Page 148 of Micah

“I don't regret tonight.”

The confession is so quiet I almost miss it.

I turn my head toward her.

“I don't either.”

“I was worried I would.”

“You don't have to worry, Princess. You’re not doing any of this alone anymore.”

“I know.”

Another pause.

“Micah?”

“Yeah?”

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For making me feel like I still got to choose.”

Her words hit me harder than anything else she's said.

All evening I'd been thinking about protecting her body. She'd been thinking about protecting her agency.

Hopefully, I helped with that.

I lift our joined hands and press a kiss against her knuckles. Then I tuck her into my side and wrap her up in my arms once more.

Her breath warms my skin, and her sweet sunshine scent fills my senses.

Christ. I am so crazy about her.

Does she even know?

Can she tell?

“You'll always get to choose, Princess. I just hope you’ll choose me,” I whisper and kiss her temple.

“I do.”

She closes her eyes again.

Still smiling.

Within minutes, her breathing evens out.

Sleep claims her completely.

I stay awake a little longer.

Listening.

Watching.