For a moment, Evelyn said nothing.
Just a soft, thoughtful, "Oh."
The silence stretched.
Alexander immediately tensed. "We don't have to," he said quickly. "We can move out like planned, I just—"
"Then let's stay too."
He blinked. "What?"
She tightened her arms around his neck. "We shouldn't leave her alone to deal with all of that. If she is finally standing her ground, we should stand with her."
He searched her face. "Are you sure? I don't want you to do this if it makes you uncomfortable."
Evelyn smiled, warm and certain. "As long as I have you making sure I am okay, I don't see a problem."
Something in Alexander cracked open. It was relief, pride and love.
He cupped her face gently, thumbs brushing her cheeks and kissed her—slow, deliberate, full of everything he hadn't said.
She kissed him back just as deeply.
The kiss lingered, softened, then grew heavier with backs meeting the wall, breaths tangling, the world narrowing down to warmth and closeness and intent.
