After everything that had happened, after the deception and the fear, she had asked permission.
I walked toward her.
“Yes.”
She wrapped her arms around me gently.
At first, I stood stiffly, unsure how to respond. I could smell her perfume, something light and floral. I could feel her trembling.
Then I began to cry against her shoulder.
She didn’t tell me everything would be all right.
She didn’t ask me to forgive her.
She simply held me until I was ready to let go.
When I stepped back, I reached for Margaret’s hand.
She took it immediately.
I looked at both women.
“I don’t know what our relationship will look like from now on. I don’t know how I’m supposed to feel about any of this.”
Margaret squeezed my fingers.
“You don’t have to decide today.”
Sarah nodded.
“We can take as much time as you need.”
For the first time that morning, I felt as though someone was allowing me to make my own decision.
