Missing Puzzle Piece

Atticus's heart shuddered at Daphne's words, and her clear, unwavering gaze. It felt like spring had entered his heart, melting away the protective icy barrier that had encased that lonely, scarred organ beating in his chest and enveloping it with warmth. 

Meanwhile, Daphne waited for a reply. With every second that passed, her worries began to grow. What had her father said to Atticus? Did Atticus immediately bed her as an apology because he was going to do the unthinkable with Drusilla in the future?

Panic began to enter Daphne's eyes. Atticus saw it and realized his wife was still waiting for his reply; he wasn't a casanova by any means, but even he knew that staying silent after a confession of love was a bad sign! 

"I love you too," Atticus replied tenderly, stroking the curve of Daphne's cheek tenderly as his wife nestled into his hold. "My apologies sunshine, I'm afraid you might have broken my brain."