Ryder
FRANZ LISZT — ROMANCE “O POURQUOI DONC,” S. 169
Ever since Lily got off the phone with Adam, she’s been distant and distracted. But she just says he was upset with her and that he’d talk to her more later when he wasn’t on set. There were no decisions made.
I’ve reassured her that we’d be together through it all. I’ll never leave her side. She won’t have to deal with them alone.
I wish that made her relax, but I can see how tense she is.
So I’ve spent the day trying to distract her. I offered to take her outside, maybe just to the bookshop. She hasn’t done any daytime outings, but I think she’d be fine, especially somewhere we’ve visited before. She refused. She just wanted to spend the day watching movies and snuggling on the couch. Agatha left us quickly after Lily got off the phone, giving us time to be alone.
Around eight in the evening, Lily stretches and yawns. “I’m exhausted.”
“You don’t want to go out tonight?”
She shakes her head. “I think I’ll just go to bed early.” She swallows and looks at me, almost nervous.
“No piano?” I ask, trying one more angle.
Her wide eyes blink, like she’s fighting tears, but she shakes her head. “No. Maybe…” She forces a grin. “Maybe tomorrow night.”
“All right,” I reply. “If you’re sure.”
She nods. “I’m sure.”
I wish I could take away all her pain. But she’s not letting me in, and normally she would. I can only pry so much, so instead of asking her what’s wrong again, I settle for giving her comfort.
I take her face in my hands, gentle like I’m cradling a flower, and press a kiss to her lips. I linger, lacing my fingers through her hair, telling her with my hands and lips that I’m here for her. That my devotion to her won’t waver. That no matter what, we’ll get through it together.
We break apart, and I look at Lily, watching as two tears trail down her cheeks. I don’t know exactly what is causing her so much pain, but I can try to heal her with my words.
I run the back of my hand down her cheek, wiping away her tears. “My heart is yours. I am yours. Forever. There’s nothing and no one who can tear apart what we have.”
Her hands find my shirt, and she grips the fabric tight in her fists, like she’s trying to hold on to this moment. She presses her lips to mine, and I taste her salty tears through our lips.
I pull back, breathless. “I love you, Lily,” I whisper. “You have stolen my heart.”
She sucks in a breath, her wide eyes flying to meet mine.
“Maybe it’s early to say that,” I say. “But I know you, and I know there’s no one else for me. No matter what, you and I will get through this together.”
More tears fall from her eyes, and a quiet sob escapes her lips. “I…I love you, too.”
A grin fills my face. “Then everything will be fine,” I say. Ilean my forehead against hers. “Are you sure you want to go to bed now? We could stay up and?—”
“No,” she says firmly. She wipes her cheeks quickly and flashes me a grin. I can tell she’s forcing it again, but I’m not going to argue. “I should get some rest.”
I nod. “All right.” I kiss her forehead one more time. “Have a good night.” I stand and walk to the door, but before I leave, I turn and give her a big smile. “And hey, fresh sourdough tomorrow, right?”
She grins, but there are tears on her cheeks. “Right. Tomorrow.”
My heart is heavy as I turn away from her, but I know everything will be all right. I love her, and she loves me, and we’ll be able to face anyone who tries to break us apart.
Together.
CHAPTER 37
Lily
