I’m on Substack now! You can read this for free. https://substack.com/home/post/p-172703656
From Joe's writing

“You’re probably right,” she admitted, surprising him. “But safer doesn’t always equal better. Gavin, I was plodding through life. Double shifts at Ken’s, nursing classes every other day, more shifts at the hospital. Sleep, eat, work, study, and repeat. I didn’t like my life. I downright hated it some days. So, stop. I made my choice. I’m here. With you.”

— Leap Year, chapter 28