I’m sorry.”

Lorelai came down the last three steps and hugged him, and he felt how careful the hug was.

There was a stiffness in her shoulders that had not been there a year ago.

He had noticed that too.

He had told himself she was growing up.

“Be good for everyone while I’m gone,” he said, and heard how weak it sounded even as it left his mouth.

“I love you so much, Daddy,” Gemma said into his coat.