“And you’re mine.” My fingers played along his neck in a gentle caress. “I just wish everyone could experience what we have. I really want our kids to grow up and find their match as well.”
“They will, babe,” Maximum said in a soft voice. “They may have to travel the world like we did, but at least growing up around us will make them able to recognize true love when they see it.”
“You think?”
“I know so. We have the kind of relationship I wished my parents had. Our children see us disagree on things, but always with respect. We don’t play mind games or cheat on each other.” Maximum stopped talking and looked thoughtful.
“What is it?” I asked, seeing his mind spinning.
“I never realized…” He blinked.
“You never realized what?”
“My mother… I always thought of her as weak for staying with my dad and letting him take advantage of her, but if she hadn’t been there…” Maximum’s chest lifted in a deep intake of air. “Conor might have caused the traumas that led to my insecurity and jealous disposition, but my mum instilled the idea that true love existed and made me never give up until I found it for myself. I could have easily turned out cynical and cold like my father, but I didn’t.”
“Thank God.”
“I would have never been able to attract someone as warm as you if my heart had been hard as stone.”
“Does that mean you can forgive your mother for her faults? After all, you just admitted that no one is perfect.”
“I forgave her a long time ago, Fleur. My father not so much. All I can hope for is that none of his negative traits live on through me.”
“I don’t think you have anything to worry about. None of our children have shown any signs of having personality disorders. It looks like your father’s influence and the trauma of the Red Manor Cult ends with those of you who lived through it.”
“I sure hope so. Jolene said we’re proof that people can rebound and heal from the worst of traumas, but I don’t think I could have fully done it without you.”
I smiled and kissed his soft lips. “And vice versa. That’s what happens when you findyourperson. They bring the antidote to your personal poison.”
“The antidote?”
“Love.” My smile widened. “The antidote is always love, but each person has a different brand of it. Sometimes it’s silent and patient, other times it’s insistent and pushy.”
“I love your brand of love.”
“Of course you do.” I winked. “Just like I love yours.”
