"I swore I’d protect all of you," I mutter. "Every one."
"And you did," she says fierce, sliding closer.
Joren snuggles between us, pulling Aria along with him.
We’re a tangle of bruises and blood and broken promises.
But still breathing.
Still together.
Because of her.
I reach for Kelli’s hand.
Grip it tight.
Anchor myself.
"I’m not gonna just protect you," I rasp. "I’m gonna stand with you."
Kelli blinks, caught off guard.
"You already do," she says, soft.
I shake my head again.
"No. Not the way you deserve."
I squeeze her hand tighter.
"So hear me now, Kelli. I’m not just your shield. Not just a pair of fists keeping the monsters back."
Her breath hitches.
I look her dead in the eye.
"I’m your partner. Your man. Your husband—if you’ll still have me."
Her eyes widen.
Tears fill them fast, slipping free down her cheeks before she can blink them back.
"You mean that?" she whispers, voice cracking.
"Every godsdamn word," I swear.
"I’m not running. I’m not hiding. Not from you. Not from them."
I pull her hand to my mouth.
Press a kiss against her knuckles, rough and raw.
"You and these kids—you're my life now," I mutter against her skin.
"No more looking back. No more walking away."
She shudders a breath.
