“Just say it,” he whispered. “Say you won’t let go of me… of us.”

His hand cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing her skin gently. “I’m so much in love with you, Thalia. And I can’t imagine life without you. Tell me you won’t let go.”

Thalia smiled softly and broke the hug just enough to see his face.

“I promise you,” she said, her voice thick with emotion, “I won’t let go. I can’t imagine myself without you either. For days, I’ve been struggling, without ...