A low, breathless noise and Lexi's hand found Arthur's. It was like they fit, though her hand wasn't right, wasn't the same, was too small and too slim and with none of her old strength. She laced her fingers with his and bowed her head to press her lips to his knuckles, an impulsive act of submission, of mute and pleading apology.
"I have only ever wanted what you would give me," she said, again the words not quite from her, not quite from her own mind, but Lexi couldn't stop them.
There was more, there, that should have been said, but she was pathetically grateful for the interruption. Faint acknowledgment of Arthur was one thing, but Lexi was terrified of what might happen if she should scratch more than the surface.
"Me too," she agreed, looking back over at Keiran, feeling the jump in her stomach as she lost herself in his eyes. It was easy to do, like she was drawn to them, like they pulled her despite her best intentions. But Arthur's hand was still heavy around hers, still warm and perfect and...
"I am so, so very lost. Hansel and Gretel lost. Is there some kind of flip chart or user's manual? Preferably one with pictures."