Page 219 of When Love Takes Root

“No.”

“Use your words.”

“Don’t stop.”

So I didn’t.

I gave her depth, pressure, heat, want wrapped in love. Her body opened, her hands pulled me closer, every sound hitting somewhere sacred.

“Talk to me,” she whispered.

I leaned to her ear. “You feel how much I love you?” She nodded. “Say it.”

“I feel it.”

“You feel how bad I wanted you? How hard I prayed not to mishandle you?”

“Yes.”

“You chose me. I chose you. God put you in front of me, and I knew.”

Her eyes filled.

Even here, something holy found us.

I kissed her temple and kept moving.

“I love you, Celeste.”

“I love you, too.”

Her release hit hard, pulling my name from her. I held her through it, telling her she was beautiful, safe, free.

“That’s it.”

“Let go.”

“I’m here.”

When I followed, my face buried in her neck. I said her name first, then thanked God under my breath.

For a while, we didn’t speak.

I cleaned us up with warm cloths, gentle hands, soft kisses. She watched me with heavy eyes and a stunned smile.

When I climbed back into bed, she came to me.

I wrapped her in my arms.

“Josiah?”

“Yeah?”

“That was . . .”

I kissed her forehead. “Use your words.”

She laughed weakly. “A lot.”