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.

got them," he

and rested her

will be under a lot of pressure soon. Are you sure you want to go through

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

our relationship, but

you're you, not because

she felt Kerr's steady heartbeat break into

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

make sure you don't

arms around Nicole and closed his

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

felt this at peace in his

went on in sweet tranquility,

the sun was already high and its rays flooded the ward,

ear against Nicole's door when Jay walked

are you doing, Uncle

covered his

They're probably still sleeping. Come on,

to grab Jay, but

too. I need to wake her up! Besides, I need to check if Uncle Gu has kept his

and ran into Nicole's ward with

"Jay, wait! Don't!"

Jay was too fast.

with Jay, but he would tear Jared a new one for letting the boy

into Nicole's bed with difficulty. When he was about to lift the quilt, Kerr's

up and grabbed Jay. Kerr had always been vigilant. The moment

"Kerr..."

awake and reached for Kerr. She opened her