Chapter Four — The Promise

Their first winter together was filled with rain, cold mornings and evenings spent curled beneath blankets while the wind moved around the little cottage they had rented near the lake. Molly loved those evenings more than the grand days out because James would make tea, put music on quietly and sit beside her while they talked about absolutely nothing.

One snowy morning, Molly woke before James and watched the pale light coming through the curtains. She listened to his breathing and felt an overwhelming tenderness for the man sleeping beside her.

She gently touched his hand.

James opened one eye.

"Are you watching me?"

"Maybe."

"That's slightly worrying."

"I'm just thinking."

"That's even more worrying."

She laughed and tucked herself closer to him. "I was thinking about how strange it is that I can miss you when you're right beside me."

James opened both eyes.

"How does that work?"

"I don't know. I just know that I love you so much that sometimes it feels like I need more time with you than one lifetime could possibly contain."

He stared at her for a moment before pulling her close.

"Then we'll have to make this lifetime count."

Molly smiled against his chest.

"I think we already are."