Chapter 116: The Shadow Of Obsession, Part 4, Morning Pleasures

MICHAEL

My wife.

I've still not become used to saying those words, but I love playing them in my head.

My wife...

For all the ups and downs of life; my family, with Ben and his attitude, Charlotte's family, trying to find it anyway... between ourselves, everything is fine...

More than fine.

Whatever it takes, we're there for each other.

I look beyond her to where James lies, eyes closed, his face calm.

At least he doesn't have that set of problems...

.... any more...

Charlotte lies on her side, facing away but with her back pressed close against my chest. Charlotte is by no means a small woman, but nonetheless, she seems made to fit under the nook of my arm.

One arm draped over my treasure, I twine a finger through a stray lock of hair, holding it to my face, inhaling.

Is she asleep?

Her breathing is soft and steady, a gentle movement of her body. Beyond her, James lies, eyes closed, his chest on a regular rise and fall.