“I'm glad you're here, Michael,” Ellen said as she led him through the house. “Sheridan has talked about you for years. I intend to be kind and welcoming later, but I have to know one thing. What on earth took you so long?”
Interesting. These are the kind of blunt questions Sheridan tends to ask. It's fascinating to see her with her family and begin to understand the forces that shaped her.
He took a moment to consider his response. “I hope you'll excuse a long story to answer a short question, ma'am. The thing is, I had a pretty rough childhood. I'm not the most… confident person, so I didn't recognize for the longest time that a relationship with Sheridan would be possible. Even now, it seems unreal that such a special woman could want to be with me.” He dented his cheek in a wry half-
