Page 173 of Time To Learn

His eyes heat up, leaving a burning trail all over my body as the distance closes between us, and when they spring up to mine, it feels like I can hear his voice inside my head, imploring me to run headfirst into his waitingarms.

I’m no longer trying to runaway.

I have nothing to fear, least of all Kristian and the future.

When I stop in front of him, our eyes locked in place, he takes my hand atonce.

“There you are,” he murmurs. “For a minute there, I thought I’d lostyou.”

Slowly, I shake my head and squeeze his hand before linking our fingers together.

“You’ll never lose me, Kristian.”

His smile softens, sending my heart into the most delightful tailspin, but I turn to look at Ailith when her low giggle reaches myears.

“I knew you’d turn up, Mummy. I told Kristian, but he was still very nervous.”

My smile widens but then freezes at her next words.

“Papa said you just needed some time to find your courage.”

“P-papa?” I squeak. “Who’sthat?”

She tilts her head a little and smiles softly atme.

“Grandaddy, of course. He was only just here but then said he couldn’t stay.” She shrugs and points to the doorway from where we came. “But he told me he’ll never be far away fromus.”

I turn my head and look back at the door, my heart lodged in my throat as I wish with everything that I am that, somehow, the silhouette of my dad’s small frame will be there, and that his gentle, brown eyes will stare back atme.

But he’s not there. The door is wide open, letting in a long ray of sunlight, but that’s all thereis.

Not mydad.

Besides, it’s impossible.

“Sweetheart?” Kristian runs his thumb in soft circles across my knuckles, and I take a deep breath when I remember where weare.

“I’m okay,” I whisper when I gaze back athim.

“Yousure?”

I nod and take another step towardshim.

“Positive. Let’s get married.”

He grins down at me and tucks me closer to his side as we turn towards the minister at the same time. The older man smiles happily at us, and when he starts to speak, I close my eyes briefly, basking in the happiness that courses through my veins.

My heart and soul are whole.

I’m marrying the best man I’ve ever met today.

Ailith will have a real father, forever.

And maybe—just maybe—souls long gone from this earth still walk amongst their loved ones, nudging them on their right path from time totime.

The thought has barely settled in my head when I feel a soft touch against my cheek, and a shiver runs down myback.

I open my eyes and smile at Kristian standing next tome.