A Time to Live (29 page)

He couldn’t help but smile.
When it came to Nikki, the odds didn’t apply, she defeated them at every turn. He pulled her to him and held her tightly, marveling at his good fortune. “I guess I’d better draw up some plans for that nursery.”

Nikki laughed softly.
“We can build it together, just like we did with the darkroom.” She held him tighter and snuggled against his chest. “Carpe Diem.”

“Exactly,” he said, marveling at the joy in his heart.

She looked up at him, her green eyes more beautiful than emeralds.
“You taught me a very important lesson.”

“What was that?”

We live every day as it was given to us.”

“As a gift,” he finished for her, smiling broadly.
“Actually, you are the one who taught me that lesson.”

“I did not.”

“You did, love. You taught me how every day, every moment together is the greatest gift. I was fortunate to learn it early. Some people go through their entire lives never realizing...and by the time they do, it’s too late.”

She sighed softly and kissed his cheek.
“Thank you.”

He looked down at her in confusion.
“For what?”

“When I came here, I thought it was my time to die.
Thank you, Michael, for making it a time to live.”