You've already done too much, Rene. Thank you." She whispered. "I can handle it fromhere." Rene nodded to her and walked in to let Therese and her husband know he was leaving. "I'm heading out. Have a safe recovery. Please let me know if you need anything at all." "Thank you." They both bid before Rene turned to go outside. He made it almost all the way to his car when he heard the door slam behind him. Turning, he found Celine running in his direction. She caught him in a tight hug that made him catch his breath. If he though he'd felt her before, this was completely different. Each soft line of her bodymolded to his in a way that was so innocent it was almost sinful. He closed his eyes, wrapped hisarms around her and pressed his lips to the top of her head, wishing he could do more to show her how much he loved her. She drew back and shook her head. "Trying to sneak out." "We said our goodbyes." Rene argued. Celine rolled her eyes. "I'll say it again. Thank you. You being here through all this gave me strength, Rene. I don't know if I would have been able to handle it without you." "Of course you would have." He brushed her hair away from her face. "You're capable of more than you give yourself credit for." She beamed at him and it took every ounce of restraint he still had to keep from leaning forward and sweeping her up into a kiss. She didn't know half of her own power. It was like she was blind to everything she had accomplished, everything she could achieve on her own. "I'll call in a few days to check in. If anything happens before then-"
