My fury is only matched by the heartbreak I feel for the woman standing in front of me.
“Katelyn.”What else can I say?How can I put into words how furious I am that she suffered?How badly I want to hunt Victor’s brother down and inflict on him the pain he and his brother put on this beautiful woman?
“I have spent the last thirteen years trying to hide the truth from everyone because I am so terrified that Thomas will find out someday.That he will know who his father truly was.”
I take a step closer and drop my shoes so I can cup her face in my hands.“The only thing Thomas will ever know is that his mother is the strongest woman in the world.And she sacrificed unbelievably to give him everything.”
Katelyn’s lashes flutter against her cheeks as shimmering tears fall freely.“I was such a fool.”
“You are a survivor, Katelyn.A fighter.”
She looks up at me.“Do you understand now?Why I can’t—why I said?—”
“You don’t have to explain anything to me.Not now, not ever.I willalwaysbe here for you.Even if it’s only as a friend.”
“What if—” She tips her face up to look at me, those hazel depths so full of pain that it breaks me.Even still, amidst the pain is something else—longing?“Is that all you want?”she whispers.
“I want whatever you’re willing to give.”It’s the truth.If all Katelyn wants to be is friends, then I will bury what I feel for her so far down it’ll never surface.Even if I have to cut myself to the bone to do it.
I willneverpush this woman into something she’s not comfortable with.Anything she wants from me, she’ll have to ask.It’s up to her to set the pace.
“What if I’m not sure?”
Her face in my hands, I lean down and rest my forehead against hers.Eyes closed, I can feel her breath fanning against my face.Our noses are touching.Our mouths a mere breath apart.“I’ll be right here when you are.”