Danny tried to resist the urge to wrap his arms around Michelle as she held him. "She doesn't love you." he told himself."It's all an act, just like before. Don't let her do this to you again."
But he couldn't help it. The temptation to hold her was too great and he clutched her to him, burying his face in her hair.
Michelle sighed happily as she felt his arms go around her. His clothes were wet and he was freezing, but she didn't care. She had him now. That was all that mattered."Oh, Danny, I missed you so much" she said in a tremulous voice.
"I missed you too, Michelle." he replied quietly.Then, suddenly, he pulled away from her."But I can't let myself do this."
Michelle looked up at him in confusion."Do what?"
"I can't let myself beleive this, Michelle. I'm sorry. I wish to God I could be sure this was real, but I can't and I...I just can't take that risk."
Tears were beginning to shimmer in her eyes and Danny groaned inwardly. He raised a hand to her cheek and gently lowered his lips to hers.Michelle threaded her fingers through his dark hair as he kissed her, pressing herself against him, silently begging him to believe her love was genuine.
It was Danny who pulled away first."Good-bye, Michelle.If you need anything, you know where to find me."
With that, he turned away and walked to the door.
"You're really going to leave?" Michelle said in disbelief.
Danny closed his eyes and his hand tightened on the doorknob, but he didn't face her. "I have to, Michelle.You know that."
Michelle buried her face in her hands in frustration."Why can't you believe me? I know I lied to you in the past and I'm sorry, Danny. You'll never know how sorry. But I'm not lying now.You should be able to see that. After all, you love me."
Danny stood very still, not trusting himself to speak.
"Or do you?" Michelle said angrily.
Danny turned to her then and the look in his eyes made her take a step back. "You want to know if I love you, Michelle?" he said in a dangerously soft voice.Before Michelle could reply, he continued,"I risked my life for you. I dishonored my family for you.I turned my life, my whole world,upside down for you.I gave up any chance at having a happy life for you.And you want to know if I love you?" His eyes never wavered from her face and Michelle was surprised his gaze didn't burn holes in her."Yes, I love you, Michelle. I love the way you look at the people you love.I love the way you want to save everyone you meet. I love the way you laugh. I love the way you wring your hands when you get nervous, like you're doing now. I love the way you say my name. I love that you never back down from anything or anyone, not even me. I love the way I have to catch my breath when you walk into a room and I love the way you're looking at me now. I love you, Michelle."
For a moment, Michelle stood still, her eyes wide and her heart pounding. The next second, she was rushing into his arms."Oh, Danny," she cried as she kissed his cheek, his lips, his neck, any place she could. "I knew you loved me.I knew you did." Their lips met in a fiery kiss. Where their kiss only moments before had been gentle and bittersweet, this kiss was born of passion and heat."Danny, I love you." Michelle whispered as they broke apart. Danny looked deeply into her eyes as though searching for some hint of deception. He found none and, though he tried to stop it, a flood of hope rushed through him. Could it be? Could, after all this time, his wife finally love him?
That's when he noticed the thin gold chain around her neck. He had never seen her wear it before. Whatever was on the chain disappeared into the bodice of Michelle's nightgown. Slowly, Danny hooked a finger around the delicate chain, pulling it up to see what was on it.
His wedding band.
His eyes flew to Michelle who smiled softly.
"I've worn it since the night you gave it back to me."
As he held the ring, warm from being against her skin, Danny knew she was telling the truth. She loved him. It was there, shining in the depths of her eyes. A joy like none he'd ever known seemed to flow through his veins. He leaned in to kiss her, but this time it was Michelle who pulled back."Wait." she said softly. The she slowly reached behind her to unfasten the chain at her throat. As it slid off, she caught it and removed the wedding band. Michelle held the ring in her palm a long while before she looked up into the eyes of the man she loved. "I'll love you my whole life, Daniel Santos. You and no other."
With that, she slid the ring back onto his finger.