Into the Light (The Light, #1)(36)

I held my breath.

He went on, “You said you can’t ask. That’s not accurate. You may ask . . . actually, for many things you’re required to ask. I told you that you can’t question. There’s a difference.”

“I’m not sure I understand.”

“You may ask for my patience, for things you need or desire. Remember, we spoke about you asking for a drink of water.”

I remembered that.

“What you may not do is question. When I told you that I’d tell you what happened before the accident, but not now, you asked why. That’s questioning my statement, my word. Those truths, the reasons behind decrees, decisions, and yes, even corrections, do not need to be explained to you. As a woman you must accept them, as faith that your husband or any man of The Light has the right answers. I promise, I’ll never make a decision that will cause either of us harm.”

“But you’ll . . .” I purposely stopped, pressing my lips together, as my heart rate quickened.

“But I’ll what?”

“I don’t think I’m allowed to finish the sentence.”

“But I’ll . . . correct you?” he asked, properly completing my sentence.

I nodded.

“You’re right. Normally you wouldn’t be allowed to finish that sentence, or begin it, for that matter; however, to help you remember or at least understand, there’ll need to be a few exceptions, and the answer is yes. Yes, I’ll correct you when needed. Correction isn’t harm. It may include pain, but it’s not harm. Harm means physical or psychological damage. Why would I do that to my wife, the woman I’ve vowed to love and protect?”

I didn’t know. There seemed to be a lot of things that I didn’t know. Shrugging, I replied, “Thank you.” I reached up to his face. With healing fingertips, I roamed the features of the man I longed to remember. “For loving me and protecting me. Thank you for the patience and exceptions. I know they’re at your discretion, but knowing that you’ll grant them makes me happy. I really am trying to understand. I want to be the wife you married, the one you want.”

“I know you do. You always have.”

Our lips reunited. Though only brief, the taste of his kiss combined with our connection rekindled the flicker of desire.

“Mrs. Adams,” he said breathily, “you have a lot of healing to do before you can be my wife again in every way, to use your words, not mine. While we wait for that to happen, I hope you know, I want that too. I won’t rush you, but just know I want it.”

I sensed that Jacob had a way of getting what he wanted. As he stood, my cheeks filled with a healthy blush. The truth was I wanted it too.

“Hello?” Since I hadn’t heard the door, I surmised that Jacob was talking on his phone. He continued, “Yes, that’s great news. Thank you . . . Oh? What? . . . No, I haven’t heard from him, but as long as I’m present, I have no issues . . . When? . . . Yes, we’ll both be ready . . . Thank you, Brother Daniel.”

After a few moments, he turned toward me. “Sara, it’s about time to eat lunch, and Brother Daniel just informed me that you’ll be receiving your walking cast this afternoon.”

“OK.” It wasn’t as if I had any say in my treatment, but why would someone else be telling Jacob about my care? Shouldn’t it be Dr. Newton making those decisions?

The covers moved from my legs, causing me to shiver at the cool air.

“It really will be good for you to start walking and rebuild your muscles again.” His arms moved beneath me, and he said, “I’m going to lift you.”

I nodded and prepared for my side to hurt.

“Why do you do that?” Jacob asked as he carried me toward the bathroom.

“Do what?”

“Bite your lip. It’s not new. But now, without your eyes, I guess I’ve been watching your lips. The other day I thought you might put a hole through it.”

I started to giggle, but sucked my lip between my teeth as he lowered my one good leg to the ground. Once I was standing, I released my lip and said, “I don’t think about it, but maybe I do it to ease the pain from my ribs.”

He smoothed my hair, tucking some behind my ear. “I don’t want your ribs to hurt. I didn’t want any of this.”

Of course not. Who’d want their wife in an automobile accident?

“I know. It’ll take time, but it’ll heal.”

He lifted my gown. “Even with your bruises, you’re beautiful.” He unexpectedly brushed his fingers over the side of one of my breasts, sending goose bumps up and down my skin and bringing a gasp from my lips. “I hope that healing doesn’t take too much time.”

Reaching for his shoulders, I stood perfectly still. Only the sound of breathing echoed throughout the bathroom. Reverently he lowered my panties. After what seemed like an eternity, he lifted one of my hands to the handle. “You’d better sit, and I’d better leave you alone.”

I nodded, wondering if my desire was as obvious to his eyes as his was to my ears.

Once I was done, and as he carried me back to my bed, I asked, “Would it be asking or questioning to ask what you meant on the phone about you being present? I’m hoping it’s about Sister Lilith.” I added the last part hoping to take away from my question.