How do you maybe hit someone?” Michael drawled. “Okay, so I decked him. At the time he deserved it.

Whoa, wait a minute, Coletrane. Are you proposing to me?” “Well I would if you’d let me finish,” he grumbled.

How do you maybe hit someone?” Michael drawled. “Okay, so I decked him. At the time he deserved it.

Caelen?” “Aye, lass?” “You were right.” “What was I right about?” “Kissing. ’Tis a most wondrous thing.” She could sense his smile.

Life was sweet. Even when it was bad, there was always the hope of better...the future.

She laid her head against his collarbone, and he kissed her temple. To her shock, she felt a shudder roll through his body about the same time she registered wetness against her skin. Tears. His tears. She started to turn around, but he tightened his grip. “Stay,” he said in a choked voice. “Just let me hold you, baby. Just let me hold you.

Is there something wrong?” he asked. She gave a short negative motion with her head. And then words, so sweet, like a cool northern breeze blowing off the lake. “You could hold me now.” It was almost his undoing. “Ah baby.