There is a side to Joan that is reserved only for him, just as there is a side of him that only she sees. It’s a softness around their eyes and in their expression that is reserved just for the other one. Seeing it now, in regard to the content of the conversation, has his own heart stuttering in his chest.

He reaches up and cups the side of her cheek and strokes the skin with his thumb. “And I love you very much, Joan.” Arthur isn’t just parroting it back to her because it’s expected. Neither would do that, but it’s heartfelt and meant. “I never indulge in foolish what ifs or might have beens, but I honestly would have wanted to have a child with you if our paths had gone that way.”