Page 55 of Invisible Scars

She rolls her eyes at my teasing and flops back on the bed, turning her back to me and flipping off the lights. I chuckle, lowering myself next to her and spooning her.

“In case you were wondering, your house is secure. Evert and Finely fine-combed it five times, and Elijah’s staying there with Calgary tonight.” Effie snuggles closer into my chest, threading her fingers through mine.

“Also, it isn’tyourhouse anymore.” Effie turns in my arms and looks at me with a confused expression. “I want it to beourhome. I want to take you back when you’re discharged, walk in with you, and stay. What do you think?”

Her eyes fill to the brim with tears, and she nods before placing a hand on the back of my head and pressing her lips to mine.

“You’re so beautiful, Effie. So clever and strong.” I press my forehead to hers. “So perfect.”

“So yours?” she asks in her strained voice, and I nod. “Only mine.” Then I take her hand and place her palm over my heart. “Only yours.”

We kiss again, soft and slow, before Effie drifts off into sleep with a small smile decorating her lips. We lie huddled face to face in bed, hands and feet in an intimate entwine. I watch Effie as she sleeps, sometimes flinching as if in pain, but mostly peaceful.

Her warmth seeps into the empty parts of me, filling them with a sense of belonging. It took almost losing her to realize how much I truly need her. Her presence wraps me with serenity, the kind that only exists when you’ve found home, and I know that I’ll never leave her side again.

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