Violet
The silence lasted three heartbeats.
Then Rowan moved.
He turned so fast the bed groaned beneath us, and before I could process what was happening, his arms were around me, his legs tangling with mine, and his whole body curling around me like he was trying to fold me into himself.
My face heated up as he buried his face in the curve of my neck, and the way his joy soared made me so glad to the point my eyes started to sting.
"Rowan—"
"I am very happy." His voice was muffled against my throat. "You have no idea how happy I am right now."
My heart stuttered.
His arms tightened, pulling me closer, and the way his legs locked around mine felt like he was terrified I might disappear if he loosened his hold even slightly.
Oh, Rowan…
My eyes watered.
I hugged him back.
"I love you too," he whispered against my neck. "Very much, Violet."
His words soaked into my skin and settled deep, filling spaces I hadn't realized were still empty.
