The Perfect Wife(33)
Author: Lynsay Sands

Clearing her throat,she said, "Husband?"

"Aye. "

"If weare to be more forthcoming, I think there issomething Ishould tell you. "

"Aye?"

"Iloveyou. "

Paen stopped walking and turned to face her. "What?"

"I love you," sheadmitted, liftingherchinbravely.

"Not just with thedutiful love of a wife for her husband, but I love you… so much that itmakesmyheart acheat times just to think of you. "

Paen stared at her. Forseveral minute she simply stood there, staring ather as if he thought he might never see her again; then hebent his head and kissed her in a way she had never experienced before. His kisses were usually hungry and passionate,but thisonewas gentle, achingly so.

When helifted hishead, Avelyn blinked her eyes open.

"I love youtoo, wife,"he announced solemnly, then tucked her against his side and continued walking.