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As his dream world began to fade, Nick reached over cold sheets. He raised his head and opened his eyes. Quinn stood at the window in her white silk robe, holding back the curtains, the morning sun’s dull light bathing her. He relaxed back into his pillow, watching her in the growing light of the day, raindrops streaking the glass, their meandering streams flowing to the streets below.
This beautiful angel had survived all the uneasy moments of their so-called friendship, survived him, and married him. In the seven months since the wedding, he still couldn’t believe she’d said yes.
Now, his room had become theirs. Her things meshed with his, though he didn’t have much, but she brought life in and made his apartment their home. With their jobs spilling over after hours, the apartment dwindled in size. Soon though, they’d move into the three-bedroom starter home they’d signed a contract on.
He kept his gaze on her as she turned partway from the window and smiled into the gray light, the light behind her casting a halo through her hair. Yes, this beautiful angel had married him. And they’d spend the rest of their days together—whether one, two, or countless.
Normal. It was foreign and familiar. And welcome.
It was what Quinn had wanted and what she’d fought against. What she’d given in to and been taken over by.
Nick slid out of bed and wrapped his arms around her, massaging her swollen middle. When she shifted into his arms, he rubbed her nose with his, laid his scruffy cheek on hers, and whispered into her ear. “I love you, Mrs. James.”
She pulled back, her lips brushing his. “I love you too.”
He knelt before her and kissed her belly. “I love you too, my little Faith.” As he looked up, Quinn lost herself in the beautiful future in his eyes.
But whatever came, she’d face it with him beside her. She needed him. Like Howard and Norman had needed Margaret LaRue.
“What is it?”
She brushed a tuft of hair off his forehead. “I will love you every day I’m given. But if I’m only given today, I will still love you.”
He stood to meet her, wrapping his strong arms around her. Then he tucked her head under his chin, nestling her in, warm and safe and home.
The sun continued to brighten the city. Behind them, her finished storm clouds filled the once-empty wall in a reminder that, although the terror of dark storms may rule the night, the sun is always there somewhere above, waiting to resurrect the day and bring new life into the world.
