Eve stared at him, her heart thudding fast, and whispered, ‘You don’t have to say that.’
‘I do have to say that,’ he countered firmly as with a smile that made her heart flip he took her wrists and pulled her gently to him. Wrapping her hands around his neck, he kissed her tenderly and with infinite care.
Eve was weeping tears of joy. ‘Say it,’ she whispered, needing to see it in his eyes when he said the words; then and only then would she allow herself to believe it.
‘I love you, Eve. Will you give me a second chance?’
‘Idiot!’ she said, lovingly touching his cheek. ‘Oh, Draco, I’ve been so unhappy without you. I love you so much.’
With a groan he hauled her to him and kissed her deeply. His smile faded as he drew back and saw the sadness in her eyes.
‘What’s wrong?’
She shook her head and sniffed. ‘It just feels wrong to be this happy at a time like this.’
‘Would your mother want you to be happy?’
She nodded tearily.
‘Then let’s be happy. The real celebrations can wait, but the important thing is we have each other and whatever happens, here or anywhere else, you know I’ll be there for you, don’t you, Eve?’
Her eyes shone with happiness as she looked into the face of the amazing man she loved so much. ‘I do know.’
He kissed her again before they went back in—together.