I was scarred saving my sister from a fire—years later, she hid me at her wedding, until the groom’s mother said five words that silenced everyone.

been another old habit.

Mark joined us a moment later. He rested one hand on the back of an empty hallway chair instead of touching me without asking.

“I failed you in there,” he said.

I looked at him. He did not add an excuse. That helped more than an elaborate apology would have.

“Yes,” I said.

He nodded once.

Behind us, Emily came through the sanctuary continue reading …