I wake up to sunshine streaming through the window, the smell of fresh bread on the air from the bakery next door, and Jesse’s hair in my face. I edge back, pushing the silky strands out of my nose, and stare at him. He’s curled around me like I tried to escape in the night, and I inhale the scent of green tea that clings to his skin. His face is gilded by the sunshine and his mouth half open as he snores gently. I smile and shake my head before pressing a kiss to his forehead that’s gentle but no less passionate, as all my feelings seem to suffuse it.

I’m thankful that he sleeps on because he still looks tired with faint shadows showing under those ridiculously long eyelashes. He must have the morning off because his alarm never went off. I decide immediately to take the morning off too.

We haven’t seen much of each other this week, apart from an odd few minutes snatched here and there, mainly because of a case he’s been dealing with. I was right when I thought he’d be a good social worker. He’s passionate and committed and farsighted. His dad called him an old soul, and it’s true.

However, although he pays attention to other people’s needs, he ignores himself, and I’ve noticed signs of him wearing thin this week. And that’s what I consider to be my job. He’s mine in a way that few things ever have been. I love him deeply and beyond anything I knew I was capable of, and, as such, all my caretaking impulses are out in full force with him. I’ll therefore watch him a bit more closely this week, pamper him, and let him know he’s loved. He, as normal, will in turn watch me with a wry look in his pretty eyes and love me back.

I still sometimes can’t believe that he’s with me. This vibrant, funny man could have anyone, and he chose me. However, I trust more and more every day, and we feel real to me. Inevitable and strong.

He influences everything that’s good in my life now. He’s life and light and warmth and laughter. Even the fact that I’m flipping houses is down to him in a way. Having him love who I really am gave me the courage to be myself again. I don’t miss the agency and I’m going to make Felix a partner because I know that when I’ve finished this house, I’ll move on to another. I find it so satisfying to do up an old house and watch it come alive again.