Aaron closed his arms around her.
Celina remained against his chest, listening to his heartbeat.
For a while, neither of them spoke.
She simply enjoyed the warmth of him.
The scent of his cologne.
The security of his embrace.
The feeling that, for once, she didn't have to be strong for everyone else.
Aaron lowered his head.
"You're quiet."
"I'm comfortable."
His lips curved.
"With me?"
"Very."
He gently lifted her chin.
"Good."
Celina smiled.
"What?"
"I like knowing that."
"Why?"
"Because I spent so many years believing I wasn't capable of making anyone feel safe."
Her expression softened.
"You make me feel safer than anyone ever has."
Something vulnerable flickered across his face.
He brushed his thumb over her cheek.
"Then stay close to me."
"I am."
"Closer."
She laughed softly.
"You've already got me in your arms."
"Not close enough."
He pulled her gently against him.
Celina's laughter faded into a smile.
Their eyes met.
The playful mood slowly disappeared.
Aaron touched her hair, moving a loose strand behind her ear.
"I still can't believe you're here."
"Why?"
"Because there was a time when I thought I would spend my entire life alone."
Celina's fingers rested against his chest.
"And now?"
"Now I can't imagine going back to that life."
Her eyes glistened.
"Aaron..."
He kissed her forehead.
Then her cheek.
Then paused.
Giving her the choice.
Celina closed the remaining distance herself.
Their lips met.
The kiss was slow and tender, but the longing between them made it difficult to remain gentle for long.
Celina's arms slipped around his neck.
Aaron held her firmly at the waist.
When they finally separated, she rested her forehead against his.
"I think you have a way of making me forget everything."
"Is that a bad thing?"
"No."
She smiled.
"Not tonight."
Aaron laughed softly.
"Then tonight is ours."
He took her hand and led her toward the sofa.
They sat together, Celina tucked comfortably against his side.
Aaron reached for one of the pastries he'd brought.
"You haven't eaten enough."
She stared at him.
"Are you seriously thinking about food right now?"
"I am."
"After all that?"
He smiled.
"Especially after all that."
She burst out laughing.
"You're unbelievable."
"I know."
She took the pastry from him.
"Fine."
He watched her take a bite.
"Better."
Celina shook her head.
"You're behaving like my father."
"Then your father has excellent judgment."
She laughed again.
For several minutes, they simply talked.
About small things.
About the hospital.
About Ethan's habit of complaining.
About how Aaron had somehow become incapable of saying no to her.
And every few minutes, one of them would look at the other and smile for no reason at all.
Eventually, Celina became quieter.
Her head settled on his shoulder.
"Aaron?"
"Hmm?"
"Can I ask you something?"
"Anything."
"What were you like before me?"
He was silent for a moment.
"Lonely."
She looked up.
"Really?"
"I had people around me."
He looked down at her.
"But that isn't the same as having someone who understands you."
Celina's expression softened.
"And now?"
His fingers intertwined with hers.
"Now I have you."
She squeezed his hand.
"I wish I had met you sooner."
"I don't."
"Why?"
"Because if we'd met earlier..."
He smiled.
"I might not have been ready for you."
She considered that.
"Maybe you're right."
"I know."
She rolled her eyes.
"There you are again."
"What?"
"That confidence."
He leaned closer.
"You like it."
"Maybe."
"Maybe?"
She smiled.
"Don't push your luck."
He laughed.
Then his expression became serious again.
"I love you, Celina."
Her heart fluttered.
"I love you too."
He kissed her once more.
This time, the kiss was softer.
Almost a promise.
When they parted, Celina remained in his arms.
Neither noticed how late it had become.
Upstairs, the Monroe invitation remained untouched.
Waiting.
A secret neither of them was ready to face.
And for tonight...
Celina didn't want to think about it.
She wanted to remember this feeling.
Aaron's arms around her.
His voice in the quiet room.
The certainty that she was loved.
Aaron gently stroked her hair.
"You should sleep."
"I don't want to."
"Why?"
"Because then you'll leave."
He looked at her for a moment.
"I'll stay until you fall asleep."
She smiled.
"Promise?"
"Promise."
Celina closed her eyes.
Aaron held her closer.
Neither of them knew that by the time morning came, the invitation upstairs would no longer be just a mysterious piece of paper.
It would be the first thread pulling Celina toward the truth about Isabella Monroe.
And once that thread was pulled...
There would be no way to stop the past from unraveling.