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She wasn’t his wife—that bit of reality had worn down the more he’d rolled it around in his mind, became less of an issue He was the only one who knew, besides her and her sister Rosee wasn’t real Never had been To him it was even more nonexistent than it had been before What he’d focused on the last few hours was the fact that Millie didn’t want a divorce—had said so herself Any nuht and she would have never kno he really felt

He wasn’t going to take that chance again

Seth entered quietly and removed his coat and hat, and after one step, when his boot heels echoed in the silence, he removed his footwear, as well Then he crossed the room and knelt down next to the sofa, where she was curled on her side, both hands folded beneath one cheek

Beautiful didn’t start to describe her Her glorious hair, her fine and delicate features, were exquisite, but her loveliness went beneath that He’d seen inside her the past weeks, and that’s where her true beauty eed from

“Sweetheart,” he whispered, brushing his fingers over the silky skin of her forehead

Her eyes opened slowly and a smile formed as she blinked “I like it when you call ain

“Then that’s all I will call you,” he said, nuzzling her hair with the tip of his nose “Sweetheart” It was the perfect naiven name, wouldn’t call her by her sister’s naet to the reason she was here, but right now, it didn’t matter

He leaned over and blew out the light “It’s ti his hands beneath her

She stiffened and her eyes popped open “You’re home”

“Yes, I’m home” He lifted her into his arms

Hers wrapped around his neck and she snuggled against him “I missed you”

“I missed you, too”

“I knew you’d be back”

“And I knew you’d be here”

“Always,” she said, tightening her hold

His hold tightened, too, as he started up the stairs He’d never held anything more precious More perfect “Always,” he repeated