"Mack," Lucy whispered, reaching for him.

Her hand touched something solid.

"I'm here," he answered, picking up her hand and bringing it to his lips.

She frowned and struggled to open her eyes. "I don't know if you really are."

"Do you want me here?" he asked, his deep voice vibrating through her body as she struggled to breath.

"More than anything," she whispered back, allowing him to unfurl each finger and kiss her palm, sending goosebumps skittering up her ...