I help Hawke with his boots. He zips my dress. We leave the empty condo unit hand in hand, whispering like two naughty teenagers. There’s no one to catch us, the hallway and elevator empty. Hawke folds his arms around me as we watch the red digital numbers descend, our images reflecting in the mirrored walls. My military man’s big body, clad in his ugly black T-shirt and ragged blue jeans, frames my smaller form, making me appear fine and delicate. We’re vastly different, yet we fit, meshing together perfectly. “Mack will be arriving with Gisele soon.” I tap my toes against the tiled floor, excited, looking forward to seeing our cat, to having her join our makeshift family. “Was he able to buy everything on my list?” “Logistics sourced the items, and Mack picked them up an hour ago.” Hawke tightens his hold on me. “Gisele will have everything she needs.” He rubs his cheek against mine, his stubble teasing my skin. “Including a home and two people who love her.”
