Asher was always swamped with business, so Justin took it upon himself to care for both me and Cassandra.
He kept his promise, buying me expensive art supplies and tickets to exhibitions. "Don't get the wrong idea. It's not that I don't care about you; it's just that Asher can't get away. Besides, he doesn't trust anyone else with Cassandra. You understand, right?"
Seeing my silence, he wrapped an arm around my waist, his warm breath grazing my neck. "Alright, don't be so cold. In a few days, I'll take you to Puget Sound to relax, just the two of us."
What he didn't know was that I wasn't angry. My heart was already dead, having died on the night my child was taken. Every word he spoke now was weightless, failing to stir even a ripple in my numb soul.
...
On the day we went to the sound, Cassandra and Asher came along.
The path to the shore was a rugged mountain trail, and Asher carefully supported Cassandra the entire way.
Justin’s brow furrowed when he saw them, his eyes dropping to hide the disappointment within.
"What's wrong, Justin?" I asked, slightly breathless.
He quickly regained his composure, crouching in front of me. "Darling, it's still a long way. You haven't fully recovered. Let me carry you."
My cheek rested against his broad back, his body heat seeping through his shirt. Every step he took was steady, as if he would never let me fall.
It reminded me of the day he swam through crashing waves to find me. In my daze, I thought I had found my prince.
"When I'm better, let's go to Florence to paint," I said softly, my arms looped around his neck.
He agreed without hesitation. "Okay. Wherever you want to go."
On our wedding anniversary, he had made the same firm promise to my parents: he would spend his life fulfilling my every wish.
Asher walked over with two cups of hot cocoa. "Here, warm up. I'm taking Cassandra to see the seagulls."
Justin forced a smile. He squeezed my hand, his palm slick with sweat. "Cassandra's so fragile. Maybe the surgery... it could wait a little longer."
Cassandra leaned against Asher, covering her mouth as she laughed lightly. "We can't wait. Our parents called last night. They're already helping us plan the wedding."
She shot a veiled glance in my direction. "They're just thrilled for us. It's such a shame about your... tragedy."
The color drained from my face. Asher wouldn't meet my eyes and quickly pulled her away.
Justin stared blankly at their retreating figures, lost in thought. After a long moment, he came back to himself and placed a hand on my lower abdomen.
He kissed me feverishly, and between his ragged breaths, I heard him whisper, "It's okay if we don't have a child. Having you is enough."
And yet, his heart was hammering against his ribs.
"The wind is picking up," I said flatly, ignoring his empty reassurances.
