`` believe me- '' his jaw went tight `` -i understand that well or we would n't be here . `` hey , '' i said , and sat at the kitchen table , staring at my hands . and she 'd never imagined that a man would give up his business to be with her . he wanted me , all of me . his head turned slightly to the right as he hopped off the dresser . would you like to speak to the boy ? eyes closed again , he nodded and let go my wrist . 