Page 44 of Codename: Dustoff

“In my pocket,” I whispered, leaning against her cheek, “is a velvet box, I can’t take it out without everyone noticing and since I’ve got just the one arm, I can’t open it proper. If you would take it out for me, I’d appreciate it.”

Her face went from confused to delighted. I felt her hand burying into my pocket and withdraw the burgundy velvet box. My eyes scanned the table to make sure no one was watching us too intently. The last thing I wanted was any unnecessary attention, or anyone thinking I was here to propose.

“Back when I first met you, some shit head little kid told us that if you put me and you together, we make one whole person.”

She looked up at me with an entertained smile, as she pulled the necklace out and undid the clasp.

“While that little jerk meant it as an insult—”

“He was all of eleven, Emmett.” She chuckled, reaching behind her to put it on.

“Regardless, I’ve been thinking a lot about what he said. How we do make one another better…stronger. Where you need balance, I have two strong legs, so you’ll never have to worry about falling. Where I lose touch and things are just beyond my reach, you have open and welcoming arms. I try to hide in the shadows so everyone forgets I’m disabled, where as you power through any challenge and dare it to call you anything but fully capable. You and me, Angel, we’re two complementary pieces of a puzzle.”

I lift the conjoined puzzle piece charm, running my fingers beneath the chain, amazed at how funny life can be sometimes. Life punches you in the gut and makes you feel like you’ll never be whole again. Then when you least expect it, life sucker punches you with a love you didn’t see coming. Amelia made me feel fuller than I ever had the audacity to hope.