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“I don’t know, but we can find out.”

“How? I doubt she’ll tell us on the phone.”

“I can’t imagine it either. And we need to catch them unaware. If his wife made regular visits to the UK, then he’ll know it. They’ve got another project—a multi-use structure in Rivers Wilde, the enclave where I life. They’re raising capital for it. I’m going to email him and express an interest in it. I’ll ask for a meeting in Houston, they’re really big on making deals that feel like they’re being done with a handshake. Every meeting we had was at their home—over breakfast or lunch.”

“Are you interested in the project and going back to Houston? You said wild horses couldn’t drag you back there.”

“They can’t. But my love for you can.”

I’m panting again. Breathless with gratitude for this man who loves me. But afraid that he’s hoping for something that won’t manifest.

“What if we can’t get what we need? I’ve got my tribunal hearing in a month.”

“What tribunal?” He looks startled, and I realize I haven’t told him what brought me here in the first place.

“I resigned today. It was good of them to let me instead of giving me the sack I deserve.”

“Is that why your email bounced back?”

I nod miserably.

“Wait, did that motherfuckeroutyou?” He shoots to his feet like he’s about to run out of the house and go find him.

I put a hand on his arm. “No, no. I went in myself and told Mr. Bone everything. You were right. It was wrong. And as long as I was living that lie, he’d always have a hold on me.”

He runs a hand over his face. “What did Mr. Bone say?”

“He was kind, but his hands were tied. He had to let me resign, and the tribunal, despite giving the appearance of being an opportunity to plead my case, is a mere formality. I have a month. But he’s offered to let me clerk there while I figure out what’s next.” The offer that made me so happy earlier leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. “I’m grateful, but being a clerk in the same place I used to be a barrister might be too hard.”

He winces and blows out a harsh breath. “Beat, I’m so sorry. Shit.”

“Me, too. I came here because I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. I wasn’t sure if you’d have me, and I don’t want you to feel like that you owe me anything.”

His eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “Come on, you think we found this love, this friendship, this home in each other just to walk away from it when things are hard?”

My chin trembles, and I squeeze my eyes shut. My immense relief makes me dizzy. I drop my face into my hands and shake my head at how close I came to losing my biggest blessing. This experience has scared me straight.

“Jules, are you okay?”

I nod and lift my head to look him in the eye. And as soon as I do, my racing heart slows, and a smile I didn’t think I’d find again tugs at both sides of my mouth until it hurts.

The tension that furrowed his brow and tightened his jaw eases, and he smiles. It’s weary, but it’s true.

“I’m sorry I hurt you. I’m sorry I lied to you. It won’t happen again. Your trust is priceless, and I hope I can earn it back.”

He jerks his chin back and shakes his head. “I trust you, Jules.”

I draw in a huge breath and press my lips together to stop them from trembling. I blink to clear my tear-blurred vision, and he wipes the small stream of tears off each cheek with his thumb. “I was angry and terrified.” He picks up my hand and laces our fingers together. “I know you’re sorry. I forgive you for it. Ibelieveyou.”

I close my eyes again and cover my mouth with my free hand to muffle my sob. I didn’t realize I needed to know he did until he said it. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, my heart. And I think you deserve some good to come your way without you having to bleed for it. So whatever I can do to ease your path, I will.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. And thank you for coming home. Thank you for looking after Beat.”

I close one eye and look at him sideways. “Looking aftermyself?”