"You love me?" Hank's eyes lit up with joy. "Please tell me I'm not imagining this."
"I promise—you're not imagining it," Gwen laughed, blinking back tears and cupping his face in her hands.
Grinning from ear to ear, Hank kissed her. "I've never been this happy, Gwen."
A tear slipped down Gwen's cheek. "I didn't know happiness like this could even exist."
"I know what you mean." Hank kissed her again. "God, I love you so much!"
Gwen laughed as Hank pulled her up from the couch and twirled her under his arm.
His eyes twinkling at hers, Hank fixed her hand in his and began to lead her in a dance, sweeping her in circles around the room.
"Hank!" Gwen laughed and threw back her head. "Watch out! We're going to hit something!"
Hank stopped short and yanked her against his chest. "Don't worry—I've got you."
Gwen studied him for a moment and stroked his cheek. "You do, don't you?"
"Always." Hank kissed her gently and cupped her face. "You're the best thing that has ever happened to me, Gwen."
"You're the best thing that has ever happened to me, too." Gwen kissed his forehead and pulled him in close. "Just the thought of living without you . . ."
"I know exactly what you mean." Hank buried his nose in the crook of her shoulder and began to kiss his way up her neck.
"Oh, Hank . . ." Gwen moaned, melting into him.
"I want you, Gwen," Hank breathed, tracing his fingers down her spine.
Gwen shuddered as he reached the tip of her tailbone. "Oh, Hank, I want you, too."
"Are you sure?" Hank stopped what he was doing and looked up into her eyes.
"I'm sure." Gwen swallowed hard. Wrapping one of her legs around his, she shivered as she felt him harden against her. "I want you to make love to me, Hank."
Eve sighed as she curled up on the couch.
What a day this had been.
At least she could rest now that Simone was sleeping safely upstairs and she knew Kay was home safe and sound.
Julian was right—although she hadn't gotten there first, she had known where to look for Kay. She did know her daughters and their friends.
Even though Whitney still wasn't speaking to her, that didn't mean that she was a bad mom—or that she'd ever stop trying to reconnect with her elder daughter.
She did have it in her to be the mother both of her girls needed—to be an honest and courageous role model.
After all, she had faced her fears more times than she could count over the last few months: facing off against Alistair, telling Julian the truth about Ivy blackmailing her, drumming up the courage to reconnect with Simone . . .
Maybe Julian was right—maybe she had more strength inside of her than she realized.
Maybe she actually had it in her to give up her safety net.
Taking a deep breath in, Eve pulled the divorce petition out of her purse and unfolded it.
Maybe—if she dug deep down inside—she would find that she even had the strength to survive this.
"That was wonderful." Hank propped up his head on his hand and smiled tenderly at Gwen.
Gwen's breath caught in her throat as he stroked her cheek. The way he was looking at her—the love shining out of his eyes—it was all she had ever wanted.
"Yes, it was." Smiling at Hank, Gwen snuggled up in his arms and rested her forehead against his.
How had she missed out on the fact that this had never been there with Ethan? That she had never felt like she was the center of his world? Like she was the only woman he could see—the only woman he could ever see—the only woman he could ever love?
"I could hold you like this forever," Hank whispered, brushing his lips over her forehead.
Gwen kissed him and cuddled in closer. "I know exactly what you mean."
"I can't tell you how long I've wanted this to happen." Hank lifted her chin and cupped her face in his hands. "You're the best thing that has ever happened to me."
Gwen's heart swelled with joy. Her eyes glistening, she blinked back tears and smiled at him. "I've never been as happy as I am in this moment—you're the best thing that has ever happened to me, too."
