Page 67 of Carter

I reach out. I put my hand on his shoulder. My brow creases. I feel flesh and muscle and warmth.

He’s real.

“Carter?”

“Baby.” His arms are around me. I don’t know how it happens, but suddenly, he’s the one in the chair and I’m in his lap.

My face is buried in his chest.

I’m clutching his collar. I’m sobbing.

He’s shushing me. Stroking my hair, my back. Whispering, “Baby girl, I love you so much.”

I melt into him. He wraps his arms tighter around me.

My eyes close.

I cry myself to sleep in his arms.

20

Carter

Seeing Sasha in that chair—it shattered my heart.

The poor thing was a wreck. Her skin pale, dark circles beneath her bloodshot eyes. Her hair was limp. Her body was limp.

Her spirit was gone. Vanished.

When she saw me, she looked as if she’d seen a ghost. A tiny smile came to her lips. Then she sobbed herself to sleep in my arms.

I’ll have to let everyone know—my plans will need to wait. She needs time to recover.

I’m sure they will all be fine with the delay. The beaches here are paradise compared to what we have at home. They’ll entertain themselves until it’s time.

When Sasha wakes, I make her eat. I take her to the bathroom. I peel off both of our clothes, crowd us into her parents’ tiny bath. I shower her. I shampoo her long hair. I massage the fatigue and grief and sadness from her body.

I take her to bed, her hair still wet. I lay her naked body down on top of the covers.

I lie above her, holding my weight on my elbows. Now that she’s slept and eaten, it’s time to talk.

I kiss her forehead.

I kiss her eyelids.

I kiss her earlobes.

I whisper into her ear.

I love you.

I’m nothing without you.

There is no me without you.

We all have weaknesses.

Ours complement one another’s perfectly.