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“She’d never do that,” he finally says, opening his eyes but notmine He uses one hand to dash the tears away

“Then you need to stop doing it to yourself,” I remind him

Tacker gives a bark of a huh “I’d almost have rather had her recrimination”

Tilting ood hand in et his attention “Why? Why would you have rather had that?”

“Because…” he croaks, and then Tacker completely loses it A sharp sob breaks free, followed by a torrent of tears Laying his head down on Starlight’s back, he cries

Loud, racking sobs interspersed with piteous htly to his hand and trust Starlight will support his weight while he needs it

Tacker pours it out, his chest heaving with the effort I quietly watch, taking note thatTears slip out of my eyes, and my chest aches so badly that my heart feels shredded for him I had not anticipated this today, but I don’t stop it

He needs it

To hiht have felt like an eternity In truth, though, it wasn’t more than a few , shuddering breaths he sucks in and lets out Over and over again, he ht his himself back under control

Tacker lifts his head Rather than be e of en of trust that takes my breath away “MJ spent all her tio on That she wanted rief Told et married one day, wanted me to have lots of children, and wanted me to remember her fondly And I swear, Nora…”

He pauses, sucks in a breath, and tries to teer in his voice “I swear,” he continues in a low voice, “that part ofthat to me”

“For doing what?” I press, because this is critical

That muscle in the corner of his jaw ticks, and his voice ru to absolveme for a life without her She died a movie death I mean… who does that shit in real life?”

“MJ did,” I say sin of how beautiful her soul was”

He grunts andoff to the side

“You’d have done the sauished eyes search mine I lift my chin “You absolutely would have done the same for her if the positions were reversed”