Boundless Love: Coming Together (working title)
an excerpt

For more than fifteen years the feeling of Jack in bed with me made everything feel complete. I was at home when he held me in his arms, and we slept the night together, whether that happened in our home, a hotel, or a tent in the woods. Now as I lie in this huge bed, the warm feeling of Jack's chest pressed into my back, and the secure hold of his arms around my body, things are not as they should be.

In front of me is an expanse of empty sheet that needs to be filled. Without Kiera in our bed, things feel incomplete. I wish I could reach out and put my hand on the small of her back to feel the softness of her skin, and listen to her breathe as she sleeps. I'd love to be able to lean over and wrap my arm over her shoulders as I kiss her Soon I'll be able to do that every night, but for now she's back in her apartment in the manufacturing district, hopefully sleeping safe and sound, but probably pulling an all-nighter, packing up the last of her things.

I feel jack stir behind me. He tightens his grip and kisses the back of my neck. “What's wrong Barbara?” He asks in his half-sleeping voice.

“Nothing sweetie. Just can't sleep.” I say as I snuggle back into him, and run my fingers up and down his arm. I listen to the reassuring sound my fingernails make on his arm hairs, and close my eyes as he kisses me again.

“This waiting will all be over soon.” He says, a little more awake now. “We'll get her moved in tomorrow, and everything will be fine.”

I wiggle a little to get Jack to loosen his bear hug, and turn to face him. I look into his face, his eyes still closed in the hope of going back to sleep. I lean forward and kiss his lips. He responds, and then opens his eyes to look into mine. I feel my breath catch in my chest as he looks into my eyes.

“Are you sure you want this Jack?”...