The silence between them wasn’t heavy anymore.

Ava stayed close to Damien, her arms wrapped around his waist, her cheek pressed gently to his chest. His heart was steady beneath her ear, slow and real. She hadn’t realized how much she missed this, how much she missed him, until she was back in his arms.

For a while, they didn’t say anything. There was no need.

“I still can’t believe you’re here,” Damien whispered, his voice barely louder than the rain outside. “I thought I’d dreamed of you again.”

Ava didn’t move. “I thought I’d walk in, feel nothing, and leave.”

“But you didn’t.”

“No,” she said quietly. “I didn’t.”...