Laura didn’t promise anything. How could she? Today’s events had made her more uncertain about her future with Alex than ever.

After bidding Jenny Finchley goodbye, she kicked off her slippers and lay down on the hotel bed with all her clothes on. Her skirts spilled all around her in a heap of expensive French fabric.

She stared up at the ceiling.

There was nothing magical about being in love with someone. It didn’t cure every ill or solve every problem. It was simply a feeling. An infinitely precious feeling. Deeper than friendship. More meaningful than mere attraction. But it wasn’t a panacea.

Real relationships were built on more than love. They were constructed with hard work, dedication, and patience. With honesty and mutual respect.

She was ready to do the work. Whatever Alex was facing—whatever demons from his past he must confront—she wanted to be with him. To love and support him through it. But he had to want it, too. He had to let her in. Into his thoughts, and emotions.

Into his heart.

If he didn’t love her in return, how could they ever overcome anything?

It was another half hour before he came back from his meeting with Mr. Finchley. Laura’s heart lurched at the sound of the door. Alex didn’t call out to her. Didn’t utter a single word. But she heard his footsteps as he crossed the small sitting room and entered the bedroom. Heard him remove his boots and his coat.

He climbed up on the bed and lay down beside her, turning his face into the hollow of her neck.

She rested her cheek against his head. “Are you all right?”

“I am now.”

It was a long while before he spoke again. Laura began to wonder if she should press him. But he seemed so vulnerable. So tired. A warrior after a fiercely fought battle.

She smoothed his hair from his brow.

“Finchley has invited us to dine with him later this evening,” he said at last. “There’s a bistro opposite the café. It looked promising enough, but…we don’t have to accept. Not if you don’t wish to.”

“Do you wish to?”

He was quiet again for another long moment before answering. “I’d like you to meet him. And he wants me to meet his wife, as well. I suspect he’s as proud of her as I am of you.”

She glanced down at him. “Are you proud of me?”

“Always.”

“I don’t know why.”

This time, he didn’t hesitate. “Because you’re the best person I know. The kindest. The bravest.” There was a catch in his voice. “And because you’re everything to me, Laura. I don’t know what I’d do if you ever left me.” He gave a short laugh. His breath was warm against her throat. “I suppose I shouldn’t admit to that.”