When she was as bare as me, I laid her back onto my bed, cherishing every touch. I’d been so sure this would never happen again—could never happen again. My gaze swept down her body, lingering on her flat, empty stomach. I wanted to fill it, wanted to give her my child, but we weren’t there yet. Not nearly there yet.

Kiera’s hand went to my cheek, bringing my gaze back to her face. There was so much love in her eyes, it tore at me. There was so much compassion in her eyes, it shattered me. I could see what she wanted for me, what she wanted for us…and it restored my hope. Faith. That was how we’d get through this.

Her other hand gently pushed on my hip, urging me on top of her. Our eyes never leaving the others’, I settled over her, then slowly slid inside her. The euphoria stole my breath, but it paled compared to the…connection I felt with her. All my life, I’d been looking for this. This feeling of belonging, of being wanted, being needed…being loved. And she was giving me that feeling so intensely right now that it hurt…in the best way.

The feeling only grew as we began to move together. It was almost too much to bear, but I didn’t shy away from it. I let it overwhelm me. I embraced it, embraced her love for me…accepted it. I searched her face, her glorious eyes filled with tears of love—for me. “I love you, Kellan…only you.”

I closed my eyes, letting the words wash over me. Opening them, I told her, “And I only love you…I will only ever love you.”

I lowered my mouth to hers, kissing her as slowly as I was moving inside her. The restraint was difficult, but it made me feel so…in tune with her, like we were one. The connection lasted for so long, it felt so good; I never wanted to stop making love to her. This was what I wanted. This was how tonight was supposed to go…before it all fell apart. Before we put it all back together.

Kiera grabbed my hand, squeezing me tight, and I could tell she was getting close. I was too; I could feel the need to find relief building, the urge to release the pressure, satisfy the ache. Instead of quickening the pace, I slowed down…and everything amplified. The sensation, the connection, the love…everything. Kiera started shaking beneath me. She was running out of time. I was too. I grabbed her cheek. Sucking in a quick breath, I kissed her, then hurriedly told her, “I love you. God, I love you so much…”