Page 64 of One Merciful Moment

They'd gone to bed later than usual, neither of them wanting the day to end because they knew what tomorrow would bring.

But Boone couldn't sleep. He was agitated, unable to stay still.

Her time was almost over. No one needed to tell her. The air had changed quickly over the course of the day.

He rested his hands on her back. His tremors rocked through her. She cupped his jaw, forcing him to look at her. His eyes were red and full of anguish she didn't know how to soothe.

"I'm going to think about you every minute of the day," she whispered. "I'll never forget you."

He inhaled deeply. "I'm going to walk around this house, talking to you. Copper's going to think I've lost my mind."

Her sob hit so hard she gripped the back of his neck to stay upright. "Don't say that. I can't imagine how I can do this."

"You're so fucking strong, Ash." He cupped the back of her head. "You'll be okay."

"No, I won't."

He lowered his chin and kissed the top of her head. "You run and don't look back at me. Go to your gardens and grow your herbs."

Ashley lifted her head, their breaths tangling. "Promise me you won't forget how much I love you."

He grunted. "I'll never forget."

"Damnit." She sniffed. "I don't want to go on without you."

Boone's voice broke completely. "I know."

He held her as she cried into his neck, whispering his name over and over like a prayer.

Outside, the cloud crept closer. Inside, Ashley held Boone, memorizing every breath and heartbeat. She wasn't scared of what would happen when she stepped through the veil. She feared leaving Boone.

She didn't know how to let go.

A loud rattle came from the window, making the house shake. Ashley jerked, her whole body tightening around Boone.

"What was that?" she panted.

His hands came up to protect her head. "It's the veil. It's opening."

Another gust of wind slammed into the house, harder this time, making the rafters groan. She dug her fingers into Boone's shoulders as if she could keep the world from pulling her away.

Seconds later, shouting erupted outside. The men's voices cut through the night like alarms.

Boone pulled back and tilted her face. "You need to get dressed."

She scrambled off his lap. Her legs had gone numb, making her clumsy. Her hands shook. She fumbled with her jeans twice before she managed to pull them on. Every movement was slow and panic-inducing.

Urgency pressed against her from all sides. She still had more to say to Boone, but her throat locked up. Panic rose in her chest. She looked at Boone helplessly.

He crossed the room in two strides and caught her face in his hands, steadying her. His thumbs brushed her cheeks. "You can do this. You can."

"Boone, I can't."

"You must." He kissed her hard, then pulled back several inches to look into her eyes. "You're the strongest person I know."

She shook her head, tears spilling down her cheeks. "I'm not ready."

"Yes, you are," Boone whispered. "You can do this."