Alma stared out the window. She had been remarried for almost three years. Ennis was walking up the driveway; he had the same white hat on and moved with the same gait that had made her fall in love with him to begin with. He was a stranger to her now she knew, but sometimes she had to admit she was still in love with him. Nothing would change how she felt about Ennis Del Mar. He had captured her imagination, a cowboy, both tender and fierce. He had destroyed her too, that she knew. This would end up as just another awkward encounter with her ex-husband.

"Ennis," she greeted him at the door. She was expecting her second child with her new husband.

"Alma, are the girls ready?" he looked tired.

"They're in town getting a few things, they should be back any minute," she stepped back inviting him in.

"Something to drink?" She offered him wondering what he'd say.

"Coffee would be great," he couldn't bring himself to smile at her.

She brought him the coffee and sat down opposite him, "how are thing Ennis?"

Ennis met her eyes this time, "Jack died," he didn't know why he was telling her this.

Alma felt a well of emotions rise, she was resentful of Jack. She always would be, he had ruined her life and destroyed her marriage. However, he had also destroyed the one man she loved.

"I'm so sorry Ennis," she placed her hand on his arm searching his eyes for some emotion.

Ennis looked down fighting tears, "I should wait outside," he stood quickly startling her.

"No Ennis wait," he looked down at her.

"Alma, it's not fair of me, I know that now," he seemed to want to apologize.

"You shouldn't have to apologize for love," she responded gently.

"How about for hurting you then," he studied her gentle gaze.

"You did hurt me Ennis, but after a while I came to accept he offered you something, some comfort that I never could."
"I think he was beaten because of it, beaten to death, I think his wife lied to me," Ennis choked out.

"Oh Ennis, it's not your fault," Alma tried desperately to make him see he wasn't to blame.

"You always were there for me Alma, and I hurt you too, I loved you Alma," he rambled.

"Hush," she guided him back to his chair, "I know you did, but it wasn't the right kind of love Ennis, we both know that."

Ennis met her eyes allowing her to see the real him for once, the real emotion and turmoil in his eyes. Alma was taken aback by the pain, he had loved Jack, loved him beyond anything she'd imagined.

"Ennis, if it means anything to you, I don't hold you responsible for what you felt, you loved him. I'm happy now Ennis, really," she tried to reassure him.

"No you aren't," his tone caught her by surprise.

"I beg your pardon?" she stiffened.

"Alma I hear the girls coming. With all due respect, I know you're trying to make me feel better, but don't lie to me," he put his hat on and looked down at her making her weak in the knees with his intense gaze.

"You aren't happy, not like you deserve to be, no man is worthy of you," he strode out to meet his daughters.