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Henry turned to look at her, " Mom, let me go", he said, frowning.
His mother stared at him for a moment, glanced at Claire, then back at him before slowly releasing his hand. Henry clenched his jaw. He didn't want to be mad at his mother right now. Why did she have to be so difficult? His father slipped his arm around his wife's shoulder and gave Henry a nod.
Henry spun back around and went to Claire, who let out a heart-wrenching sob before flinging her arms around his neck. Henry ignored the pain in his ribs and enveloped her in his arms. He tucked his face into her neck and just cried, unable to hold it back anymore. He had been so scared that he was never going to see her again. As the plane was going down, she was the only one he could think of. And Ethan. Oh god, that little angel's face had flashed before his eyes and Henry swore that he was the only reason that he was alive. He had been spared for a reason. To take care of the one woman and child who meant everything to him.
Henry lifted his head to look down at Claire, tears making his vision even blurrier. He couldn't stop the wince. His ribs were really painful. He refused to go to the hospital. The paramedics had checked him out, said that he had a mild concussion, some bruised or cracked ribs on his right side and that was it. They gave him some scrubs to change into and had him sign a release form.
Claire released him with a gasp. " Oh Henry, your ribs! I'm sorry!"
Henry shook his head and thrust his fingers into her hair, cupping her head, " I don't give a shit about my ribs", he said roughly before lowering his mouth to hers.
Claire sucked in a sharp breath through her nose when their lips met. Yeah, she felt it too. The connection. The electricity. The love. Her lips parted, letting him deepen the kiss. Just like the last time they kissed, the world fell away and it was just the two of them standing there. Henry's heart pounded. Claire tasted so sweet and she kissed him with such passion. Her hands clutched the front of his shirt.
Henry used his hands that were tangled in her silky hair to tilt her head. Their kiss turned desperate and needy. He never wanted to let her go. Distantly, he heard someone suggest they give them some time alone before he heard the click of the front door shutting.
Too soon, Henry had to end the kiss. He couldn't breath good to begin with and he couldn't keep kissing Claire without passing out from lack of oxygen. He kissed her softly on the lips a few times before pulling back to gaze down at her. Being this close, he could see her blue eyes were puffy and red from crying.
" I thought I lost you", She whispered, swallowing hard.
Henry closed his eyes and leaned his forehead against hers, " I was so scared", he breathed.
" I can only imagine", Claire breathed, her hand coming up to touch his face.
" Will you stay with me tonight?", Henry croaked, feeling like a pussy for not wanting to be alone. Sebastian had found a job and an apartment a couple weeks ago, so he wouldn't be there.
" Of course", Claire said softly, her hand cupping his cheek.
" Does you're dad have Ethan?", Henry asked, opening his eyes and pulling his head back to look at her. She was so beautiful.
Claire nodded, " Yeah, I'm sure he will be fine with staying overnight"
Henry nodded.
" I need to call him anyway to tell him you're okay", Claire said softly, her eyes never leaving his.
Henry nodded again then leaned down and kissed her again, just a tender meeting of lips. This changed everything. Henry's whole perspective on life. He had so much to say to Claire, but he wanted them to be completely alone.
Henry took Claire's hand and led her into the house. His family was sitting in the living room, waiting patiently. Sebastian handed him his glasses, somehow knowing he needed them. Then he gave him a smile that pretty much said "It's about damn time". Henry just rolled his eyes. His mother was eyeing Claire like she was a nasty cold sore that she couldn't get rid of. Something was going to have to be done about that. But again, that would have to be addressed later.
Henry's father on the other hand had nothing but love in his green eyes, for both Henry and Claire. Quinn sat on the couch with Christian and Sebastian looking relieved. As did Christian. Although he looked a little green around the gills. Christian always did have a weak stomach. Every time he got overly worked up about something he was either puking or shitting. Mostly puking. Anxiety was not his friend.
