Zoe took a few seconds before answering. She looked at Arthur, who was seated beside her, and found in him that look she knew so well—concerned, attentive to every detail of her. He reached out his hand, and she took it, feeling the warm firmness of his fingers.

“I will,” she said, simply, but firmly.

Arthur didn’t let go right away.

“Love… you don’t have to put yourself in this situation.”

“Relax, handsome. It’s okay.”

He ran his other hand nervously along his thigh before speaking.

“If it wer