“I don’t know yet,” I admit. “But for the first time I want to consider it.”
Phern nods slowly, lips pressing into a thoughtful line. “That’s fair.”
Before I can say more, the sound of footsteps creaks down the hallway. I turn, and there he is. Shirtless, hair a mess, and eyes still soft with sleep. He sees me and his whole face shifts, warming like I’m the first sun he’s seen in days.
Phern stands, grabbing her book again. “I’ll go make myself scarce,” she mutters, pretending not to smile as she disappears into the other room.
Sam walks up behind me, pressing a kiss to the side of my neck.
“Morning, darlin’,” he murmurs, voice rough.
I lean back into him.
“Morning.”
“Woke up alone.” He stares down at me. “Didn’t like it.”
The honesty in his words pulls at something in my chest.
I turn, pulling his head down for a kiss.
“Won’t happen again.”
“Good.”
We kiss again, and I know I’m about to be swept away. A shrill ring breaks into our bubble.
“Satellite phone,” Sam murmurs as he crosses the kitchen, grabbing the device. “This is Sam.” He listens and then says, “See you at the bridge.”
“Everything okay?”
“Liam said the road to town is clear. If we get to the bridge, he’ll take us into town.”
My heart skips. The road’s clear.
“Liam will meet us at the bridge in an hour,” Sam says, slipping the phone back onto the counter. “We’ll take my truck down and leave it parked on this side. It’s too risky to take it across until they reinforce the bridge.”
I nod slowly, setting my mug down with a soft clink.
He watches me, eyes narrowing just slightly as if he’s aware of the storm brewing inside me.
“You okay?” he asks.
“I should be.” I exhale, pressing a hand to the counter to steady myself. “This is good news.”
“It is.” He walks back over to me, cupping the side of my face with his calloused palm. “But?”
I lean into his touch, eyes fluttering shut for half a second before I speak. “But it feels like we’re opening a door neither of us knows how to walk through.”
His thumb brushes my cheek. “Then we figure it out together.”
God. He makes it sound so simple.
“I want that,” I whisper. “I really do.”
“Then come with me,” he says. “To town. Let’s face it head-on.”
He leans in again, kissing me like it’s a vow, not a question. And for the first time since the storm, I don’t feel like I’m on borrowed time.
