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She rested a hand on his arm “Yes, I do You always seeuessed you were unhappy”

“And I wasn’t, not really There was si” He put his hand over hers “I washow I just told you how rounds me”

“There’s a big difference between coazed into his eyes “I know I’ll never have the forhtmare But…but I think I’ve made a place for myself here”

“I know you have I know it because I could see it fro here You fit You fit in a way I never seee “I can see you within these walls You’ve made this into a home, one that is only yours”

“It doesn’t mean I’m not lonely”

“Are you lonely, Mari?”

She bit her lower lip and nodded slightly “Yes, yes, I aed that for me”

“I never expected to find you, you see” He grabbed her hand, lifting it and kissing her fingers “And when I did, I still didn’t believe in it I didn’t trust in it I had feelings for you but I pushed them away, pretended they weren’t real I told o back to Italy and I would be fine And then you told me you loved me”

“I do love you”

He looked down then, for several seconds When he lifted his head, he said simply, “You humble me, Mari”

He leaned forward and rested his forehead against hers

“You, the one who had every right to be afraid…you’re the one who has taught et up one day and realize I’h for you”

Tears clogged her throat She couldn’t i anyone’s miracle Not after where she came from After all she’d endured