A wave of emotion took her by surprise and she blinked back tears. Leaving only one drink poured, she walked over to embrace him, more than pleased when he held her tightly.
“Is all well?” he asked at length, pulling back to look into her eyes. “You have not discovered an injury?”
“Yes—that is, no, I am well.” She sniffed. “I suppose recent events have made me especially grateful you’re here. And safe.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” He hugged her once again and pressed a kiss on her forehead.
The affectionate gesture felt like heaven, doing more to calm her than anything else thus far.
She leaned back to study him, noting his pale face and the tightness around his eyes. “Do you feel up to having dinner? You must be exhausted after today, and you’ve only just returned to work.”
He smiled wearily. “I can’t promise to stay long, but you couldn’t keep me away. I stopped by my parents’ to let them know I survived the day and to tell them of your unfortunate experience. They expressed their concern, of course, and send their regards.” He brushed a strand of hair from her cheek, his expression turning somber. “Seeing you covered in debris was…nothing I expected. Nothing I care to feel again.”
“Then we are in agreement,” she said, trying to keep a lighter tone.
“Good.” He shook his head. “I’m more than relieved you weren’t hurt.”
“If only I’d been able to say the same after your explosion.” She nearly winced at her words, but couldn’t resist brushing his hair near the bump on his head, her fingertips tingling. “How have your injuries survived the day?”
“A headache still, and my ribs are sore, but I’m definitely improving.”
“I’m pleased to hear that.” Amelia drew back but took his hand to lead him to the sideboard, where she finished pouring their drinks.
He took his glass and followed her to the fire, pausing to scratch the cat behind his ears where he lay on a chair. “I feared there were a few lasting gaps in my memory, but they seem to have filled.”
Amelia waited until they were settled on the settee before saying anything more. “That must have been concerning.” It certainly was to her.
“Indeed.” He glanced at her with a half-smile. “Concerning enough that I didn’t mention it anyone…not even the doctor.”
“Henry.” She placed a hand on his arm, worry taking over. “You should have. It surely means you need more time to heal—”
“As I said before, I will heal just as well on the job,” he countered. “Especially when all I could think of were the cases I’d been working on.”
“Well, yes, I suppose that does make it difficult to relax.” Still, she didn’t care to think of him forgetting events or peoplewhen that would make his job impossible. “You’re certain your memory has fully returned?”
“Yes.” He touched the bump briefly. “The pain has certainly lessened, as has the swelling. I have no doubt I’m well on the road to recovery.”
“Good.” She took a sip, appreciating the burn of the whiskey all the way down her throat. It reminded her that she was alive; alive, and breathing, and feeling. And right here, with Henry, that was enough.
“What of you?” he asked, clasping her hand. “How are you faring after such a day?”
Aware of the weight of his gaze, she forced a smile. “I’m well, if a bit shaken.” She lifted her glass before setting it down. “Hence the reason for the whiskey instead of my usual sherry.”
He nodded, his gaze returning to the fire. Without warning, he set aside his glass and shifted to face her. “Amelia, when—when I saw you there today—”
Her heart squeezed at the depth of the emotion in his eyes. “I’m sure. And I can say that I completely understand, as I felt the same way when Sergeant Fletcher came to advise me of what happened to you.”
Henry took both her hands in his, holding them tight. It was clear he had more to say, yet he inexplicably held back. Was that because of his head injury, or were his thoughts simply as tangled with emotion as hers?
That made Amelia realize she had something to say, too. Even if it might hurt. “I confess that learning of your injuries gave me second thoughts about our...relationship,” she whispered, unable to look him in the eye.
Not until she told him what was on her mind.
“I’m not certain I could endure another loss in my life,” she continued quietly. “Of course we’re not given a choice of what happens. Life is uncertain. And while the thought of losing you is nearly more than I can bear, I am equally certain that I am not willing to walk away. You matter a great deal to me. Your…your love and friendship have given me happiness, something I didn’t think I would have again.”
She finally found the courage to look at him, wondering if she’d said too much. Honesty was well and good—until it wasn’t.
He didn’t make her wait. “Amelia, I have waited a long time to find someone like you. To find love with someone as special as you.” His brown eyes held on her with a steadiness that eased the tightness in her chest. “I am not willing to let you go, no matter the risk.”
