Page 104 of Morning's Light

She took a moment before speaking, to be certain she was calm, leaning against him. “I’m glad to hear it.”

Laughing, Elon drew her into a bear hug, swinging her around until her feet left the floor.

“Put me down before I get sick!” The demand was halfhearted.

Slowly, not wanting to leap ahead when a simple step was warranted, he set her on her feet, watched her lift her head to look at him. Then she smiled, and it told Elon everything he needed to know. “I’m never going to let you go.”

She laughed. “Good.”

“What do we do now?”

“Anything.” She drew up on her tiptoes to touch her lips to his. “Everything. As long as we’re together.”

“You got yourself a deal.”

“Although I should warn you…things are going to get a little bumpy after this. My sister is still out there.” Her face hardened. “I’ll do everything I can to get her back. But I don’t need you to—”

He cut her off. “When are you going to learn? I’m here. Whatever you need. Just take me along and I can handle myself.”

“I’m not afraid anymore. You can handle yourself. And I know, when I’m with you, I’m a stronger person. So we’ll find her.”

“We’ll find her. I promise.”

Elon placed his fingertips over her heart, surprised when his own timed its beats to match. That, he thought, was the truest magic.

THE END

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