I'm still shaking from that ending and I don't think I've written a fic as quick as this but we all know that this was clearly what happened while the preview was rolling.

"Dashing my heart with a smouldering iron she stole my heart away"

His words brought tears to her eyes, all the pain and worry gone completely but now? He was singing with joy simply because she was well! Years of his friendship and she would never have expected to hear him sing such a song for her health.
One or two things clicked into place her head so she rushed into her sitting room, throwing her hat onto her desk and removing her coat with such speed she'd never thought was capable. She was not slow anymore, no longer tired, it had all gone with the news.

Taking a deep breath, she hurried out. As she reached his door she glanced towards the kitchen, Mrs Patmore was looking back bright eyed and beaming, she nodded towards the door mouthing 'go on.'

Elsie opened it carefully and closed it behind her, he was still humming as he put away the last of the silver still murmuring the last words.

"She stole my heart away."

She quietly walked up next to him.

"And she won't give it back." She whispered.

He turned with a start and any remark was cut short by her lips against his. Her arms were thrown tightly around his neck, standing as tall as she possibly could to reach him. When he regained some sense he wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her entirely off her feet.
Their kissing was tender and full of love yet frantic with absolute happiness and glee. Their tears mixed together as they slid down their cheeks - when they broke apart their foreheads laid together and he felt her shaking.

They stayed in their position for so long, simply crying with happiness in each other's arms. Neither had expected such torment to bring them finally together but they were relieved such good news could give them that final push.

"You're alright." He finally managed to breathe out the words that had taken the tightening from his chest.

"Yes and it looks like I will be forever." She beamed a most beautiful smile and he couldn't help but kiss her again, far slower, savouring the taste and feel of her mouth against his.

Breaking apart he whispered the words he'd longed to for so long.

"Spend that forever with me. Marry me Elsie, I can't risk losing you again."

"Ohh!" At his words more tears fell. She couldn't remember ever feeling so happy. Unable to form an answer she simply answered him with a sweet passionate kiss.

"I take it that's a yes?" He chuckled, gently kissing her nose.

"Of course it's a yes! I've wished you to ask me for so long. These last few months have only made me wish it more. I love you. So very much!"

Charles had cried so little in his adult life; the death of his mother and the day he heard Elsie was ill, now he couldn't stop. She was going to live, she loved him, she'd agreed to be his wife! How much happiness could he take in one afternoon?

He finally put her down but didn't let go, instead lifted a hand to stroke her cheek, brushing away her tears.

"You are so wonderful Elsie, I'm never going to let you go through anything again without me by your side. I love you so much."

She placed her hand over his, lacing their fingers together.

"I never want you anywhere else."

They sealed their love with one final kiss before they would take the first steps through life, together.

Please review if you can, I really appreciate your feedback.

xXx