Laura
"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice low and tender. "Did she say anything to upset you?"
I shook my head, unable to stop the smile that spread across my face. "I'm fine," I whispered. "More than fine, actually. I feel… good. Really good."
He exhaled, as if he'd been holding his breath, and then he pulled me into his arms. I let out a small laugh as I wrapped my arms around him, pressing my cheek against his chest. His heartbeat was steady and strong, and for a moment, I just let myself get lost in it.
"I'm so proud of you," he murmured against my hair.
I tilted my head up to look at him, my fingers lightly brushing against the fabric of his shirt. "Proud of me?"
"Yes," he said, his eyes full of admiration. "You've been through so much because of her, and yet, you walked in there and handled it like a queen. You're stronger than I ever realized, Laura."
