Lovely averted her gaze as tears threatened to fall. Mark's presence had destroyed the idea that she had moved on, which she had been trying to convince herself she had for years.
Her voice broke as she finally responded, "I need time."
Mark gently touched her hand as he reached for it. "Take as much time as you require. But, Lovely, don't push me away. Not now. I'm here to stay."
Then he got up, dressed quietly, and left the room. Lovely's heart raced with emotion as she watched him go.
She was confident that the past she had worked so hard to leave behind was still with her as the door closed.
***
The dining room at the Lewis home was bathed in a golden glow from the warm light of the chandelier. Emily's fingers drummed softly on the glossy wood as she sat at the other side of the head of the table while Jake sat across her.