Page 82 of Vows in Sin

Because she’s here with me.

And I’m not letting go.

Not tonight.

Not ever.

I was fooling myself to think I could ever give her up, even for a moment. I’ll make it work with Tabitha.

I have to.

“Are you still with us, sweetheart?” She’s quiet, eyes closed, breathing steadily.

“Oh my God. Seraphina!” Tabby’s suddenly at my side, kneeling to study her friend’s face. She puts her hand on my shoulder. “Dad. Is she okay?”

“I think she’s passed out. We should get her checked.”

“I can help. And I’ll grab Hunter.” She glances over her shoulder looking for him. “He was a medic in the Navy before he went Bachman.”

Seraphina’s eyes flutter open. “I’m so sorry, Tabitha.”

“She is awake.” Tabby exhales with relief.

“I’m so sorry, Tabitha,” she repeats, eyes watering. God, please don’t let her start crying again. I don’t think my heart can take it.

Tabby leans over, bending at the waist till her nose is almost touching Seraphina’s. Gently, she cups Seraphina’s face in her hands, talking silly. “Don’t you dare cry, girl. You’re not the one who had to see your dad naked. If anyone gets to cry about last night, it’s me!”

Seraphina breaks down into a fit of tears and giggles. She sits up, wriggling from my lap. The two girls grab one another in a tight but awkward hug, Tabitha kneeling in the grass, Seraphina sitting half on, half off my lap.

I look at her with surprise. “Tabby, you’re okay with this?”

“It’s freaking weird. Not gonna lie. But I’d never be mad at you for who you date.” She holds my gaze. “I just want the truth next time.”

I shake my head. “There won’t be a next time, baby. I’m never letting Seraphina go.”

“Dad, you tried to protect me once, and that caused us to be apart for most of my childhood, leaving you lonely for over a decade. Don’t do that again.”

She doesn't realize how much her words affect me.

Tabby grins as she gives permission. “You clearly love her. Do this for yourself.”

Satisfied with Seraphina’s recovery for now, Tabitha leaves us. Seraphina asks me, “You know when you said I was in your head? Helping you solve the problem about the Morettis?”

“Yes,” I say. “I know this doesn’t make sense, but it felt like you were there with me, in my head that night at the Village.”

“I kinda understand what you mean. I feel like you’re talking to me sometimes even when you’re not around. It makes me think…” her words trail off.

“What?” I say. “Tell me.”

She gets quiet, then whispers. “It makes me think,you’remy backup.”

Her confession gives me the boost of confidence I need. “It’s too soon to say this. And you don’t have to say it back. Run for the hills if you want.” I stare down at her face. “But life is short. Someone can be taken away from you by the lie of another, by the lick of a flame, so I can’tnotsay it.”

Her lids fluttering drowsily as she challenges me. “Then say it.”

“I love you.”

She smiles. “I love you, too.”