Slater sighed, stopping his pacing for a second and wiping his face. He knew Delia cared for him and he knew she meant well but by God she was such a child sometimes. "There's a chance of heartache with every single relationship, Delia. Nothin's guaranteed. Your mother ended up being the biggest risk of all - you think I regret ever being with her? She was a chance - a huge chance - but I took it. Vivian might hurt me, yes, but nothing can match what your mother did to me. To us... I'd say Vivian leaving or finding another man would be pale in comparison. Not like I don't have a tough skin..."
He smiled at Delia, regretting his outburst and wanting to go over to hug her.