“After putting all the pieces into perspective, I honestly don’t regret our last couple of weeks. For the first time, you weren’t just my peace. Your actions helped me put so much into perspective, Leith.”
I run a hand along her back, offering silent encouragement for her to continue.
“Damn, I said tomorrow, but the way you make love to me, it just has me feeling peaceful, also exposed. Hey,” Chevelle pouts, “now that I’m sharing, you haven’t said a thing. So, you’re just going to sit there? Sure, I could gain some ground regarding opening up, but damn!”
Laughter pours out of me as my wife pushes against my chest. I claim her thighs, ceasing her retreat. Clasping the back of her neck, I close the distance between our faces, my nose affectionately nudging hers. “Och, Chevelle, stop! I was amazed is all. I just wanted to thank ye for something.”
“Mhmmm.”
Nothing but sincerity shines in my eyes. “Thankye for being the reason I smile.”
My wife’s face lights up like fireworks. “Awe, you are so amazing, Leith. Although, I doubt that you wanted to say that. Usually, you kill the tone with a joke.”
I scoff.
The gorgeous woman whose face is attached to all my good memories shakes her head. Her laughter fills every inch of my dream car. “I’m kidding, baby. You know when to make me smile or when just to hold me. Leith, you are worth more than the prayers I was too afraid to ask God for.”
“Shite, I like the sound of that.”
The warmest, chocolate brown eyes flit up in thought. “Damn, I do too. You have the jokes—although most of them are recycled—Illusion Leith. But on occasion, you say the stuff that melts my heart. Is this my first time melting yours?”
“Eh, nae. Well, maybe.” We share a soft laugh as my knuckles strum across the small of her back. “But bloody hell, hen, I’m a lad. I can’t go round saying my wife melts my heart. Besides, ye and Mia have my heart in yer chests.”
My wife looks at me like she’s drunk off my love. “Humph, I had your heart before the tiny human appeared. Also, if we have more, that line might not work so well.”
“It will.”
“Sure.”
“It will, hen,” I assure her. “Gimme ten weeweans.”
Chevelle face-plants into my chest with fake laughter. “Ten? Hah! Now, be honest. I wasn’t even smiling when you stared at me like a creeper a few minutes ago.”
“Nae, ya weren’t, but it’s still true. Anyway, I wasspeechless, feckin’ amazed too.” I glance at her thoughtful expression. “I’ve lovedye for almost two decades. For the very first time, though, it feels like I finally have all of ye, hen.”
Threading her fingers through my hair, Chevelle leans close. Her lips hover a fraction of an inch from my own. Right before our lips connect, she replies, “You do.”
* * *