Augustine came home early, just as he had promised. Anne was already waiting, and the moment he stepped through the door, she rushed into his arms.
"Welcome home," she greeted him with a radiant smile. "How are you feeling? Any headaches? Any discomfort?" Her eyes searched his face carefully, but all she found was his bright, reassuring smile.
"You worry too much," he teased gently. "I'm fine, just a little drained. Endless meetings, endless files." He sank onto the sofa with a heavy sigh. "Even my fingers are stiff from signing documents all day."
"Stay there. I'll bring some oil and give you a massage," she said, starting to rise.
But he caught her wrist before she could go. "No need. Just sit with me. Having you here is what I need."
Anne slipped down beside him. "Then I'm not going anywhere." She wrapped her arm through his and rested her head against his shoulder. But almost instantly, her body went rigid, pulling upright.
