Victor's POV
"Yes," she whispered finally. "Yes, just for today."
The relief that flooded through me was so intense it was painful. I hadn't realized I'd been holding my breath until it rushed out of me in a shaky exhale.
"Then let's go home," I said softly, my hand still cupping her face. "We have presents waiting."
The drive back was different from the drive there. Emily sat beside me, closer than before, and when our hands brushed on the seat between us, neither of us pulled away. Our fingers tangled together, testing this new territory.
Steve glanced in the rearview mirror once, and I saw the knowing smile he tried to hide. Let him smile. For once, I didn't care what anyone thought.
Emily's thumb traced circles on the back of my hand, absent and sweet, like she didn't even realize she was doing it. I watched her as she gazed out the window, seeing the remnants of tears on her cheeks, the soft smile that kept threatening to break free.
Just for today.
