As we slowly climbed to the top of the castle, Hannah in my arms, I could feel her heartbeat quicken, her breath warm against my neck. The physical exertion of carrying her up the stairs made me sweat, but the emotional weight of her closeness was even more intense.
Her thoughts were a whirlwind of emotions, a mix of admiration, conflict, and something deeper, something she couldn't quite name.
[Jack is so strong,] she thought, her mind racing. [He's carrying me and climbing up... I can feel his heartbeat, and his face and lips are so close...] The warmth of his body against hers, the rhythm of their breaths syncing, created an intimate connection that was hard to ignore. She could feel the muscles in his arms flexing as he carried her, the strength and warmth of his body making her feel safe and protected.
[He's sweating... Mom is so lucky to have Jack, who loves her...] she continued, her thoughts drifting to Julie and the bond she shared with me.
