Chapter 40: Chapter 40

Looking euphoric, Charlie glared at him and they held eye contact for quite some time, to the point where, eventually, their faces became serious and expectant. Morgan realized that this was the perfect time for them to have the conversation they needed, but, as much as he tried to find within himself the determination that made him come here to look for her, he couldn't. Not when Charlie was looking at him in that clear, genuine way that was so typical of her, and that made it seem impossible that she was capable of planning all the exasperating things that had been happening the last few days.

A conversation as serious as the one he wanted to have would certainly only serve to make her even sadder and make her feel even more distant from him. And the thought of Charlie feeling lonely living with him, just as she did when she was with Anthony and Samantha, was like a dagger in Morgan's chest. He had promised her that she would be happy there, but here she was, sitting alone on that icy floor, feeling that even the cat didn't care enough about her.

So, deciding that the best thing would be to spare her that conversation and pretend that nothing had happened, as he should have done from the beginning, Morgan just opened a calm smile, trying to act as he would on any other day, when he was with her.

“You know, I've been thinking… Of course your work at the shelter is very important and time consuming in a very relevant way, but…” he shrugged “I don't know. After we got the news that the will was officially going to be executed next Monday, I started thinking about how certain dreams can't be locked away forever. Sometimes we need to take the first step and take a little risk.

“I... I think I feel the same way. she replied shyly, blushing.

" That is good! Why do I have a surprise for you. “ he revealed, pulling out the folder he had dropped on the floor nearby, before coming to help her with Sawyer “Just promise you won't get mad at me, okay? I'm open to negotiation and I'm sure we can reach a satisfactory solution for both of us...

“ Why are you talking like we're in a business meeting? “ she wrinkled her nose, disgusted, as she accepted the folder he was offering her “ What is this here, anyway?

“ It's just an initiative I decided to take instead. “ he replied, as he watched her open the folder and start to read the papers that were inside “ As I said, although I know that your work at the shelter makes you use your time in a very useful way, I have been a bit Little concerned that you spend so much time alone during the morning and part of the afternoon when I'm at work. More than anything, I don't want you to feel lonely. “ he whispered, making the astonished look of her, who had been reading the documents earlier, turn to him, looking slightly embarrassed “ I knew you were going to tell me to wait a little longer if I suggested you start this year, so I ... Well, she'll be able to pay me back in a year and that will make her days a lot less boring... Besides the fact that I know it's her childhood dream.

“Did you apply to veterinary school? she cut him off with that question, looking equally delighted and in shock.

“ It is one of the most reputable colleges in the country in this area. “ he explained, pulling out one of the campus informational pamphlets inside the folder so she could visualize what he was talking about. “And you still have to pass their entrance exam, which is in a few days. But they agreed with me that, from what your report card shows, this test won't be a problem for you. “ he said proudly “ Once approved, you will have weekly theoretical classes in the morning and practical classes in the afternoon, but you can change your schedule at any time. They have an excellent biological research program centered on captive wild animals that I know you will love to participate in. Also, from what I've heard, they are also always willing to help non-governmental institutions that take in and care for animals at risk, so I imagine it could also be a positive thing for Vivian and the shelter, if you join...

“But…” she gulped, still looking too surprised to react, “All this… It must be very expensive.

“What did I tell you? It's like a loan. “ he shrugged, already knowing that she answered something like this “A year from now, when you have all your money in hand, you can even pay me the full amount of your first year of college with interest, if you want. “ he stated, although it was pretty clear that they both knew he wouldn't accept it if she tried to do this “Besides, I'm not going to deprive the world of meeting the best veterinarian in the world a year early, because of one thing so insignificant than a few monthly fees.

“But…” she stammered, looking specifically at her application paper in wonder “But…

“Oh, it's good that you saw that document. “ he commented, amused “ It is very important because it is part of my best argument: everything is already paid and your registration is already done, so, it would be a little difficult to cancel, from now on. Therefore, I think it's much better for you to embrace this gift than to keep trying to deny it. Besides, since you're so concerned that I'm wasting money on something for you, then I guess it'll be a lot worse if I wasted money instead, wouldn't you? “ she opened a victorious smile, satisfied with having created the perfect situation for her to accept.

“That…” he was surprised when she sniffled, as tears welled up in her brown eyes, making them glisten, “That's really true… Will I be able to start my college? Will I be able to become a veterinarian?"

“ It is more than true. It's a certainty. “ he assured, touching her cheek gently “ Classes start in a month, but we can go there tomorrow for a visit. So you can get to know the campus, the library and even meet some of the animals they care for and are up for adoption...

But he couldn't finish the sentence, as Charlie suddenly flew towards him, making their lips collide in an avid kiss. Disturbed by the commotion, Sawyer elegantly leapt away, giving a sullen meow as he walked away from the two and out of the room, although neither Morgan nor Charlie were in any condition to pay attention to him.

Surprised by Charlie's kiss, Morgan ended up falling back, lying under her, while his wife ran her lips over his, so hungry and anxious that she seemed to want to consume him. The emotion that coursed through him was so intense that Morgan could do nothing but run his hands down her back in a gentle caress as he returned the kiss with equal eagerness. For a moment, beyond the heat of her lips and her addictive taste, he couldn't help but notice that the feeling in that kiss wasn't desire, arousal, or pure and simple lust. It was even more than passion.

It was love. The kind of unmistakable feeling there was no mistaking, when one's heart felt.

And, dazzled by that love, Morgan just allowed himself to enjoy the kiss, enjoying every minute of it, until the two were forced to separate, much later, because of the lack of air. Clutching it to his chest as Charlie collapsed on top of him, looking powerless to fight back, he just stared at the ceiling and let guilt hammer at his conscience for letting this happen. She was young and clearly not knowing how to deal with her own emotions. That was why she was having that kind of impulsive reaction, as she had secretly told Sawyer, not knowing he was listening.

It was up to him, the more experienced of the two, to explain to her that nothing could ever happen between them, and if they wanted their hearts to remain whole after the end of their only year of marriage, it would be best to keep a distance, holding each other, as he had been able to do for the past 3 years.

However, even knowing all that, he still wasn't able to say anything. So, with a silence that seemed to scream, the two continued to lie there, holding each other, waiting for one to give the other a solution that never came.