"The other part sees how the bond is forming," he said. "Sees that maybe fate does have a plan and that part is trying...trying very hard to trust that this is right. Even when it scares the hell out of me."

"Thank you for trying," I said. "That's all I can ask."

He leaned forward and kissed me gently. "I love you, even when it's complicated, even when I don't understand. I love you."

"I love you too," I said.

He helped me out of the tub and dried me off with surprising gentleness. Then he carried me back to the bedroom where clean clothes waited.

"Elias sent these," Avalon...