"She's still sleeping."
Ruth pauses in drying her hair, turning towards the door. She smiles as Harry pushes it shut with a soft click, his lips curling in a soft smile, before crossing the room towards her. His feet are silent as they pad across the hardwood and she feels the mattress dip behind her as he settles on the bed.
"She typically sleeps the entire night now."
He looks sheepishly at her once before reaching a hand out for the towel. Passing it over, she shifts closer as he reaches up and gently starts rubbing the terry cloth over her damp hair. It's still early; just going on nine; but Ruth has been keeping country hours for the time they've been living in the southwest of France.
They're quiet as he finishes drying her hair, both enjoying the ordinariness of the moment.
As he finishes, he moves to drop the towel to the floor and Ruth scooches closer, settling against his bare chest when he leans against the antique headboard. He's dressed in a loose pair of gray sleep pants; ones he's been missing since Ruth and Aubrie left that afternoon; and loving how Ruth looks clad only in its matching shirt.
Finger tracing the scattering of faint scars on his chest, Ruth relishes the warmth and solidness of him really being here with them. It's the first time they've ever done this; curling together in bed just to relax before sleep; and she can't believe that they're having this chance at normal.
"I didn't come into the bath expecting that." His voice is soft as his hand moves slowly up and down her back.
"I know you didn't." She pauses, turning her face to his. "Harry, I'm not mad at you. Not this time. You may not have planned it but I did."
Her face is red as he looks down at her but her eyes are clear and twinkling with happiness. "Ruth?"
"Every time we get close, something happens and I have to leave." Her hand reaches out for his free one and she entwines their fingers. "If I'm going to spend the rest of my life coming and going from yours, I'm not going to waste any more time."
"I'm not going anywhere."
"You don't know that."
"I do." Squeezing her hand, he moves them to rest against his chest. "I've retired. I'm done."
"But are you sure that's what you really want?"
"You should know I don't do something unless I want to." He feels her head move against his chest as she nods her head.
"I don't want you to feel like I forced you to pick your job or us. I would never ask that of you."
"I know you wouldn't. It's one of many things I love about you." Leaning down, he kisses her hair softly. "I missed seeing Catherine and Graham grow up, I'm not making the same mistake again and missing Aubrie's childhood. There's so much I've already missed, I don't want to miss any more."
"Oh Harry." Lifting her head, she moves to kiss him softly, her eyes watching his. "Yes you've missed some of her life but there's still so many important moments. Ones you can still see, even if you want to continue working."
Lips brushing against hers again, he frowns. "It's done. There's no going back."
"Are you..." she pauses, eyes drifting to meet his again. "Are you officially dead?"
"No." With a push of his hand on her back, he pushes her closer. "And neither are you."
"Harry?" the question in her voice makes him smile as he stretches his legs out.
"We've managed to clear your name. You're no longer wanted on charges of murder and torture under the war crimes legislation. You can go home, if you want." He pauses a moment, watching her, before continuing. "And I'm hoping you will. Want to. With me."
"Of course I; we; will."
He smiles, leaning down to kiss her soundly. Downstairs the clock chimes and Harry lifts his head to glance at the clock.
"We should get to sleep if you're still planning on dragging...errr...taking me to the market in town tomorrow morning."
"You'll enjoy it." she says, smiling as she pushes herself away from him to stand.
"I'm sure I'll love walking a mile to town in the summer heat." Standing, Harry watches as she moves around the bed to pull down the duvet.
They both slide between the sheets. Settling on her side, Ruth smiles as Harry turns towards her, his hand sliding under the pillow as he looks at her.
"It's not too bad at 7. We'll be home before the worst of it sets in." Shifting closer, she slides her hand under the pillow to grip his. "What are we going to do?"
"I assume we'll shop." Pulling on her hand, he drags her closer until he can wrap his arm around his waist. "Perhaps have a croissant as the Americans would do."
"Not tomorrow. After."
"Well, I was hoping we could start that grand tour - if you're interested."
Eyebrows lifting, Ruth looks at him, amazement and question in her eyes.
"Aubrie's still young enough that we don't have to worry about her missing any school or run us off our feet. I meant what I said that night; I want to see Europe. With you. And preferably before we're; or I am; too old to enjoy it."
"Harry, are you serious?"
"Say yes."
