Sophie’d had no idea how that argument had affected him. She'd had so much on her plate at the time, she hardly gave it a second thought.

“And last week,” Aiden continued, “when we had words about Seth and Jenna, there was that fear again. It just crowds out everything else. So you were right, Sophie. Losing you—having you leave—is the worst thing I can imagine. I’d do anything to avoid it, up to and including leaving you myself—as crazy as that sounds.”

Sophie opened her mouth to speak.

He held up a hand. “I know. You were never going to leave me. But when you give fear a voice, it’s louder than logic or reality. It overshadows everything you know to be true, and all you can hear are the lies you fear most.”

Because of fear, trusting Aiden the second time around had been so hard. “I understand more than you know.”

He took her hands in his. “I need to learn to turn down the fear. I need to listen to God’s voice instead. I’m going to work on it.”

She held on to his hands, never wanting to let go of him again. But could they get beyond this? Could he work through this issue, or would she have to always worry that he’d sabotage their relationship and take off? The fear was still there—in both of them.

He stepped closer, his eyes searching hers in the dimness. “I know I don’t deserve a second chance after all I’ve put you through. But I’m asking anyway because . . . I love you, Sophie. I never stopped, and I can’t imagine a future without you.”

Her breath left her body, her eyes stinging with tears. “I love you too, Aiden.”

His eyes lit with a smile just before his mouth curved. He leaned forward and brushed her lips with his, the sweetest caress. His fingers feathered her cheeks, the softest touch. He felt like a dream and tasted of heaven. She would never tire of the way he kissed her.

His arms went around her, drawing her closer until his heart beat against hers. Her fingers plunged into his hair, reveling in the softness. When he deepened the kiss she lost herself in him.

She couldn’t believe he loved her. The empty space inside her filled until she was ready to burst. Their road had been long and hard, but the journey had been worth it. Because it had brought him back to her.

He ended the kiss, setting his forehead against hers, his half-mast eyes fixed on hers. Their ragged breaths mingled in the space between them.

“Thank you for giving me another chance.” His voice was thick as honey. “I’m sorry for hurting you. Again.”