Page 85

She goes very still. “What?” Her brows draw together. “Gabriel, we had a deal.”

“I know.”

“You said you’d buy it.”

“I did.”

“And now you’re changing your mind?”

“Yes.”

Her face falls. And I realize, too late, that I’ve approached this rather badly.

“April—”

“Did I do something wrong?”

The question strikes me like a blow. “What? No.”

“Because if you’re worried about the money⁠—”

“Good heavens, no.”

“Then why?”

I move toward her. She takes a step back. I stop. Because I recognize that expression. I’ve seen it before. On the face of the woman I took everything from. I hate myself for putting it on April’s beautiful face.

“April,” I say gently. “I’m not withdrawing my offer because I no longer wish to help you.”

“Then what are you doing?”

I look at her. At this woman who has given me back my humanity. Who showed me kindness when I deserved none. Who has made me laugh. Made me hope. Made me love.

And I finally understand. The house was never the important part. Not really.

“I want you to have it,” I say.

She blinks. “What?”

“Winchester House. The renovations. Everything. I want you to have it. Even the money.”

“Gabriel—”

“And if you don’t want to stay here, I’ll help you sell it. Or find somewhere else. Whatever you wish.”

She stares at me. “I don’t understand.”

I smile sadly. “Neither did I. For a very long time.” I look around the room. “At one time, I believed this house was the most valuable thing I owned.”

“And now?”

I meet her eyes. “Now I know better.”

Her breath catches.

I take one step closer. “April, you came here because you needed somewhere to begin again. I will not stand in the way of that.”

“But—”