“You may not be Prince Charming, Fred, but you are definitely my savior.”

Dolores’s face glows in the light of the flames of the cottage burning behind us as we drive away. I couldn’t go back there with her – not now after what happened. I’ve got somewhere better for her now. And a more certain future.

“I’m sorry, Dolores. For everything I put you through.”

“Don’t apologize,” she replies, squeezing my hand. “I owe you my life.”

“That’s no excuse for my behavior. I was afraid, Dolores. Afraid of pulling you into my life. Afraid of hurting you. Corrupting you.”

“You hurt me more by rejecting me,” she says,...