The Reunion After Seven Years

The night grew deeper. Lying in Kerr's arms, Nicole watched the beautiful, calm, moonlit night outside her window. It was as if a violent storm had not come to disturb the world last night.

It was late, but Nicole was still wide awake, listening to Kerr's steady breathing.

"Why are you still up?"

Kerr gently stirred and kissed the top of Nicole's head.

"Have you been up? How did you know I wasn't asleep?"

Nicole tilted her head to look at Kerr whose eyes were halfway closed.

Kerr was half-awake at best. She had tried not to wake him up.

"I can't sleep with you still up. I can tell you're awake from your breathing."

The woman Kerr loved was by his side. Of course he could feel her breathing. People said that when you were in love with someone, you would be able to memorize everything about them including the way they breathed. Kerr knew that now to be true.

"Can you really or you're just sweet talking me?"

Nicole started fiddling with Kerr's hair.

"I've never sweet talked anyone but you."

Kerr looked at Nicole seriously.

He had never sweet talked anyone because he did not have to. Women were constantly throwing themselves at him, but he had never been especially interested in any of them. Nicole was different. She held his heart in her hand.

"Then I will expect your sweet words from now on."

Nicole had never asked Kerr about his past, but she knew about the constant parade of women that circled him. She could not change the past, but she could make the present and the future wonderful for both herself and Kerr.

She only needed to be in Kerr's present and future.

them," he

over and rested her head against

a lot of pressure soon. Are you sure you want

problem he anticipated. He would protect Nicole at any cost, but he needed to

complicate our relationship, but I'm not afraid. I'll choose you no

not because you're the CEO of the Gu

felt Kerr's steady heartbeat break

if he got butterflies in his stomach the way she got butterflies

make sure you don't

arms around Nicole and closed his

found someone he could share all his happiness, anger, and sorrow with, someone he did not have to hide

had never felt this at peace in his

sweet tranquility, and Kerr savored every minute

already high and its rays flooded the ward, but Kerr and Nicole were still

his ear against

you doing, Uncle Jared? Are you

covered his mouth and

still sleeping. Come on, let's

to grab Jay, but Jay

for Mommy to have breakfast too. I need to wake her up! Besides, I need to check if

opened the door and ran into Nicole's ward with Jared

"Jay, wait! Don't!"

was too fast. Jared stopped at

would not get angry with Jay, but he would tear Jared a new one for letting the boy slip into the

difficulty. When he was about to lift the quilt, Kerr's

been vigilant. The moment Jay climbed onto

"Kerr..."

awake and reached for Kerr. She opened her eyes and saw Jay