CH 6

The drive to Mark's house was quiet, the hum of the truck's engine the only sound between them. Rose sat in the passenger seat, her arms wrapped tightly around herself as she stared out the window. Her tear-streaked face reflected faintly in the glass, illuminated by the occasional glow of streetlights. Mark glanced over at her every so often, his concern evident, but he said nothing. He could tell she was emotionally drained, and pushing her now wouldn't help. So, he focused on the road, his hands gripping the steering wheel as he fought to keep his own emotions in check.

When they pulled up in front of his house, she turned to him, her voice soft and tentative. "Mark, can I say something?"

"Of course," he said, shutting off the engine and turning to face her.

"I can't believe you still want to spend the night with me after what I did," she admitted, her voice trembling slightly. "Are you sure you're ok waiting till the morning to talk?"

"Like I said I feel we need to be together right now," Mark's brows furrowed, but he nodded without hesitation. "Of course. We can talk in the morning after we get some sleep."

She managed a small, grateful smile and opened the door, stepping out into the cold night. Mark took her hand leading her to his house. He unlocked it and led her inside, the warmth of the house enveloping them as they stepped in.

He didn't bother turning on all the lights, instead heading straight for his room. When they entered his room, Rose hesitated for a moment, then turned to him. She was about to apologize again when Mark put a finger against her lips.

"No more apologies. I'll give you one of my t-shirts to change into then let's get some sleep," he said quietly caressing her cheek. She nodded in agreement, setting her coat on a chair and sitting down to pull off her boots. He reached into one of his drawers, handing her a t-shirt before turning his back so she could change. He waited till he heard her climb into the bed then he stripped down to his boxers getting in next to her. He propped himself up on one arm, watching as she settled in. Her face was still pale, her eyes rimmed with red, but she looked calmer now. For a moment, they lay in silence, the only sound the soft ticking of the clock on her nightstand. Then Rose spoke, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I've missed nights like this with you. I always sleep better with you."

Mark glanced down at her, his expression thoughtful. "I've been tossing and turning without you," he admitted. "We really do need one another."

"It scares me how much I need you. Nothing has felt right without you. It's like a …," she paused trying to find the right words.

"Its like having a hole in your heart. It just doesn't feel complete. No matter what you do that longing feeling is there like a part of you is missing," Mark stared in her eyes, summing up perfectly what she was trying to explain. "My world has felt just as empty without you. I wanted to call you so many times after we broke up. I would call Kane endlessly for updates on you."

"You did? He never told me," she whispered in disbelief that Kane never said anything.

"He didn't tell you because I threatened him numerous times about what would happen if he did," Mark smirked a mischievous gleam in his eyes.

"You really can be mean to him sometimes," Rose shook her head.

"When it comes to you and knowing if you're ok. Kane understands my meanness. He knows how much you mean to me and how no matter what happens I'll never stop caring about you. Only you own my heart I just wish you would have believed that. If you would have told me about the snowflakes last year, things would be different right now but we can't change the past we can only make our future better," he softly said and she saw the hurt in his eyes.

Rose felt her throat tighten, the weight of his words settling heavily on her chest. She didn't know what to say, and the overwhelming emotions threatened to spill over again. But Mark's steady presence beside her was grounding, his calm warm gaze easing her turmoil just enough. That she knew she didn't need to say anything at that moment. Without thinking, she shifted closer to him, resting her head against his chest. The rhythmic beat of his heart filled her ears, soothing and steady, and she felt at peace finally.

"Thank you for letting me stay," she murmured, her voice muffled against his chest.

Mark wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. "You are always welcome in my arms. I hope this is the start of many more nights together," he replied softly, making Rose smile. "Merry Christmas Rose," he said, kissing her forehead.

"Merry Christmas Mark, being back in your arms is my Christmas wish come true," she slowly ran her fingers over his chest.

"Well you made my wish come true by agreeing to stay with me, darling," he intertwined his fingers with her. "Let's get some sleep."

As Rose drifted off to sleep, her fears and worries faded for a while. The warmth of his embrace and the steady sound of his heartbeat were enough to lull her into a sense of peace she hadn't felt in a long time. Mark lay awake a little longer, his thoughts churning. He looked down at Rose, her face serene in sleep, and silently vowed that no matter what it took, he wouldn't let her go again.