"Mmm..."

She smiles contentedly, nestling her head against his shoulder. The bed creaks as he rolls to the side, pulling her into his embrace. For now, they're together, and that's all that matters. As they drift off to sleep, their hearts beat in perfect rhythm, their futures entwined like the fingers of their clasped hands.

"I..."

She blushes again, her cheeks hot despite the chill of the air conditioning. She glances up at him through her lashes, not sure what to say.

He smiles knowingly, pulling her closer still. "It's okay," he whispers, kissing the top of her head. "I understand." And for now, that's enough.