We're One by Mimi Barbour Page A

already died?”
    “No. I did not.”
    “That’s it? That’s all you have to say for yourself?”
    He’d blocked all his emotions behind a solid wall while at the hospital, and so far he hadn’t let her in. He’d known she wanted the inside scoop, so to speak, the truth without having to ask.
    “We promised last night to trust each other.” Sincerity rang in his words.
    A few seconds passed before he heard her response, seconds of agony while he yearned for her to believe in him and their love. This was a big test. He clasped his hands as though in prayer, holding them against his lips to stop words from spewing out.
    “I’m glad! I had to ask, but I’m so relieved you didn’t know.”
    “You accept my word? Just like that?”
    “Uh-huh! Of course I do.”
    Channels opened and the purest joy bounced back and forth between the two. Heart thundering, he carefully pricked his finger and then hers while hugging her close in trembling arms. He felt faint with anxiety. Remembering the resulting pain when the spell hadn’t worked during an earlier episode between Rhett and Carrie, he pleaded, “Please, God, let it work!” in whispers muttered low.
    In the time it took to put the rose back down on the bench next to him, she twitched. Gradually her lax face muscles took on life. Her eyelids were slow to open, but as they did, he stared into her slumberous eyes tinted by slivers of silver. He unashamedly let her see the tears gathered in his.
    “Hello, sweetheart.” His voice broke, sounding husky.
    “Hi, Ash!” The croak of his name on her lips frayed his restraint as he swept her closer and kissed her like he’d never get enough of her taste.
    She almost fainted again, hammered from the fury of his passion. Feebly she pushed at his chest. Her slack lips and lack of breath warned him to control himself, at least for now.
    She needed time to gain back her strength. Her head used his shoulder as a pillow, and both hands lay enfolded in his, unmoving. Sitting snuggled, enjoying the luxury of being physically together, removed any lingering doubts that the desire flowing between them was artificial or brought about because of their spirit’s recent proximity. Eventually, she sighed and moved to sit up.
    “No, don’t move.” He picked her up in his arms and carried her to the waiting car. Recovering the wheelchair and placing it in the boot took only seconds, and a few minutes later they were at the doctor’s house.
    With ease, he delivered her into their room and lowered her onto the bed next to a present enclosed in pink tissue paper and a silver bow. A special something he’d picked out for her. He stood patiently while she oohed and ahhed over her spanking new bat.
    “How did you get it without me catching on?”
    “I wrote a note to the doctor and asked him to pick it up for me.”
    “It’s perfect. I love it—and you.” Smiles fought with tears, but the tears won.
    “I didn’t mean to make you cry. I wanted to make you laugh.” The change in Ashley’s demeanour from jovial to remorseful was as swift as a camera’s flash.
    “You silly man. I’m weepy because you really do understand me. I never thought I could be this fortunate. Come here and let me show you just how happy I am.” She scrubbed at the tears dripping from her plush lashes. Her large smoky eyes drew him to her, inviting, enticing—knowing.
    “No! I can’t!” His hands were actually clasped behind his back. “You brat. Stop tempting me. You need to rest. I’ll go and tell Dr. Andrews everything went as expected. He wanted to be advised as soon as we arrived. I think he’s smitten, like all the other men in your life.”
    “Except for poor Arnie?”
    “Yeah, well, he’s not our worry anymore. Life can get back to normal now. Sleep! I’ll come back to sit with you.” He carefully threw a comforter over her but hesitated before tucking it close.
    She grinned and winked.
    “Little witch!”
    As soon as he opened the door