When the first dance ended, everyone clapped loudly. Keeley and Valentina excused themselves and went to the dance floor. Jennica wanted the bridal party and their partners to participate in the second dance, and they couldn't refuse on her big day.

Aaron's black eye was stark against his pale face when she found him. She'd never seen him so miserable. "Where is all this facial movement coming from today?" she wondered.

"Relax," she told him. "Most of my upset has nothing to do with you."

He visibly relaxed as they began waltzing. "What's wrong?"

"I'm about to become homeless. Valentina told me she's moving in with some med school friends because of cheaper rent."

His brow furrowed. "Your dad wouldn't let you become homeless."

"No, but he's deathly allergic to cats. I can't abandon Molly," Keeley said firmly. "She's been abandoned before, and she's family. You don't abandon family."

A spark of recognition lit his eyes. "Hang on…when you told me not to abandon Dinah because she was family…you said that because you thought I abandoned you, didn't you?"

She was surprised he remembered. She'd said that before they both knew about their rebirth. Many past conversations now made sense.

"You did abandon me, even if it was for protection. But that's water under the bridge."

She didn't want to argue. It was best to drop it.

He wisely returned to the original topic. "You haven't looked into other options?"

She glared. "Of course I have! I'm not stupid. I spent hours last night. Nothing pet-friendly fits my budget. Right now, it looks like I'll have to stay with my dad and board Molly. I don't want to do that to her, but I can't just dump her."

"She could stay with me," Aaron offered. "I don't know how familiar she is with other cats, but it's a big place; she and Dinah could avoid each other."

Keeley was shocked by his thoughtfulness. That solved her problem perfectly. "Are you sure?"

"I wouldn't have offered if I wasn't. When's your lease up?"

"The second week of July."

"Hmm…I have business in Canada then. How about you use one of my guest rooms while I'm gone? You can help Molly adjust and feed Dinah for me."

That seemed overly generous. He'd be gone, avoiding awkwardness, but still…staying in his house? It had only happened twice before, once accidentally. She'd never been there a full 24 hours.

"How long will you be gone?" she asked hesitantly.

"About a week."

A week would help Molly adjust…and caring for Dinah would even things out. It could work.

Keeley smiled, accepting. "You're surprisingly helpful sometimes, you know that?"

Aaron seemed pleased. "I try."

The weight of the world lifted. She didn't know the future, but her cat would be cared for. She didn't even mind seeing Aaron to see Molly.

When she was desperate, he offered a solution, just as he promised. He was serious about making amends.

She could process that later. One thing at a time. Her immediate worry was solved; she could enjoy her friends.

At the end of the song, she curtsied playfully and practically skipped to Valentina. An upbeat song started, and she wanted to dance.

"What are you so happy about?" Valentina asked.

"Nothing, just some good news."

Keeley wasn't the only one drowning in memories.

Aaron vividly recalled their wedding day. Her radiance outshone the stars as she walked toward him. He couldn't believe he'd keep her forever. His sunshine, his everything.

It had been beautiful. It hurt seeing his friend marry, knowing he wouldn't experience that again. They looked so happy, like he and Keeley had, unaware of what was coming.

He knew why she cried after the ceremony. She hated weddings; they reminded her of theirs and the aftermath.

His heart shattered seeing her like that. She said it wasn't entirely his fault, but what else could have caused such distress? Keeley was strong; she rarely cried.

Seeing her with Ryan during the luncheon worsened his mood. He'd lost his chance, but Ryan hadn't. What if she accepted Ryan's advances?

Aaron could only watch. He'd support her from the sidelines forever; he owed her that.

It was ironic that Keeley caught the bouquet, considering her views on marriage. His heart sank. That was his fault, too. He'd been a terrible husband.

She deserved better than someone incapable of expressing his feelings. She loved him freely; he should have reciprocated, but his upbringing and perceived world constraints held him back.

Learning her upset was mainly about losing her apartment lifted a weight from his heart. That he could fix.

Letting her stay would be easiest, but he knew she'd be uncomfortable if he was there. He planned a trip to Canada to strengthen foreign connections; moving it up wouldn't matter.

Keeley seemed relieved, even complimented him. Returning to her friends, she seemed lighter, more like herself. Aaron felt lighter watching her.

Aiden noticed his change in mood. "What's up with you?"

"Nothing. Just some good news."

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