Adam rubs her back and hushes her quietly. “Why do you think I’m going to leave you?” he asks, pulling back slightly and searching her eyes. “I’m here for you, Arty, and I don’t plan on changing that anytime soon. I know we’ve both changed, but we’re also the same people on some level. You’re still my fiery gotita, and I still think you’re so wonderful. I just want to figure out what has changed before we jump in with both feet. What happens if you hate something I do?” He grins. “What if you hate pineapple on your pizza?” he jokes, then sobers quickly. “I just want to make sure we’re on the same page.”
~~~
The front door slams open and shut as Max non-verbally announces her return. She carries two large cloth sacks that are bulging slightly.