Esme's hand, soft and warm, rested on the back of his, her thumb tracing soothing circles. "Stop blaming yourself," she urged gently. "Losing a job is hard, but it doesn't justify her actions. What happened to her father is tragic, but what she did was a crime. She needs to face the consequences."
Silas lowered his head and nodded, acknowledging her words. "I know," he said with a barely audible voice. "But I want to help her father as much as I can."
"Don't be upset," she cooed. "Everything will be fine."
She pulled him into a comforting embrace, her arms wrapping around him tightly. He returned the hug, his body stiff and tense. Esme felt a pang of worry. Did thoughts of Daisy still consume him, or was something else troubling him?
"What are you thinking?" she asked softly.
A long moment passed before he replied. "Do you remember Haris, my friend? The one who designed your wedding gown?"
