When Janet finally woke up, she found her hand tightly held in someone else's. Those warm, familiar fingers… that familiar scent… Even though she had no idea how long she'd been asleep, the moment her mind regained clarity, she was wrapped in an overwhelming sense of peace.
She was back.
Back in his arms.
"Charles…?" she called out softly, though she already knew he was there—her voice was fragile, like she was afraid the moment might vanish if she dared to speak too loudly.
"I'm here," Charles replied instantly, his voice gentle and steady. "Are you hungry? Want something to eat?"
His thoughts, which had been drifting, snapped back to her completely. His hand gripped hers a little tighter, his palm radiating warmth.
"I… I just want some water." Janet shook her head and slowly sat up with his help. Almost instinctively, her hand moved to her belly. The moment she felt it—still there, still alive—her lips curved into a faint smile.
