My eyes close for a few heartbeats in an effort to prevent my own tears from flowing. “I love it. I love it so much, thank you…” Then I set the canvas down, leaning it against the desk, and pull her into my arms. I hug her, cling to her, cherish her, my fingers twining through her hair while my mouth presses a kiss to her temple. “I won’t leave,” I murmur softly, tightening my hold. “I can’t…I can’t leave you, Syd.” Her gasp is strained, cracked, a strangled cry of relief. Sydney buries her face into my chest, breathing me in, while her arms link behind my back. “We’ll make it work, I promise.
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