Chapter 174

Although he whispered, it echoed in my ears, leaving me frozen in my spot, wondering if what I heard was false and if this was just another dream I had weaved in my subconscious.

"Don't just stand and stare." he closed the gap between us, "I don't care about anything as long as it's close to you; what do you want? white picket fence? A house in the woods? A barn or a library?" he caught his breath, "I only want you Lily, just you."

I could feel his hands creeping up to my face, cupping my chin, "We could live here, away from the heat of Italy. Want more kids? We'll make them. I've lived all of my life for you, every bit of it since the day you left me bleeding."

My eyes filling wasn't the reaction I wanted nor expected, the knot tightening in my stomach and chest, the sting in my palm, and the heaviness in my throat.

He interlocked his fingers with mine, raising to his face and pressing his lips against my knuckles. "I can't live one more week without you. You complete me, Lily. You s