Not even Helena believed the conviction in her own voice. McKenzie approached until she was a couple feet away and raised her hands in surrender.
“Helena. Dr. Kelly. I honestly didn’t mean to let you know. I’ve been feeling it for so long, and there was the music and the lights dancing in your eyes and it just felt right in the moment so I said it.” She shrugged, hands still raised and her voice quieted. “I realize you’re engaged. I definitely know you’re a woman, God help me, I know that. Those three words are certainly something I’ve never blurted out like that in such a fashion. To be honest I’ve never said them to anyone. I need you to understand I would never hurt you intentionally. Will you forgive me?”
Helena stepped forward and placed her palm against the other woman’s shoulder f
