“Give it back,” I whispered, watching my sister-in-law slip my jade bracelet onto her wrist—the one my husband had given me on our wedding night

filling his eyes. “Claire, I failed you. And last night wasn’t the first time. I kept choosing peace with them instead of protecting you.”

I stared out at the bare winter trees beyond the window.

“I love you,” he whispered. “But I know love means nothing if I don’t stand beside you.”

That was the most honest thing he had said in a very long time.

So I continue reading …