“Tomorrow is allowed its own answer.”
His smile softened.
“You learn quickly.”
“So do you.”
His expression changed.
Not fear.
Wonder.
“I did that.”
“Yes.”
“I wanted all of it.”
“Yes.”
“I didn’t disappear.”
“No.”
His eye filled.
I kissed the damp corner before the tear could fall.
“You stayed with me.”
“I wanted to.”
I moved carefully out of bed and returned with a basin, warm water, and a cloth.
Noah watched me clean our hands and stomachs.
There was no shame in his face.
Only sleepy satisfaction.
When I finished, he opened his arms.
This time, he drew me against him.
I went willingly.
My head rested on his chest.
His fingers moved through my hair.
After years of habit, the position should have felt wrong.
Instead, it felt like rest.
His heart beat beneath my cheek.
Steady.
