*Rose*

“Rose?” asks Shelby. There’s a pleading look in her eyes as she looks at me. “What do you mean?”

“I mean I don’t know,” I say. Instantly I regret the words because she gives me a pained look, and I don’t want to hurt her feelings.

I expected her to stand up and walk away from me, but instead, she moves in closer and takes my hand. “Adam is a good man, Rose,” she says. “He would never hurt you.”

I nod and say, “I know you believe ...