There is an irony in it that I have never been able to shake.

My grandfather built that clause because he did not trust Flynn — because he looked at the charming, ambitious man I was about to marry and saw, clearly, what it would take me five years and a hospital corridor to see.

And I resented him for it.

On the day he told me about the protection, I felt he was insulting my judgment, doubting my happiness, refusing to believe I could choose a good man.

I was, for a little while, genuinely angry at the person who was in that moment doing more to protect me than anyone ever would.