Lucas couldn’t stay away. Not after everything that happened. Not after watching Rose break down at the burial. As soon as Rose’s grandmother was lowered into the ground and the final prayer ended, Lucas walked straight to her without hesitation. He didn’t care who was watching or what anyone thought. His only focus was Rose.
She stood there quietly, staring at nothing. Her face looked pale, her eyes red, and her shoulders weak, as if the grief had taken every bit of strength she had left.
“Rose,” Lucas said softly and pulled her into his arms.
She melted into his chest immediately, her fingers gripping the back of his shirt. “Lucas…” she whispered.
“I’ve missed you,” he breathed against her hair.
“Really?” she asked in a tired, broken voice.
“Yes, baby. Really.” He lifted her chin g
