Jake is watching me over a mug of coffee in the small café. My tears have finally stopped. I'm not heartbroken, just resigned and letting go of all that pent-up emotion; part of me is relieved. There really are no other words for it. His eyes never leave mine and his arms are aching to hold me, but he knows I just need a moment to let my body, emotionally, mentally, and physically, settle. I want to get through this without any outside help, it's just something I need to do.
He listens, intently, as I repeat every word from my encounter, holding my hand and letting me cry. He has wiped my tears and been the rock he always is. My Jake, grounding me, always understanding what I need.
"You don't want her at the wedding at all? No visits when the baby comes?" He's watching me closely, trying
