Lucas's mom stabilized. His relief was so palpable Emma felt it in her bones.
He came home one afternoon with groceries. "Im cooking tonight. Non-negotiable."
They ate pasta together, laughing as he burned the garlic bread.
"Lucas —"
"No. Listen." he brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. " I want this, I want us. I just needed to believe I could be someone worthy of you."
She smiled, tears prickling. "You already are."