So very grateful for all of you - thank you for your continued enthusiasm and for making me smile.

Bear Hugs

She loves his hugs.

She really loves his strong hugs.

She really, really loves his bear hugs, the tight, intense ones that engulf her completely, the ones where he can't seem to let her go again until he's soaked up as much of her as he could. She savors those hugs, those moments where time seems to stand still for them, reprieve and quiet from their busy lives.

She never thought she was the type, isn't a simpering female in need of protection. She's a strong and self-reliant woman and she's proud of it; she's always enjoyed physical comfort but she's never needed it quite like this.

Yet there's nothing like being wrapped against the wall of his chest, her forehead nudged to the jumping vein in his neck as his biceps and muscled forearms fold closed around her, protective and tender and caring.

Kate came home to find him in the kitchen, stirring sauce and draining pasta. She stepped close to him, her fingers trailing over his shoulder in wordless greeting, and he turned for her, dropped everything to wrap her in his arms.

Sighing with relief, his broad, warm palm cradles her shoulder blade, the other pressing over her lower back where she's been aching all day, his warmth like a soothing balm to the lingering traces of back pain.

She curls closer, her temple pressed to his sternum where she can hear the reassuring beat of his heart, her head fitting just under his chin and she loves this too, their height difference that is just right when her heels are off. Her fingers dig into the taut muscles of his back as she draws in his scent, musk and wood and the mix of spices and oil from cooking dinner.

Everything is in his hug; she needs no words to tell her that he missed her even when they'd only parted two hours ago; that he's glad she's home. How happy he is and how very much he loves her - she feels it all in the encompassing breadth of his arms. She savors the broad strength she feels thrumming beneath his skin, and the tenderness with which he cradles her to him.

It's warmth and safety, silent care and pride and utmost adoration; it's honoring everything she is, every contrasting facet.

They're one of her favorite things of her day - his bear hugs.