Harold said nothing until Linda had left. Then, quietly: “There’s something else.” I turned to him. “I’ve cared about you for a very long time.”

My whole body went still. He continued before I could answer. “Thomas knew.”

“Harold.”

“I never crossed a line. I’d never have dishonored him or you. But he knew that after we met, before either of you married, I had feelings for you.”

“Why tell me now?”

“Because I don’t want my help mistaken for a transaction. I expect nothing from you. If you stay in the guest suite ten years, we’re friends. If you move tomorrow, we’re friends.