Page 40 of Love Me Forever

“My sister-in-law and her friend Anne. They are both very strong women and were very kind to me. They helped me to see the truth of my marriage, and they helped me to discover my own strength. Had you any time alone before my unexpected arrival?”

“A brief time.”

“Not enough for you to make any discoveries that would lead you to answers?”

“Answers elude me.”

“Perhaps you are not ready for them,” she said. “I have thought that myself.”

“Then talk with me of what troubles you, and perhaps we can discover the answers together.” She seemed excited that she might be able to help him.

“I cannot talk of it with you.”

“Why?” She sounded disappointed.

“I will not talk of battle with you.”

“I talked with you of my battle.”

“It is not the same,” he insisted.

Her voice grew quiet. “My scars are as deep as yours; they are just not visible.”

He admired her courage and tenacity.

“I heal as you do; why not let us heal together?” She threaded her fingers with his as if showing him that they could be one in this battle.

“Give me time.”

She remembered how difficult it had been for her to face her own battle. She understood that it was not easy for him, and only when he was willing to face his doubts and fears truthfully could he emerge from the darkness to which he had retreated.

“When you are ready.”

The thought that she did not insist but would wait until he was ready and be there for him filled him with a sense of peace.

“I appreciate your concern.” He more than appreciated it, but those simple words would do for now.

“I care,” she said with a hasty smile as though she surprised herself.

“Do you now?” he teased, leaning in closer as if he was about to capture a kiss.

She raised a quick hand to his chest. “You must not.

Your lip.”

“I have the urge to kiss you and cannot resist. What am I to do?”

She grinned and giggled softly. “Let me kiss you?”

She did not wait for an answer. She wrapped her arms around his neck and drew his face slowly down to her lips. She started with his cheek and made certain to cover every area of his face. She had never known the joy of kissing a man when and how she chose, and it simply thrilled her.

She stopped to tell him. “I love kissing you.”

“I love you kissing me.”

‘Truly you do?”

He had to laugh. ‘Truly, and I will tell you it often so that you will not need to question it again.”