Vlad I’ve never been a religious man. I’ve never put much stock in words like holy or sacred. But as I lay my beautiful bride out on our bed, it’s with a reverence beyond any spiritual realm. And she lets me. I undress her slowly, piece by piece, and she watches, lashes down, belly fluttering, lips parted. She came here of her own free will. That, to me, is a miracle worthy of bent knees. She’s not submitting to my will this time, she’s offering herself up. It’s different. And special and a moment I will never, ever forget. “What is this?” She’s wearing some kind of medical device that made her cringe and blush when I uncovered it. “Insulin pump. I’ll take it off. I hate it.” I tip my head, watching how she takes it off, noting everything so I can help her with it next time. “Seem

