"I wish…"
It was the first time he'd spoken in a long while and Daphne turned around and gazed at him, as though coaxing him to say more. But when he remained silent, she gave him a long look that told him that she wanted more.
"What do you wish, Dr. Crane?"
He wished so many things. He didn't even know where to begin. How could he possibly begin? He wanted to love her forever, he wanted her to love him like she'd never loved anyone. He wanted to kiss her passionately whenever he pleased, to hold her in his arms through the night, to take her to places that she'd only dreamed about; places where he could show her off to the world and let everyone know how lucky he was to have fallen in love with the most beautiful woman in existence... the list went on and on and perhaps it was a silly list, but God, help him, it was the truth. All of his wishes began with Daphne. He couldn't tell her what he was thinking, not yet. But she deserved an answer; one that was as truthful as possible.
"I wish that I could make you happy again, Daphne. I can't stand to see you so sad." It was as truthful as he knew how to be. But it backfired yet again.
A small sob escaped and she wrapped her arms around him, moving as close to him as possible. Her tears dampened his sweater, but the state of his clothing was the furthest thing from his mind. Nothing else mattered but making her happy.
And then something happened.
Her hand reached out to touch his cheek. She had touched him in the same manner before, but this was different. The feel of her fingertips on his skin caused another rift in his breathing. He saw the fear in her eyes and fought like mad to control his breaths. She stayed where she was and gently pressed her hand flat against his chest, making her hand back and forth to soothe him. He moved her hand from his chest and curled his fingers around it. And then with their hands joined, returned them to his cheek.
It was the most intimate moment they'd ever shared; one that he would remember for the rest of his life.
This time it was Daphne's breathing that changed and he watched her cautiously, prepared to help her at any second. His hand covered hers and removed it from his cheek. But instead of letting it fall, he held onto it and brought it to his lips.
A kiss…
He let go of her hand so that he could use his arms to hold her twice as close as before. She buried her face deep against his chest. Their arms securely around one another, he held her tightly, feeling as though they were the only souls on earth. And at that moment, in his eyes anyway, they were.