Thorne's arms wrap around me tightly, pulling me against his chest. His hold is firm yet gentle, like he's afraid I might slip away but doesn't want to crush me. I rest my hands against his chest, feeling the steady thrum of his heartbeat beneath my fingertips.
"You mean everything to me," he murmurs, pressing a kiss to my forehead. His lips linger there, soft and warm, and I close my eyes, savoring the tenderness. "Sometimes I think I don't deserve you, but I'll spend the rest of my life proving that I do."
I smile, my fingers tracing small circles on his chest. "Thorne, you don't have to prove anything. You're already everything I could ever want. You're strong, kind, and a wonderful father to Mirelle. You've given me more than I ever thought I'd have."
