Chapter Hundred And Forty Five

"Cassandra?" Ryan's voice, rough with worry, broke the silence of the night. Suzy, startled, looked up from where she was perched on the edge of the pond, her heart pounding. He looked disheveled, like he'd been running. Guess she wasn't the only one looking out of place.

She lowered the shoe she intended to toss, the impact on the floor jarring. Ryan was upon her in an instant, engulfing her in a tight hug. Relief and fear battled in his eyes, his grip almost painfully tight. Suzy could barely breathe, her own tears mingling with his.

He pulled back, gently cupping her face, his thumbs wiping away the tears. "Have you been crying?" he asked, his voice soft, his kiss warm, his lips lingering on her forehead.

Suzy remained silent, the weight of his touch heavy on her. He pulled her back into another hug, this time gentler, a murmur of apology escaping his lips. " I'm sorry."