Chapter 211 - Two Hundred and Eleven
Chapter Two Hundred and Eleven
Alicia’s POV
"For women escaping domestic violence. I want to help them leave dangerous situations, help them start over somewhere safe. Give them resources and support and hope when they think they don’t have any left."
He set down his briefcase slowly, his full attention on me now in that intense way he had that made me feel like I was the only person in the entire world. He crossed the room in long strides, his hands coming up to cup my face with a gentleness that still surprised me sometimes after all these months together.
"That’s perfect," he said, his voice rough with emotion as his thumb stroked across my cheekbone. "That’s exactly what you should do. You understand what these women are going through in ways that no one else possibly could. You’ve lived it, survived it, built a new life from the ashes of the old one. You can help them do the same."
"It’ll take money and time and energy," I warned, even as relief flooded through me at his immediate support. "I’ll need to dedicate real hours to it, won’t be able to be with Lia every single moment anymore."
"We have all three of those things," he said firmly, leaning down to press his forehead against mine, his hands sliding down to my shoulders and pulling me closer. "Use whatever you need. I’ll fund it personally if I have to, and I know both families will want to contribute as well. Build something that matters, Alicia. Build something that changes lives."
"You really mean that," I breathed, my hands coming up to rest against his chest where I could feel his heart beating steady and strong beneath my palms.
"Completely. You’re not just a wife and mother, even though you’re brilliant at both those things. You’re also a survivor and a fighter and someone who refused to let circumstances define her. Share that strength with other women who need it. Show them that escape is possible, that happiness is possible, that they deserve better than what they’re getting."
I kissed him then, pouring all my gratitude and love into the press of my lips against his, feeling his arms come around me and hold me tight against him. When we finally broke apart, I was crying, overwhelmed by how much this man understood me, how completely he supported every part of who I was.