"I have long since forgiven you for how things started between us," Martin explained. "You know, what was going on between us at the time was... difficult for me. For many reasons. I think I was a hair's breadth away from hating you and running away from the Fergus Stables."
Steve grimaced. He was so ashamed of that past! He would give anything to change it and start all over again, decently. Only then, would something exist between him and Martin? Would either of them have taken the first step to their relationship together? Would it have occurred to either of them to take an interest in the other?
Paxton's heart beat hard. It would happen, which it would, but at least Martin would not be hurt by him so much that he still painfully remembered that wound.
"You would have had the right to do that," he replied grimly and sincerely.
