“I must look awful,” I say.
“You look tired,” he allows. “Very tired.”
“That’s diplomatic.”
“You’re still so goddamn beautiful.”
“Now I know you’re lying.”
“I’ve never lied to you about that.” He looks at me, looks hard. “I never will.”
My chest cracks open, and the tears start again. I turn my face away, but he doesn’t let me hide for long. His fingers settle beneath my chin and bring my gaze back to his.
“I would take this from you,” he says roughly. “If I could, I’d take it in a f*****g heartbeat. I’d take every second.”
“I know.” The tears come harder. “I’m scared.”
His face breaks, only for a heartbeat. Then he pulls me against him. “I know, baby girl.”
The endearment undoes me, and I bury my face in his neck. He holds me on the bathroom floor while I cry, not loudly, becau
