“Both,” I said.
He shifted, rolling me onto my back. His weight settled over me. “She’s walked significant distance across the tavresh-mora since her last visit. You’ve walked toward her as well. That deserves recognition.”
“What if she stops walking?”
“The journey is a continuous thing. It’s alright to stop and rest along the way, as long as you keep going.” He kissed my forehead. “You’re not responsible for her choices. Only yours.”
My hands found his shoulders. “When did you get so wise?”
“I’ve always been wise. You’re only now recognizing it.”
I laughed, and he kissed me again, deeper this time. Sofia peeped from the windowsill where she’d been dozing, her body silhouetted against the morning light.
“Breakfast,” Brovish said against my mouth. “Before we become distracted.”
“We’re already distracted.”
“More distracted.”
He rolled off me and stood, offering his hand. I took it, letting him pull me up.
Brovish gently encircled my left wrist and turned my arm over, tracing the kavresh symbol on my skin that had appeared when we’d declared our love in the garden. It was a permanent part of me now, a fated mark I wore with pride. His gaze searched mine, and the world fell away. Leaning over my arm, he kissed the mark.
The heat of his lips sent a surge of belonging through me, bringing tears to my eyes.
“My kavresh,” he said against my skin.
I wrapped my arms around him, holding this male who’d brought peace, joy, and love to my life. I couldn’t imagine a world without him.
Finally, we pulled apart, sharing a smile.
“Breakfast?” he asked.
“Yes, please.”
In the kitchen, we moved around each other like we’d been doing this for years instead of months. He cracked eggs while I toasted bread I’d cut into points. I poured tea while he added butter to the pan. When I reached for the honey, he was already handing it to me.
Small things. Easy things. Things I’d never thought I’d have after Dad died.
He set our plates on the table and I sat, picking up my fork.
The eggs were good. Rich and warm and exactly what I needed.
We finished breakfast and cleaned up together. When I reached for my jacket by the door, Brovish caught my wrist, turning me to face him.
“I’ll be nearby if you need me,” he said.
“Thank you.”
He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, his fingers lingering on my jaw. “You’re not alone in this.”
He kissed me once more before we headed outside.
My mother’s rental pulled into the lot just before noon. I met her near the main building, my hands shoved in my pockets to keep them from fidgeting.
“Hi, Mom.”
“Hi, sweetie.” She smiled and gave me a quick hug. “Thank you for inviting me.”
