[This post is from Neve’s point of view.]
Neve was quiet for a few long moments, staring down at Artorius. I wish I had trusted her sooner. I wish—I wish things hadn’t gone so horribly wrong for her.
I wish so many things. So, so many things—too many, really.
If only they could come true.
That wasn’t the way things worked, though.
“Neve?”
She glanced up toward Cameron and smiled, though her smile shrank slightly at the concern on his face. “What’s wrong?”
“I was about to ask you the same thing.”
She reached up and stroked his cheek. “I’m fine. I was just thinking, that’s all.”
“About what?”
“Things that can’t be changed.”
Cameron stared at her for a moment, then smiled weakly and shook his head. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” Her thumb brushed against his cheek before she moved her hand. “You need to get some sleep, y’know.”
“Soon,” he said quietly. “I promise.”
“Really.” Neve grinned. “I don’t believe you.”
“I’ll drop of my own accord soon enough,” Cameron admitted, shifting so he was seated next to her on the bed, leaning back against the pillows with her. “I promise. You’ll look over and I’ll be snoring.”
“Promise?”
He smiled and leaned into kiss her on the cheek. “Promise.”
“I’m still not sure I believe you.”
Cameron smiled crookedly, edging closer. Neve sighed, resting her head against his as he rested his head against her shoulder.
This. This is how it should be—how it always should have been.
She pressed a kiss to his temple. His eyes were already closed.
Saying she didn’t believe him had been a lie, after all.
“Sweet dreams, Cam,” she whispered, gently rubbing her son’s back as she gazed at Cameron. “I’ll be right here when you wake up. All of us will be. I promise.”
