“What?” she replied, trying to hide that she was hurting inside as much as he seemed to be on the outside.
“I can see you thinking too hard.” He grasped her hands and brought them to his lips, kissing them. “If you haven’t realized how completely I’ve fallen for you, then you aren’t as bright a woman as I thought you were.” One corner of his sensual lips slid into a crooked grin that made her squirm inside in shock and delight. Fresh tears stung her eyes and burned the tip of her nose.
“You love me?” Please, just let me hear him say yes. She sent the prayer into the wide world on silent wings of hope.
His hazel eyes focused on her lips as he brushed a fingertip over them.
“How could I not love you? You’re bright, beautiful, and compassionate. An equal partner in all things. A man like me could never be luckier to have a woman like you in my life, in my bed,” he added with a roguish wink, before he turned serious again. “You’re in my heart, so deep I cannot get you out. My love for you is a part of my soul now.” He cupped her cheek and closed the distance between them, sealing his life-altering words with a kiss. One that stole her breath, her heart; every part of her fell that much deeper in love with Owen. He nibbled her lips gently, sweetly, before the kiss deepened. Their tongues playfully danced and his good arm curled around her waist. Only when Owen winced did their mouths part.
“I’m so sorry,” she gasped, hurting to see him in pain.
He chuckled. “It will heal.”
“Yes,” she echoed. “It had better.”
Owen shook his head, eyes glinting with barely suppressed mirth. “Oh, how I love your commanding spirit, dear wife.”
She knew now he was teasing her. It was his way, always had been, of saying three little words. I love you.
Leaning into his good shoulder, she rested her head there, playing with their fingers, lacing them together.
“I command you to be happy, dear husband,” she teased him back.
“As you wish. Only so long as you are with me. Always.” His voice was still rough with emotion and she couldn’t resist stealing one more kiss.”
He surrendered his heart and she had done the same. For love, for each other, they would do anything.
