When they got home, Anabel watched in admiration as Desmond unloaded her bags one by one. He had told her not to touch anything. There was something deeply comforting in the way he insisted on doing it all himself. It was as if carrying her luggage was his way of carrying her heart back into their shared life.

Once everything was inside, Desmond led her through the familiar hallway, past the living room, and up the stairs to their bedroom. Anabel’s heart beat faster with every step. She hadn’t been in this space for months. Not since everything fell apart. She didn’t know what to expect.

But when Desmond opened...