Page 69 of Heart Strain

He looks a little horrified, but then he sees the sauce on my hand and he rolls his eyes. “That’s like a tiny drop.”

“It’s a huge glob.”

“A spot, at most.”

I hold my hand in front of his face. “A gigantic blob.”

He chuckles.

“It’s gross.”

“You’re dramatic, but I’m sorry for getting sauce on you… if it was even from me to begin with.”

“I’ve been using a napkin, thank you very much.” He grabs my hand right before I wipe it with the napkin and leans down to lick the sauce off. I snatch my hand away with a laugh. “Not any better.”

He shrugs. “The sauce is gone, isn’t it?”

“And now I’m covered in slobber.”

“Didn’t think you minded a little spit.”

“Oh my god.” I can’t help but laugh, and when he joins in, I realize how wonderful it is to have him in my life. He’s brought joy to me in some way every day since I’ve been back. I can only hope that I make him half as happy as he makes me.

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