Page 33 of Rehabilitated

“I like the sound of that.”

“I’ve never really had one before.”

“You’ve got a pretty big one now,” he whispers, kissing the top of my head. “What do you want to do first?”

“I’m not sure,” I say, mulling it over. “I want to learn things. I want to finish school. I know I’m close. All I had to pass the time were old textbooks, so maybe I can get my GED.”

“We’ll look into it,” Russo promises.

“I want to travel.”

“Where?”

“Everywhere.” I laugh. “I used to dream about seeing places and exploring them. The world is so big. I had to remind myself of that when I was locked in the basement.”

Russo’s hold on me tightens.

I smile as I make plans. “I want to see the ocean, go snorkeling, maybe learn to scuba dive.”

He smiles. “I know exactly where we’ll start.”

“I want to celebrate holidays.” “We’ll celebrate every single one.”

“I want birthdays.”

“We’ll throw the biggest birthday party this town has ever seen.”

I grin up at him as he tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. I rest my chin on my hands on his chest and think about what else is on my list.

“I want to read every book in the library.”

“There’s one in town.”

I love how supportive he is. He doesn’t laugh at my dreams, just thinks about doing them with me.

“What do you want?” I ask him quietly.

“You.”

“You have me,” I laugh. “What else do you want?”

“I want to do all those things with you, and…” he trails off.

I nod for him to go on.

“And maybe, someday, if you want… kids.”

“You’ve thought about children?”

He nods. “Only if you want them,” he rushes to add.

I smile as I picture it. A little girl with Russo’s smile. A little boy chasing butterflies through the backyard. Children who never wonder whether they’re loved. Children who always know they’re safe.

Tears sting my eyes before I can stop them.

Russo immediately reaches for me. “Hey, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you sad.”

I shake my head quickly.