way to a plush sofa near the massive stone fireplace, setting her down as if she were made of delicate glass. P

kay?" som

th a self-satisfied authority. He ran a hand through his wet hair, the pictur

usy soaking in the admiration, recounting a sligh

ectural firm, a junior designer named Maria, who

d, her brow furrowed with w

gh as nails. She probably found a sheltered spot to wait out the wo

ed him lie, so easily, so convincingly. Fine? I wanted to scream. I' m dead, you idiot. You kil

ng fast," Maria insisted. "Sho

I do. She's likely just taking her time, being careful. She gets like this sometimes, wanting her spa

carried for emergencies. He didn't try to call me. He

fessional. "We're up at the company retreat lodge. The blizzar

sickening, deli

at him with wide, adoring eyes. "You see? Everyth

n't letting up. It was getting worse. An hour passed. Then two. Ethan sat by the fire with Sarah, his arm draped pr

usand other moments just like this one. Me, sidelined and patient, while he catered to Sarah' s every whim,

ce. He stood up, stretching. "Alright, fine. I'll go gear up and take

wide with fear. "Ethan, no! You can't go back out there

instantly melting. He

you're like this." He had made his choice. Again. He would not risk himself for the wom

lodge's heavy oak doors burst open. Two men in official Park R

e," the lead ranger said, his eyes scanning the ro

nger's gaze fell on Ethan. "You'r

han said, puffing ou

s with you on this retreat. They couldn't reach her phone, and they're worried." T

he face of real authority, the words seemed to catch in his throat. The other employees were all looking at him no