CHAPTER 29
“What would you do if you knew the whole truth?”
COLIN ADAMS
Long seconds of silence hung in the air.
I really did understand Isabelle, even if it didn’t look like it. I’d hate it if someone I cared deeply about kept something from me—especially if it were serious enough to change everything between us.
And that’s exactly what would happen if I told her everything. She’d never approve of the man I became after losing my daughter.
I didn’t know what to do—or how to act. I didn’t want to lose her, but I needed to be honest, because she’d changed me. For the better.
Before Isabelle and Hanna, I was a man with no purpose, trapped in the past. They showed me what it meant to live in the present, and now I couldn’t imagine a future without them.
“I think it’s better if I find another job,” she said softly, lowering her head, sadness written all over her face.
Her words caught me completely off guard, but I didn’t even consider the possibility. Isabelle wasn’t leaving.
No way in hell.
“No, you’re not quitting,” I said, my tone firm.
“That’s not your decision, Colin!” she shot back, matching my intensity.
“Yes, it is!” I took a step toward her, but she didn’t move.
She had no idea how hard it was for me to let her go. I’d been hiding my feelings well, but it was getting unbearable. She needed to know I was serious. I needed to prove it. I had to act like a man who knew exactly what he wanted.
“Colin, I don’t really know you,” she said quietly. “What we’re doing isn’t right, and you know it.”
“That’s why you’re going to get to know me now.” I stepped closer again and took her hand firmly in mine. “Ask me anything. I’ll be honest—promise.” I’d made my decision.
Isabelle clearly doubted me. Hell, even I doubted myself for a few seconds. But this conversation had to happen. She needed to trust me—because I already trusted her.
“Why do you try so hard to hide your past?” she asked.
“I was betrayed, Isabelle,” I said quietly. “Let’s start there…”