My throat tightens.
He swallows. “I was too scared to realize you were the best thing that’s ever happened to us.”
That…
God, it’s all I’ve ever wanted to hear.
I just…
How can I possibly believe it?
I close my eyes for half a second. “It’s okay,” I say, though it isn’t, not really. “I get it. You have to be a dad first.”
“Stitch,” he says gently.
I shake my head. “No. I mean that. Youdohave to be a dad first. I just…” My voice cracks and, God, I hate that show of weakness. I blow out a breath, square my shoulders. “The truth is that I need someone to pick me for me. To not see a person who won’t measure up. But to seeme.”
“I do, baby,” he says, stepping closer. “I swear I do. I was…I was a fucking coward and terrified of losing you, and I ended up pushing you away instead. I hurt you. I know I did, and I am so damned sorry for it. But you’re not what your parents accuse you of being, not what I insinuated that night—you’re hardworking and funny and so freaking smart. And brave. To do this—” He sweeps an arm out. “To set yourself up so you can go after your dreams. That’s fuckingincredible, baby.”
“Rhodes,” I whisper.
“I let fear get in the way of truth.” He takes my hand, holds it like it’s the most precious object in the universe. “Please give me another chance to prove to you that I know how wonderful you are.”
My heart hurts.No. It’s shattering into a million pieces.
Not because I think he’s lying.
But because…I believe him.
And because believing him doesn’t magically erase what happened.
I exhale softly and force myself to say, “I can’t.”
He doesn’t react for a second.
Then he nods. Slowly.
Like I just confirmed something he already suspected.
Like he already knew it was going to be too late.
Then he reaches up, touches my cheek with the backs of his knuckles, and the tenderness in his next words nearly slices me in two. “I know,” he says quietly. “And you don’t have to forgive me, Stitch.”
My heart squeezes.
“I just needed you to know I was wrong.” A beat. “Sofuckingwrong.”
He drops his hand.
Turns.
And starts walking away.
I should leave it there.
It would be smarter, safer.
But not…
