He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out an envelope containing the divorce papers before leaving it next to the watch. He told her he was not going to bargain with tears or compete with late excuses because the marriage was over.
Austin picked up his keys and apologized to the guests for bringing them into the disaster. He walked toward the door and did not turn around as he heard Brianna’s ragged breathing and her mother’s sobs behind him.
He went down the steps and reached his car before he allowed himself to stop and look back at the house. He looked at the home where he had celebrated birthdays and planned a future that had been dead for months.
Finally, he cried for the version of Brianna he had loved and for the version of himself he was leaving behind. He dried his face and sat behind the wheel, feeling a first thread of peace because the truth was finally out in the light.
