PART 3 The courthouse smelled like wet coats, old paper, and coffee that had been burned for too many hours.

know what you choose from here.”

He nodded.

That answer was mercy.

Not softness.

Mercy.

It gave him responsibility instead of pretending the past had vanished.

Savannah turned to leave.

Bryce said, “Did you ever love me?”

She closed her eyes for a moment.

Then she faced him.

“Yes.”

His face broke.

“But I loved a version of you that could not survive not getting continue reading …