“Hugh?” She leaned near, put her other hand to his forehead but it was still burning like wildfire.
His lips mumbled. “I…”
“Save your strength, Hugh. Save it for the night.”
But his head pitched to the side and the corner of his mouth curved. “I…never…”
“Hugh?” She lowered her ear to his mouth. Did he need something?
A whisper… “I never…I would never let you go if…” His hand imperceptibly pressed her own.
“W-what?”
“Y-your…hand. Never…let you go…”
A tear dripped onto his face, her tear, and she cupped his cheek. “Hugh? Hugh!”
But his grip loosened.
Fell limp.
“Hugh, don’t you dare!” She shoved the tincture to the bedside chest, scrambled back to his side.
He was breathing, no more than scant rasps, body trembling, and she seized his hand, plastered herself against him.
“Then don’t let go, Hugh,” she cried. “Just don’t because…because I should have told you this long ago, but… I love you. I love you so much. And I never should have waited to tell you. So don’t you dare let go. Not now.”
Amelia kissed his knuckles, held his shuddering body.
He might not have the strength to hold on to her hand, but she would do it for both of them.
And never let go.
She kissed his arm. Wrapped both her hands around his and closed her eyes.
“Don’t let go, Hugh,” she sobbed. “Please…please.Neverlet go.”
