The water in the bathtub had cooled down a bit. Seeing that Harper hadn't had enough fun, Andrew added hot water several times until her skin started to wrinkle, then he persuaded her to come out.
Her reluctant expression amused him a bit as he grabbed a towel and began drying her off.
When he saw the scars on her waist, tears welled up in his eyes, and they fell uncontrollably. Trembling, he reached out to touch them, causing Harper to stiffen for a moment before giggling and dodging away playfully. She was ticklish.
He wrapped her in the towel and held her close to his chest, his heart pounding rapidly. It wasn't because of romance, but because of completeness. This was the living, breathing Harper!
Harper nestled quietly in his arms, not making a fuss, softly murmuring the words she had learne, "Andrew."
"Harper, I'm here."
Time seemed to stand still as the two of them quietly leaned against each other, their breaths intertwining.