He cut her off. "None of that matters. You couldn't have known what would happen. You did what you were meant to do. It's how you've lived afterwards that matters. Trust me, I know that lesson all too well. You're not a bad person. I don't care who you were. I care about who you are. I'm honored that you told me, but it doesn't change the way I feel about you. You're a wonderful woman. That's who you are now."
She stared at him for a few moments, her jaw slightly slack. "I could love you," he heard her whisper in awe.
He realized that it was only fair that he reveal his secret. He opened his mouth to do so, but never had the chance.
"This place is beautiful!" Martha's voice echoed around the open area.
"What are you doing here?" Eldon blurted before he could think better of it.
"Did you forget already?" she asked, appearing uncertain. "I'm sorry. I thought… I mean, you agreed and everything. Maybe I was deceiving myself. I'm so embarrassed now. I—I should go."
