yet, but he’d shared enough to know his wasn’t the same. Well, he was a part of hers now, and they’d make sure he never doubted it.
Henrik was waiting at the door when she stepped out of her car. His big frame filled the doorway, the porch light casting a soft glow over him. She stalled for a moment, heart easing, and wondered again how she’d almost walked away from him.
From his love and everything he gave her.
Peace. Family. Another place to call home.
“Hey,” he said, coming out to take her bag from her. His palm was warm when he cupped her face, his lips soft on hers. “You look beat.”
She managed a tired smile. “I am.” Sleep had been limited the entire week. Between stressing over Henrik and the cancer, she’d been lucky to get three or four hours each night.
He tucked her into his side and walked her into the house. He took care of her coat as she leaned against the wall to slip her shoes off. She wasn’t sure she’d want to get back up if she sat on the little bench.
The lights were dimmed, soft music filtering into the room from the hidden speakers. A fire danced in the fireplace, the flames warming the room.
“Are you hungry?” he asked, wrapping her in his arms.
She fell against his chest, eyes closing as her muscles slackened. His rich scent encircled her and she purred at the familiarity. This was home, right here.
“I’m just tired,” she mumbled, eyelids heavy.
“Then let’s get you to bed.”
Bed. Sounded good. She let him guide her to his bedroom, his bed already turned down. “It’s still early,” she protested weakly. It was barely nine o’clock. She never went to sleep that early.
“And you can’t keep your eyes open,” he countered, placing a kiss on her temple. “Get undressed, I’ll go close up and be right back.”
“You don’t have to,” she half-heartedly protested.
He looked back, smile soft and loving. “I know.”
Her legs buckled, dropping her onto the edge of the bed when he left the room, the exhaustion winning. Having Henrik to end the incredibly long day with was the only thing keeping her tears at bay.
Tears of stress, worry, fear, anger—they were all digging at her chest and shoving up her throat in a bid to break free. The thought of curling up next to him, his warmth and security surrounding her, held them back.
She was tucked beneath the covers, teeth brushed and sleep encroaching, when he came back. The music was off, the lights dark in the outer room.
So handsome. He’d shaven at some point today, his navy sweater hugging his form and darkening his eyes.
The next thing she knew he was spooning into her back. She hummed her appreciation, snuggled closer and clasped his hand when his arm came around her.
“Thank you,” she mumbled, still amazed at how lucky she was to have him. That he was still here with her despite the baggage she brought.
He nuzzled into her neck, kissed below her ear, inhaling. “I’ve got you.”
Her heart flowed over, her love and gratitude overtaking the last of her will to be strong. To protect him from her pain and fears. The tears slipped out, silent and heavy. They fell off the edge of her nose and dampened the pillow, but she clamped her mouth tight, holding in the sound that built in her chest.
“Shhh,” he soothed, urging her to turn in his arms. She went willingly, burying her face in his warm chest.
“I don’t want to cry,” she insisted, tears still falling in silent betrayal.
“Sometimes you need to.”
Her breath hitched on her inhale, her resistance easing. She let the tears fall then, a gentle wash of everything she’d been holding in for months. Years. It all flowed out in a cleansing dose of past regrets. Of lost dreams and found hope. It was cathartic where her outburst with Aiden had been angry.
She could do that with Henrik, too, break a little and know that he’d still have her. Like her family, he’d be strong for her when she was too tired to be. He let her too. Held her and stayed quiet while she purged more of the demons she’d kept trapped for years.
“I don’t want to die,” she whispered, voice hoarse.
“I don’t want you to either.” He hugged her tighter, a kiss landing on her head.
His honesty tugged an out of place chuckle from her. “I’m glad to hear that.”