Stubborn Love

He didn't think it was possible but she held onto him tighter as he spoke and asked his own question and offered what he couldn't do. For only a moment there was silence between them before she spoke again and he let the anxiety rush from him. She didn't want to hide it away anymore, wouldn't force him into building those walls that protected him sparsely from the pain. He felt her trembling, but he couldn't help it as his lips curled into a soft smile.

Her lips were at his ear, whispering all the words he wished for her to say. Rhyme would be their children's father, he'd stand beside her as her partner in all things. The ease of being beside her would return. Neither of them realized how similar they really were.

He wrapped himself up in her as he felt the last of his reservations leave him. He wanted Shaye, he wanted her by his side and he wanted to raise their children as their father. He wanted to be honest and embrace the truth. He knew they'd likely have consequences, and this time he would expect them.

Rhyme felt her growl deeply, a challenge to the world to question her decision. He found himself chuckling softly at her. "I will be all of that for you. For them." He muttered, caressing her swollen uninjured side of her belly with a dark paw. Rhyme felt a real smile play on his features as he nuzzled into her with relief. The ache was already fading. Why had it taken them so long to embrace what they both had wanted and repressed painfully. He hoped he was sure, because he knew he wouldn't be able to go through that torture again. "I didn't know it, but you were the one all along." He told her quietly as he enjoyed holding her close.