In All These Years

Ashleigh closed her eyes.

“Hiding?” she whispered against his chest. “Why do you think—"

“Don’t,” Caleb interrupted, nuzzling against the top of her head. “Don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about.”

Ashleigh swallowed.

Caleb pulled away and gently hooked his finger beneath her chin, lifting her to look up at him. His silvery gaze fell on her, and Ashleigh took a deep breath.

“It’s clear that you’re trying hard to protect me from something you think is going to hurt me,” he whispered, smiling. “I know you called my mother, so she’s alive. You’ve mentioned Galen without looking away, and I don’t think you could do that if he were gone.”

Ashleigh lowered her gaze. She had wanted to stay inside this room just a little bit longer. In the joy of their reunion, the only ones in the world. But even she knew it was too late for that.

“They are both alive,” she said softly.

Caleb smiled, though he had been pretty sure confirmation was still a relief.