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“You had a rocky start.”

She smiled, her eyes crinkling. “The roughest. But we made it through, and there isn’t a better man or husband out there.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

“Anytime.”

Maddy looked calm when I arrived, smiling at the items I carried up. “You’ve been busy.”

I reached into the empty tote and produced a bag. “Your favorite cheeseburgers,” I explained. “Extra pickles, just the way you like them.”

She kissed me warmly and we sat down, unwrapping the mouthwatering burgers. We ate quietly for a few moments, and I indicated the notebook to her left, the pages filled with writing.

“You’ve been busy too.”

“Yes.”

“Tell me,” I invited.

She ate another bite, wiping her lips.

“I accepted the offer. I spoke with the school, with the organizers, and several other people. I found out there is a scholarship for me as well to help offset costs. And I qualify for a student loan.”

I squeezed her hand. “Great news. You don’t have to worry about a job. You’ll have enough on your plate.”

“That’s the idea.” She blew out a long breath. “I found a place to live.”

“Already?”

“There’s a group of students like me sharing a house not far from the school. Six of us. I get one of the attic rooms.”

I grimaced. “The attic rooms?”

She smiled, although it looked forced. “It’s not as bad as it sounds. There are two. It’s finished, holds a bed and a built-in closet of sorts. There is a tiny landing with a desk and chair between the two rooms. We share the kitchen and bathrooms on the floors below.”

“Okay, sounds livable. But it gets hot in Toronto in the summer. Really hot. And you’ll be in an attic?”

“It’s what I can get, Matthew. I don’t have funds for my own place. This is close, so I don’t have to worry about transportation. Summer is only for a few months. There is a window unit in the space between the rooms. I’ll leave my door open and get a fan. I’m lucky there was a spot.”

I pushed her burger closer. “Eat,” I encouraged.

She took a bite. “Apparently someone dropped out, and my name was next on the list. So I’m getting all the spots she left vacant.”

“Makes sense, the offer being so close to the starting date. Still impressive.”

She was quiet, wiping her mouth and pushing away her barely touched burger. She drew her leg to her chest—an action I had figured out was an anxious tell for her.

I met her gaze, seeing her worry.

“I leave the day after tomorrow. In the morning.”

The words hit me in the stomach. I had thought we’d have a few more days. It made sense, though. She needed to go and get settled. Discover her new home for the next year. Prepare for the grueling schedule she’d be keeping.

I sucked in some air, letting myself relax before I spoke. “I’ll arrange the night off and drive you to the airport.”

She nodded, looking away. “I’m sorry,” she whispered.

I was on my knees in front of her before she finished her apology.