But it wasn't until after dinner that evening that Nicola had the chance to thank Blake for the red roses.
They had just put a sleepy Iris to bed and moved into the hallway when she turned to him. She stood there for several seconds and gazed at Blake. His hair brushed the collar of his white shirt, and she had to clasp her hands tightly behind her back to keep from running them through the thick dark mass.
Nicola saw in the dim hallway the lines of fatigue and stress at the corners of his eyes and wondered if he had as much trouble sleeping the night before as she had. Realizing she was gawking, Nicola averted her eyes.
“I told you that you’re forgiven. You didn't have to send me flowers.”
“I wanted to… My behavior was despicable…”
“Well… thank you for your gesture. The roses are bea
