Elliot looked at Lila, then back at Nora. “When Lila asked me to pretend, I didn’t expect… I didn’t expect to feel anything at all. But I did. And when the ceremony was over, I realized I didn’t want to walk away and pretend today never happened.”
He leaned forward slightly. “I’m not trying to take her from you. I know how much you love each other. But I’d like to help. If you’ll let me. Doctor visits, better medication, a safer place to live… whatever you need. And if you ever decide it’s okay, I’d like to be part of her life. Not just today.”
Nora was quiet for so long Lila thought she might have fallen asleep. Then her grandmother spoke, voice low and careful.
“You understand what you’re offering? We’re not easy people to help. I’m old. I’m sick. I don’t have long. And Lila… she’s already lost too much. If you come into her life and then disappear, it’ll break her in ways I can’t fix.”
Elliot met her eyes without flinching. “I won’t disappear. I give you my word.”
Nora looked at Lila. “Baby… what do you want?”