Her presence stole the air from the room. She looked stunning, like warmth and sunshine after a long storm.
Augustine rose to his feet, a wave of emotion crossing his features—relief, longing, love.
"Augustine," Anne called joyfully and rushed toward him, her happiness overflowing. In the next heartbeat, she flung herself into his arms. "Papa is awake," she breathed, brimming with joy. "I can't believe it—I'm so happy."
Her embrace calmed the storm inside him, her presence soothing the fears that had just moments ago gripped him so fiercely.
Augustine wrapped his arms around her tightly.
She pulled back slightly, just enough to look up into his eyes. "I told him about you. And I promised to bring you to meet him. He is really happy, Augustine… He is eager to see you. We'll go see him after our honeymoon."
Her words barely had time to sink in.
Augustine cupped the back of her head and leaned in, crushing his lips against hers.
