“You’re staring.”
He set the sandwich down.
“I love you.”
I stopped chewing.
Color rose across his cheeks, but he did not look away.
“I’m awake,” he said. “I know what I’m saying.”
I swallowed.
He continued before I could answer.
“I don’t remember all the years. I don’t know what our future looks like. I am still frightened. I am angry. Half the time I am confused before breakfast.”
His voice shook.
“But I love you.”
I put down my sandwich.
Noah lifted one hand.
“Do not crush the food.”
A laugh broke through the pressure in my chest.
I stepped close and took his face between my palms.
“You love me.”
“Yes.”
“Today.”
“Yes.”
“Not because the photographs tell you to.”
“No.”
His eye filled.
“I love that you come when I call. I love that you tell me the truth even when I hate it. I love the way your hands feel safe.”
His fingers wrapped around my wrist.
“And I love that you let me be difficult without making me afraid you will disappear.”
I kissed him.
Not fiercely.
The moment was too precious for force.
His lips trembled beneath mine.
