“My name is Aubrey Hobbs,” I said. “Ethan Hosking died that day. The man who was too weak to leave Anton died in the fire, and Aubrey Hobbs walked out.” Fresh tears spilled down my face. “I became a different person that day. Stronger, better. Aubrey Hobbs was my grandfather’s name. He was the one good thing in my life I could take with me.” A tear rolled down Patrick’s cheek, and he pulled me back against him. He held me, rocking me, as we sat under the table. He kissed the top of my head. “I love you, Aubrey Hobbs.” And instead of his words setting me afloat, they felt like a burden. I was a
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