Tears gathered in his eyes as he looked at her, his fingers tightening around hers as though sheer willpower could tether her to him.
"You're everything to me," he continued, his voice trembling. "Stay with me please. If you stay with me, I swear I'll cherish you forever."
He lowered his head, his lips brushing her knuckles in a tender kiss, his tears falling freely as his heart beat increased.
And then, to his surprise and relief, Emma stirred. Her eyelids fluttered weakly, and a faint, broken whisper escaped her lips.
"Alex...?"
His head snapped up, his heart leaping at the sound of her weak voice. "Emma! I'm here. I'm right here."
Relief washed over him as he watched her face, fresh tears dropping from his eyes. He had never felt this vulnerable toward anyone since he after he lost Sofia.
Her gaze found his, unfocused but searching. "Did... you come to my rescue?"
