When the massive chandelier fell, my husband ignored our daughter’s screams to protect his ex’s child. I shielded her with my own back. After the dust cleared, my daughter wiped my tears and whispered, “Mommy, let’s leave daddy behind.” When my husband finally turned to look at us…

his eyes tracing my profile.

I shook my head, inhaling the crisp, clean air, leaning slightly into his warmth. “With you here? Not at all.”

He smiled, wrapping a strong arm around my waist, pulling me tight against his side as we walked toward the car. “Come on. Let’s go home. Haley is waiting for me to finish reading her that fantasy book.”

“Okay,” I continue reading …