“I'm sorry, honey."

His sparse words carried the weight of his emotions, his love for her.

Alone, she had endured much recently, while he lamented her lack of understanding, her failure to love him as he desired.

What had he done in return?

She faced death twice, yet he was absent.

He realized he had failed as a husband.

Rosalynn stood still, engulfed by his familiar scent, feeling a twinge in her nose, her eyes moistening.

Even the strongest woman harbors a tender heart.

She craved nothing but his genuine care for her.

His current tenderness, his apology, melted her heart.

Brian gently lifted her face, his gaze full of love at her tear- stained eyes.

Without a word, he tenderly kissed her eyelids.

His kiss was soft, filled with longing to compensate for the love he had withheld.

She accepted his affection, her eyes closed.

But Brian restrained himself.

Admiring her captivating face, he fought his rising desire.

He wanted her to know this reconciliation wasn't about physical want.

His love was both of the flesh and the soul.

They clung to one another in silence, seeking serenity.

Then, the calm was broken by the ring of Brian's phone.