They lay together in bed, skin against skin, the room wrapped in warmth and quiet. Aaron gently traced his fingers along Ivy’s arm, his eyes fixed on her face. Ivy smiled softly and nestled her head against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

The sheets were a mess—marked by the intensity of their love—but neither of them cared. Aaron sat up beside her and looked down at her bare form, his gaze full of affection. Ivy looked up and smiled, calm and content.

Without a ...