As she lay in his arms she knew she’d never say the words that have been threatening to betray her.
All she knew was that she felt safe in him; that the world couldn’t harm her, or touch them. She knew he loved her with every breath God had granted him, and that he longed to hear what she had been denying for the longest time.
But she couldn’t let her guard down, and he knew that.
She searched his face and asked, “What do you see when you look at me?” He took a moment, looked at her before challenging her with a reply, “I see my wife.”
She then knew that she had to come clean; to release the ropes and break the walls that have been protecting her open wounds for so long. Her sanctuary and fortress were about to be invaded.
Before the three words could leave her tongue she covered his lips with hers; just another diversion, knowing full well she was risking her heart. She copped out. With one beat she looked him deep in the eyes and did the best she could: “But you do know…”
For the first time she swore she noticed an unmistakable wince; a feeling of rejection on his side, to which he then gently took her to lie back on top of him. She knew she was hurting him. She hated herself for it. In what seemed like an abyss she fondly watched him fall asleep.
And as she lay on his warm, muscular torso, she whispered secretly, “I love you…”
She rested her head on his chest, their hearts beating concurrently.
Unbeknownst to her, a smile formed on his yielding face.