“If you can handle pants on the floor, and a jungle of leafy house plants with names.”
“I’m rather fond of your pants being on the floor,” I muse.
“Oh?”
“Especially when I put them there.”
I sink into his embrace for a moment.
Amos always hugs like he means it.
Steady, warm, and grounding.
“How was your session with Sam this morning?” he asks.
“Intense, as always. But worth it.”
“It’s helping, right?”
I nod.
“Good.”
His lips are soft against mine.
“I found your stars the other day,” I whisper.
His mouth twists slightly.
“You did?”
“And the words,” I sigh. “They’ve been echoing in my mind all week.”
Amos’s eyes melt into mine.
It gives me the courage to say it out loud.
“I think I'm ready to go back. To Jundah.”
The words settle quietly between us.
“Baby…”
Pride glows fiercely in his heart. I can see it on his face.
“I swore I’d never return. But when I read that quote again this morning…”
My voice tapers as hope collides with fear.
His hands slide gently around my hips.
“I’m still scared. I'm still that boy. And I don’t want to be afraid anymore.”
The warmth of his cheek is soft on my forehead.
“That’s a big step,” he murmurs.
“Absolutely terrifying,” I laugh.
