The Runaway Groom

Irene hesitated for a moment as she watched Isaac raise a hand, but she eventually walked up and put her hand in his palm.

He grasped her fingers firmly as he gently pulled a little, and Irene followed the motion to lean in and climb into his arms.

"Why didn't you tell me you were coming?" Isaac asked, brushing his fingers through her hair.

“You wouldn't have let me come if I did," she purred in his arms. Isaac sighed. "I just didn't want you to see me like this."

"You're my husband," Irene said, looking up at him just then. “I'll love you however you are."

And with those words, she leaned in to kiss his lips.

Isaac's whole body stiffened and he rasped, "I smell like medicine.” Irene stared at him—that was certainly not his issue.

After all, he was just used to being proud and was therefore insecure now that he lost the initiative.

She smiled. “I don't mind. What are you upset about?"

chest to listen to his heartbeat. "Don't chase me away. Let

she said, "Lulu's peace is interrupted again. Martin is in trouble and it's really serious—they don't even know if he's still alive. But I know Lulu, and he's most definitely dead. She wouldn't

them. I want to be with you forever..."

And they were them.

things were meant to be for them. "Did you

you say that

wanted to tell you

in the eyes just then. "You can say it

speechless again. "Come here, just sleep with me

about to fall for it. “Don't change

his lips, gathered her in his arms, and said mildly, "I missed

Very much so.

unbuttoned his patient's garb then and