Chapter 40

Harper's POV

For a long moment, nestled between them like this, I feel utterly loved, cared for, and protected. The tenderness in their every action fills my heart almost to bursting, healing and devastating all at once.

Yet, beneath the sweet, protective comfort is the undeniable ache, deep and painful. I know this beautiful moment can’t last, that this care, this tenderness, is only for tonight. It’s so perfect, yet heartbreakingly temporary, and the realization makes the warmth and affection surrounding me even harder to bear.

I close my eyes tightly against fresh tears, allowing myself just for a second to pretend this is more than it truly is, allowing myself to believe that this moment could last, even though I know tomorrow I’ll wake alone, with nothing but the bittersweet memory of their tenderness to haunt me.