The weeks after Sasha's rescue were the hardest of her life.
Not because of the physical recovery—though that took time. Not because of the fear—though that lingered in the shadows. But because she had to learn to feel safe again. Every noise made her jump. Every shadow made her heart race. Every night, she woke screaming, trapped in dreams of the woman with the cold eyes and the machines.
Rhys was there for all of it.
He held her when she cried. He stayed awake when she couldn't sleep. He reminded her, over and over, that she was safe. That the baby was safe. That no one would ever hurt them again.
"We should postpone the wedding," Sasha said one night, her voice hollow.
"No."
"Rhys, I can't—I'm not—"
"You're everything." He took her hands. "We've waited long enough. We've fought e
