Chapter 19
Time dissolved in the alcove. Mary held the book, her gaze locked with his, and Ming felt a shift deep in his chest. Something had changed. He felt it. He saw it in her eyes. The anxious energy that usually vibrated around her had stilled into something potent and calm. She felt safe, at ease, with him. The realization was so profound it nearly undid him.
A distant, familiar voice called, “Mary?”
Sam. The real world was returning.
Mary didn’t jump. She didn’t even look away immediately. Instead, she offered Ming a small, private nod. An acknowledgment of the interruption, and a silent promise that this, whatever this was, remained untouched by it. It was the most confident gesture he’d ever seen from her.
And then, she gave him one of her bright smiles. Ming caught his breath. Heavens, she was beautiful when she smiled. He answer…
