Chapter 56

• "Okay." Nathalie nodded, her trust in him unwavering. "I'll try to let go of thoughts that you might go back to her, or that you'll realize I'm too young for you, or that I'm taking time away from Rose. But why exactly did you come?"
• "Elise spends New Year's with her parents every year, and I felt comfortable enough that they, along with Rose, could handle the situation. I was going to spend New Year's alone anyway. If I were to stay with Elise's parents for more than an hour, it would likely turn into a fight—most notably between her dad and me. No way I was spending the entire evening and night with them. When you called, Elise was still with me, but she was already packing her things." He paused to reach out and gently touch her face. "And, Nathalie, I missed you like hell. I always miss you when I'm not with you. When Shina texted me about your doubts..."
• "She did what?" Nathalie exclaimed, shocked. "I didn't know about that!"