Melanie wasn’t much given to giggling, but Pet had been, and her body betrayed me at this most inopportune moment. “What?” he demanded. “I was giving you time to sort things out,” I explained in a whisper. “I didn’t want to rush you — because I know it’s confusing. With Melanie.” He jumped just a little in surprise. “You thought . . . ? But Melanie isn’t you. I was never confused.” I was smiling in the dark now. “And Jared isn’t you.” His voice was tighter when he answered. “But he’s still Jared. And you love him.”
