The absence of the intense aches and exhaustion made him wonder for a moment if he’d died. Then he turned his head and the light faded, replaced by an even better sight. Livy lay on the floor, her back to him. Her shoulders rose and fell with gentle breathing, her hair spread out behind her. A lump of emotion filled his throat at the realization he had survived—thanks to the mercy of God and this woman lying near him. Her constant care had saved his life. He blinked to dispel the tears in his eyes. Lifting his weakened arms, he scrubbed his hands over the whiskers covering his jaw and chin.Livy shifted in her sleep, turning toward him. Friedrick seized the chance to study her unawares. Her dark lashes rested against her smooth cheeks, her lips full and relaxed. What he wouldn’t give to see her like this every morning, as her husband.Was such a dream possible? The misunderstanding and frustration between them had been resolved, leaving Friedrick hoping for more than friendship from her.
