Carl didn’t say a word. He crossed the room and wrapped his arms around her trembling body. One hand cradled the back of her head. He stroked her hair and let her sob into his chest. His flannel shirt was rough against her cheek, but she didn’t care. The strength of his arms, the comfort his warm breath on her forehead, the gentle touch of his hand, all made up for it.
Eventually the tears subsided. She pulled away, knowing if she stayed they would enter murky territory once again.
“You should take the money.” His words, or maybe the assuredness of them, were unexpected.
“I can’t, and I won’t.”
“Why not?” He caught her hand in his. “I don’t believe in speaking ill of the dead, but Manny was a sorry excuse for a husband and father. He did nothing to provide for his family, when he obviously had the means.”
“Because I can do it on my own,” she ground out between gritted teeth.
“I have every confidence that you can but take the money and let Manny do from the grave what he didn’t do in life.” His jaw twitched. “Don’t let pride deprive you of this blessing. If nothing else, put it in a college fund for the girls.”
Drat, but he was right. “Why do you have to go and be all reasonable.”
He chuckled and pulled her to him. “One of us had to be.”
“I…I…” She certainly didn’t feel very sensible at the moment. She was dizzy in the most pleasant way and her heart pounded.
“Then again,” he said, lowering his voice, “practicality is often overrated.”
“It is.” She put her palms up, pressing against his chest to keep distance between them. “But it’s also safe.”
“Life always has a risk.”
“And you?” She swallowed her nervousness. “Are you a risk?”
He trailed a hand down her cheek. “I’d never hurt you, sweetheart. Don’t you know that by now?”
“I do, but the memories. I can’t just erase them as though they never happened.”
“One day a man will love you so deeply, his loves will cover those scars.” His lips pressed against the tip of her nose, ever so lightly. “I want to be that man, Luna, but I’ll never push you.”
His words were honey, and she wanted them to stick. “Why’d you back away before?”
“I had to.” His eyes darkened with regret. “The timing wasn’t right. You weren’t ready, and as long as you’re a resident here, we can’t date. It’s against the rules.”
“I never knew.”
“Backing away was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.”
She believed him. His character spoke for itself. “If I cash that check, I’ll have more than enough to move out.”
“Do it for yourself, not for me.” He covered her hands with his and slid them to his side. “I’ll wait for you, however long it takes.”
Her feet possessed a mind of their own and took a step toward him. Or maybe they were listening to that spark of hope igniting in her soul. “You make it sound so easy.”
“It won’t be, but nothing worthwhile in life is.” He kissed her again, this time on her cheek. “It’s your call. You set the pace.”
She had to be delirious. This was a dream, and she’d wake up from it if she pinched herself. “What if I’m never fully ready?”
“That’s a chance I’m willing to take.” His lips dusted her brows. “But I don’t think we have to worry about that.”
Could he hear her heart pounding? How could he not? “Okay.”
“Okay, what?”
“I want to give us a try.” A weight lifted from her shoulders, and she discovered the freedom in telling the truth.
