The ride home was mostly silent. Kate didn't feel like talking and Tony didn't know what to say. Finally he broke the awkward silence.
Kate, are you okay?
I honestly don't know. And that's first time I've felt like I could admit it today. She could feel the fragile hold on her emotions starting to slip.
Well, I guess that makes my other question unnecessary, he said, in a slightly more relaxed tone.
What was that?
I was going to ask if we were okay. He glanced at her as he negotiated the side streets that led to her apartment building.
I'm sorry. There's just been so much today, I had to bottle it all up to get through it. She hadn't even realized the extent to which she shut Tony out until he'd said something.
No apologies necessary, as long as everything's all right. Let's go inside, okay? He parked the car and came around to give her a hand. The feel of his strong arms around her was her undoing. Hot tears began to cascade down her cheeks.
Okay, Honey. Almost home. They made it inside and noticed the cool air that filled the apartment. Hey, the power's back! He turned to her and saw her tears quickly becoming twin rivers of pain trailing down her cheeks. He led her to the sofa and brought her down to sit with him.
Go ahead, Honey, let it out. I'm here, I've got you. He held her as she cried, enveloping her shaking body with his loving one.
After a while they had slid into a reclined position, her sobs reduced to hiccups. Tony's hands still gently caressed her, threading through her hair and keeping her as close to him as possible. She shifted in his arms slightly so she could look him in the eye and whispered, Thank you for being there to catch me when I fall.
For as long as you want me, Love. For as long as you want me. And he drew her in for a kiss that left her no doubts.
