Dan moved his face toward Renee, his lips brushing hers softly before pressing them more urgently. “And I love you, Renee Rhodes. I have since the first time we met. You had just taken a bite of scone, and the way you covered your mouth and brushed off your lap. God, it was just adorable. I was smitten from that very moment.”

Renee scrunched up her nose. “You were?”

“It’s hard to explain, but in that instant, this relief washed over me, a sort of warmth. I knew everything was going to somehow be okay,” he said. “You made me come back to life. I want to be with you. I want us to be a real thing.”

“I want that too. So, so, much.”

They moved with such natural, fluid movements, it was as though the two had rehearsed this act. Slowly, carefully, they tugged on one another’s clothing. They kissed and caressed, tenderly pushing aside any remaining barriers.

There in the soft candlelight, they pressed their bodies together for a second time, hungry and curious. When he entered her with a sharp gasp, it was as if their souls connected. She threw back her head as a sweet pain filled her chest, like a part of his heart entered hers. And together, despite the storm, they found safe harbor in each other’s arms.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Five

Sadie sat in the wingback chair, studying Lincoln in the pale early morning light. His hair was matted, and his cheeks were rosy. He ran hot, just like Ethan, and always woke sweaty and groggy. He slept soundly now, just like he had all night long. The angels-bowling theory worked like a charm and each thunderclap and flash of lightning made him giggle until finally, he drifted off. Sadie, on the other hand, hadn’t gotten a single wink. She spent the long raging night curled on her side, one arm wrapped around Lincoln and the other clutching her pillow in lieu of her missing husband.

Where was he? No way of knowing with the phone lines down.

Lincoln stirred and she returned to the bed, nestling in beside him, forcing herself to calm down, or at least look as if she was the picture of motherly reassurance.

“Mommy?” He blinked before rubbing the sleep from his eyes. “Where are we?”

“Bree’s. We had a sleepover, remember?”

He threw back the covers and cocked his head, listening. “Storm all gone?”

She nodded. “All gone, baby. We’re safe.”

“Daddy?” Lincoln popped his thumb into his mouth, a bad habit she was usually quick to correct, though right now she was half tempted to suck on her own.

Her hug would have to suffice in lieu of an answer, and she wrapped the blanket around them. A snug cocoon to keep out the world.

There was a knock on the door.

Guess the world didn’t enjoy being ignored.

“Come in,” Sadie called, sitting up.