Mitchel’s tall frame went rigid for a moment, but he held her tightly, allowing her tears to soak his shirt, tie, and jacket.

Was she melting away in his warm embrace? How could she cry this much? Her tears just wouldn’t stop.

His heart ached as he gently cupped her tear-streaked face. The storm in his eyes vanished completely, leaving no trace of the previous tension.

In a voice so soft and gentle that even he didn’t realize how tender it was, he spoke up ...