“I do need you. Just to breathe, Elijah. I’ve been holding my breath for so long. I have nightmares all the time. I’m always afraid. Since I woke up in that hospital bed, with you there, even when I was embarrassed to look at you, I wasn’t afraid. Not in the same way, not that deep-down fear that any moment my life is going to end. You give me that. I’m not afraid to bring our child into the world. That’s from you. That’s big, Elijah. Huge.”

He shook his head. She continued, never taking her gaze from his.

“I’ve never had girlfriends. You bring me two women who were nice to me. Good people. They didn’t want anything from me, just to be my friends. You gave me that. I’m so in love with you, Elijah, I sometimes can’t even contain it all.”

His hand came up to find the silk of her hair as his mouth found hers. She tasted like heaven. Like she always did. She’d rinsed her mouth, maybe even brushed her teeth because she tasted like mint. She didn’t realize how she could twist him up and wrap herself so deep inside him he didn’t know where he started and she left off. When he lifted his head she was smiling at him. Giving him the world right there on her face.

“You have to eat, baby,” he said softly.

“So true. I’m starved,” she agreed, and released him, turning toward the table.

He held her chair for her, making it formal. He’d lit the candles and brought the lights in the room down low. He was right about the candlelight. It loved her, dancing over her skin and hair, casting the most beautiful glow over her.

He watched her face when she tasted the dish, one of his favorites. He’d been careful not to make it too hot. He liked his food spicy but she was a novice. He didn’t want to start out burning her mouth.

“It’s wonderful,” she said, “perfect. Where did you learn to cook like this?”

“My grandmother.” His voice went tight, and he forked a mouthful of food.

He felt the impact of her gaze. He’d been young when she’d died. Right after his seventh birthday. He knew his grandfather had taken her from her home when she was fourteen and married her. He knew that because his grandfather liked to brag about it. She’d been a very quiet woman and she’d stayed in her kitchen. He’d sought refuge there many times.