Seeing the trauma Daisy was going through was killing him slowly, one direct hit to the heart at a time. How had she managed to stay so strong? Lincoln couldn’t help loving her more than ever, even as he feared, deep down, that they were about to say goodbye. Especially when she grabbed for that proffered life-belt and all he could do was nod mutely because he didn’t trust himself to speak.
If this was the last time they were going to see one another then Lincoln wanted to remember every line and blemish on her beautiful face. He didn’t look away once, even when she spoke. “Hey,” he said softly when he saw the tears prick at her eyes, “you can tell me anything and it’s okay, Daisy, whatever it is. I did this,” Lincoln said with complete ownership. Neither of them had seen this coming and it was hell, but they were both alive and that had to be a good thing.
He hadn’t seen the hug coming. Not even nearly. Maybe a smack to the jaw or worse, but the hug was a shock but so welcome. Lincoln held her close, his chin resting on the top of her head so that he could smell her hair. She’d changed her shampoo, but she still smelled of Daisy and that was everything right now. “I am so sorry,” he whispered into her ear, “I hurt you and I’m sorry.” More sorry than he could ever express.