His face wasn’t nervous. It was heavier than that.
Like he’d been carrying something for years and had finally reached the point where he couldn’t carry it any longer.
His eyes were fixed on the floor like he couldn’t look at me.
He swallowed, eyes glassy, and spoke in a quiet, cracked voice.
“I’m sorry. It’s time for you to know the truth. I should’ve told you this sooner. I don’t want to start our marriage wrapped in guilt.”
My heart dropped.
“You’re scaring me. Told me what?”
Ryan looked at me with so much pain in his eyes that I almost told him to stop.
“I’m the reason you’re disabled.”
It was like being slapped without warning.
“I don’t want to start our marriage wrapped in guilt.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I should’ve told you years ago. But I was scared. Scared you’d hate me. Scared I’d lose you.”
I just sat there, stunned. “Ryan, you saved me. You called the ambulance. You stayed with me.”
“I know. But it’s more complicated than that.”
“Then explain it to me! Stop being cryptic and just tell me what you mean!”
He shook his head. “I can’t. Not yet. I just needed you to know that I’m responsible.”
“I was scared.”
“Responsible for what?”
He stood up abruptly.
“I need some air.”
