It took about six years to piece myself back together, and since then, I’ve been cautious when meeting women. Very cautious. Rylee is the first woman I’ve spoken to about my background. She’s the first woman to lift me up, to make me want to strive to be more, to be better than I already am. She’s a once-in-a-lifetime person, Zoey. Believe me, I’ve been through the gauntlet. She makes me happy and she gives me hope for a bright future. I want to hold on to that for as long as I live.” “Well . . . damn.” Zoey pats at her eyes. “God, you’re a fucking catch. Not a dickhead after all.”
