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If I could, I’d never let her go.

But I know this is what she wants, what she needs. So as she lets go of me, I step back and try to smile as I shove my hands into my pockets.

“It’s okay, Short Stuff.”

She cries as she shakes her head. “You’re a good man, Jude Hawthorne.”

I nod.

I can’t reply, because the three words I feel lodged in my throat would hurt her now… so I smile and nod as the love of my life turns and walks away from me.

“Nora.”

She stops, her hand on the doorknob.

“I meant what I said.” My throat burns as I force the words out. “I will never ask you to stop loving him.”

Her hand shakes on the doorknob.

“I just want you to be happy. However that looks.”

She nods without turning, opens the door and walks out.

CHAPTER 25

Eleonora

SEPTEMBER

Hey Vita,

I started working on my cookbook!

And guess what?

You were right. Horses are magical, so I'm taking riding lessons now!

I'm doing it. Like I promised.

I'm living.

Love you and miss you, Nora.

OCTOBER

Dami,

I finished my cookbook and I'm querying it! What if no one wants to publish it?

What if no one likes it?

I know what you would say. ‘Don't think ahead and enjoy it! You wrote a cookbook!’

And you're right!

I can be proud of that, even if no one ever buys it.

Missing you like crazy, Vita.