Toby knew what it was like to hold back floodwaters behind a poorly constructed dam. In truth, he was surprised that she'd been able to keep from letting it all out sooner. She was far stronger than she allowed herself to be considered. He wrapped his arms around her in return and held her close.
"No matter what, Laurel, I'm always going to be here. You can count on me and you can count on Axel. I promise you that. Always." No matter what horror stories their parents may have told her and no matter how much she may or may not have believed, he could promise that his love for her was never going to go away.