Damian pulled away abruptly, turning his back to her as he composed himself. The vulnerability of the last few moments seemed to startle him more than the impending storm. He wiped the remaining traces of tears from his face with a quick motion of his sleeve.
"Don't feel embarrassed," Eilika said softly. "Whatever happened just now stays between us. I am your wife, Damian; you don't have to hide your heart from me."
She didn't wait for him to respond, sensing that giving him space was the kindest thing she could do. Instead, she looked upward. The once-clear blue was now dark and a gush of wind suddenly passed through the tulip field.
"The sky is completely covered with dark clouds, Damian. We need to hurry," she urged, rising to her feet and smoothing her damp olive gown.
The first heavy, freezing drops of the downpour began to slash through the canopy. Damian turned back to her, his eyes now sharp and focused on the horizon.
