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I don’t want her to be sad.

“I bet he did,” she says, still laughing. “And I’m so damned glad he was himself enough to do it.”

I suck in a breath.

“So, you didn’t mess up, honey. He’s a protector, through and through, and hates what you endured. But he’s not mad at you—not really.”

He’s mad at Dylan.

And that I was hurt.

“I know,” I say and I mean it. “I just…he’s been so great. I hate that I hurt him, even a little bit.”

“Because you’re a good person.”

Stated so matter-of-factly that it penetrates deep, settles right around my heart.

I’ve always heard how bad I am, how incapable, how pathetic. But not good. Never good.

And yet, this wonderful woman states it so easily.

Maybe that’s why I can believe it.

But even as I’m accepting that, I know it’s not just Briar’s statement. It’s Hudson. His faith, his patience, his kindness, all working together to make it so I can hold those words close, can tuck them inside me and keep them safe.

“You are too,” I murmur.

We’re both quiet for a couple of seconds but then I hear Frankie’s voice in the background.

“Your moment of quiet is over?” I ask lightly.

A beleaguered sigh—but it’s filled with amusement. “Apparently.”

“Before you go,” I say. “I did have just one more question…”

Twenty-One

Dash

Something delicious hits my nostrils the minute I come through the door, and my feet propel me toward the kitchen. I don’t know what’s cooking but I hope it’s done because it’s been a long day and I’m tired, starving, and a little frustrated.

I was mad earlier but now that I’ve had time to think, I understand why she flinched. Why she needs more time—and probably a fuck ton of therapy—to move past the emotional and physical abuse Dylan put her through. Years of abuse isn’t going to disappear overnight, and I have to remember that.

And give us both a little grace.

“Hi.” She whirls as I walk into the kitchen, but there’s no fear in her eyes now.

Now all I see is…regret?

I hate that too.

“Hey. I just wanted—” I begin.

“I need to—” She starts talking at the same time.

We both smile.

“Ladies first,” I say politely.