Haisley cried in silence, covering her mouth with her hand so that her sobs and the tightness in her chest wouldn't be heard. But her tears fell heavily, streaming down her cheeks.
Lucas slowly lifted his hand, gently wiping his wife's cheek with his thumb. The touch was soft, warm, like it was healing the tiny cracks that had long gaped between them.
"I'm not perfect, Haisley," Lucas said quietly. "But I want to try, if you're willing to try too. I can accept you as you are, if you're also willing to stop hiding parts of yourself. Not because I want to judge, but because I want to be honest. We can never walk together if there are still shadows we keep from each other."
Haisley nodded slowly, gripping Lucas's hand in return. Her voice was barely audible. "I'll be honest about everything. I promise. I don't want to lose you."
Lucas gave a small smile. Then he pulled Haisley into his arms, tightly and warmly, as if trying to hold time still.
