After we dress, Tobin takes me outside to show me the fields of meadowfoam in full bloom. The white flowers glisten in the early afternoon sun and I follow him through the crops, listening as he explains how this is the first year since I left that he’s actually done some of the harvesting. “It was just Ashe and Naphalie before,” he says. I squeeze his hand where I hold it in my own because I know it’s hard for him, talking about when I wasn’t here. It’s hard for me to hear it, it pains him so. “I thought maybe I should try to help out a bit, you know?”
“I’m sorry,” I say again. I can’t say it enough.
Tobin shrugs. “That’s all over with. You’re here now.” And then he kisses the back of my hand. I know it’s only been a day but my heart swells every time I look at him. He’s more alive th
