“I love you,” I whisper. “I’m sorry,” she says eventually, so quiet I almost miss it. “I’m so sorry.” “It’s not your fault.” She shakes her head. “You need to go. It’s almost time, right?” “Probably.” I pull back, stroking my hand down her face. “Are you okay to go back out there?” She wipes at her eyes carefully, nodding. “Yeah,” she says, voice thick with emotion that makes my heart squeeze. “James?” “Yeah, princess?” She hesitates for a moment, like she’s not quite sure what to say. “I love you too.”
