I would fall behind on my bills and we would end up homeless. That I’d lose custody. The list is endless. And I was so tired of carrying all that worry on my shoulders. Of having to hold everything all by myself. But then Griffin came along. And he took some of that burden without me even asking. The kids fell in love with him. Before I knew it, I was leaning on him. Depending on him. And he makes me feel so safe. I’ve never felt as safe as I do in his arms. But now I’m even more scared because what if he decides he doesn’t want this. Doesn’t want us. Me. I’m not sure I’ll ever recover.”

Tears glistened in Kenna’s eyes, spilling over and down her cheeks. “Love is the most terrifying jump you’ll ever make. But I promise you, it’s worth it.”

“It’s worth it to you because it worked out for you and Crosby in the end. I might not be so lucky.”

Kenna dug her fingers into my arms. “It’ll still be worth it. Because no matter what happens, you’re expanding your heart. Increasing your capacity to love. But I wouldn’t count Griffin out. I think he’s going to come through for you in the end.”

I stared at the friend I’d known for my entire life. She’d always been more than a bit of a pessimist. Or a realist as she called it. I’d never heard anything like this come out of her mouth. “Who are you, and what have you done with my best friend?”

Kenna gave me a little shove. “Oh, stop it.”

“You’re even crying.”

She wiped furiously at her cheeks. “It’s the pregnancy hormones. They’ve turned my tear ducts on at full power.”

I gave her a small smile. “Thanks, Ken. I love you. You know that, right?”

“I do. Now you just have to trust that some of that love you pour out into the world will come back around to you.”

I took a deep breath. I couldn’t lose myself now. I just needed to hold on to hope that, eventually, Griffin and I would find our way, and that what was meant to be would happen. Even if there was hurt along the way.