Everything felt so surreal that she was afraid it was merely a dream, but his tender kisses grounded her in reality, telling her this was real.
He was speaking the truth.
That boy was him!
Caught in the middle of overwhelming joy and sadness, she smacked his chest, "Eddy, you... You make me cry!"
Ruediger's soft chuckles echoed above Lariette's cries. His broad palms cupped her face as his lips brushed her teary eyes, damp cheeks and moist lips again and again.
Each of his touches conveyed his feelings for her, as deep as the ocean and as pure as freshly fallen snow. What began as gratitude changed into something more profound.
"I'm sorry, my love. I don't mean to," he whispered gently, his thumbs pressing her skin, "I was a coward. But you gave me courage when you said you hope that boy lives better."
Lariette bit her lower lip, still sniffling. She remembered telling Ruediger that. That was one of her earnest wishes, praying for the boy's well-being.
