Sad to say this is the last chapter, but there will be an epilogue after this one. I had to change the rating a bit, but I didn't write anything too explicite. During the story you could feel the tension rising between them, so I had to write something. Anyway I hope it reads okay. I'd like to thank you all for the favourites, the follows and the lovely reviews, every single one makes my day.

As always, thank you pussycatwithattitude for everything. :)

Disclaimer: Same as before.

The first day without him she started reading his letters, from the first one to the last. She didn't come out of her room, so caught up in his writing. The only time she did leave was when Mary called her to eat something. She was glad that Mary understood and left her alone for most of the time. She needed to read his letters, all of them, that first day.

Some brought tears to her eyes as he wrote the same things over and over again,
"I shouldn't write you." "I'm not worthy of you." "You would despise me if you knew what I did."

The first few letters were filled with guilt, but they didn't tell her what happened. Even though she knew now, he didn't tell her in his first letters. The letter where he told her about his mum's death made the tears stream down her cheeks. It was no more than a few lines, but it was enough to feel his despair. She felt so helpless as she realised what he had gone through alone. "I never knew this would hurt so much. It's too soon, I wasn't ready. It shouldn't have happened... I was so cruel to her and she only wanted to help. How can I ever live with myself after this?"

She could see an evolution in his writing, she figured it was around the time he stayed with Helen when his letters were less pessimistic. He wrote full letters instead of those scribbles from the beginning. His last letter was dated a few days before he left Ireland.

"Dear Anna

I have so much to tell you today that I don't even know where to begin. Robert offered me a job and I decided to take it. In a few days I'll be leaving my home, but maybe it's for the best. I should leave things behind me for a while, but I know I will return one day. Helen's been telling me to get out and maybe this is my chance. I've been helping in the hotel most of the time, to repay them, and I couldn't help thinking about our letters a few years ago. I just felt I needed to write to you today.

I have no right to burden you with my troubles, even though I've been doing it for the last few years and you never even knew. You have always been there for me and I left you, but believe me when I say I had no other choice. I never meant to hurt you, but I know I did and I hate myself for it. I know I'll probably never see you again, but I hope that if I do, that you're happy. I want you to be happy and I hope you have forgotten about me, that you've found someone to share your life with and to have a family with. I just know you'll be a great mum. I once dreamt about you and me in a similar situation, but I know now it can never happen. You deserve so much better, so much more than me and it's time for me to let you go. This is my last letter to you and it's probably for the best. I know I won't send this one – too much time has gone by now – but it eases my mind to know that I wrote this to you. I will always love you, I always have to be honest. Your letters meant the world to me and helped me through my darkest period, you made me want to change. I'll never love again like I love you and I won't even try. My heart belongs to you.

Always yours,

John."

Emotions overwhelmed her as she read his last letter. Only a few months after this letter they met again. Knowing what she did now, she knew it must have hurt him a lot to see her with Stephen. She remembered that first night, where she sat in his kitchen and he asked her if she was happy. She had told him she was, but she knew he didn't believe her. His love for her had never abated and she had sought solace in the arms of another man, even though she knew no one could ever replace him. She felt ashamed – she had given up on him. Through everything he had always loved her and she had given up.

She knew he would berate her for having these thoughts, saying it didn't matter as long as they were together in the end and the mere thought of his voice made her smile. She just needed to hear him, so she quickly searched for her phone to call him.

Just as she did, her phone rang.

"I was just about to call you."

"You know what they say about great minds."

She smiled, "How are you?"

"I'm a bit exhausted to be honest. Helen picked me up at the airport and drove us straight to the hospital, then to the hotel, their old cottage, their new cottage." He sighed, "I'm sorry I didn't call you sooner."

Only now she realised it was near nightfall and he hadn't called her all day, "It's all right, John, I understand."

"So what have you been up to today?" He hesitated a while, "No one bothered you?"

She smiled, of course he would be concerned, "Don't worry, John, I haven't been out all day."

He breathed a sigh of relief, "I'd be back in no time if you wanted me to, Anna."

"I know." She wanted to change the subject, not wanting to dwell on their time apart while they were calling, "How's Helen?"

"Glad that I'm finally taking over her hotel so she can spend her days with Archie away from everything." He chuckled, "She scolded me at first for coming over without you, but when I explained to her you said I should, she softened immediately."

"I can't wait to meet her. How's the cottage?"

"I think you're going to love it." She could already imagine his smile as he spoke, "Do you want me to send you a picture?"

"No, I want it to be a surprise."

He chuckled, "As you wish. You can do everything decoration-wise, I won't change anything without you by my side."

She smiled, but she couldn't help but tease him, "Are you saying you want me to do all the work?"

"No, no, I just wanted you to..." She could almost hear his penny dropping, "That was very cruel, Miss Smith." He heard her giggles through the phone, making his own smile grow brighter, "You know I need you to make it a home."

She couldn't help but smile, "Soon."

"Not soon enough."

They remained silent for a while, both reluctant to put their phone down. He could hear her breath through the phone and he closed his eyes, laying back, thinking about her in his arms. He missed her, throughout the day he had wished she was there with him, holding his hand while he showed her the village, the cottage, the cliffs, their home. But she was still there, where he could bother her any time. He knew it was because Robert needed her and if there was anyone they should be grateful to, it was him, but after all these years, when their dream was becoming so real, every second without her by his side was a second too long.

"I've been reading your letters." She hadn't meant to say it, but she just blurted it out. She needed to tell him how she felt.

His eyes flew open and he didn't know what to say for a moment. At the time he knew it was the right thing, to give them to her, but he wasn't sure if he wanted to say anything about it.

His silence spoke volumes and she regretted bringing it up, "I just wanted to say..."

She paused and he dreaded what she was about to say. He began to doubt his decision, what if this changed how she would think about him? She had told him several times that nothing could, but his familiar doubts came creeping in again and he couldn't do anything to stop them.

"I love you, John."

"What?"

She smiled, realising he must have been thinking her feelings would change, "I love you." She could hear him heaving a heavy sigh, "John Bates, how many times do I have to tell you that nothing could ever alter my opinion about you?"

He smiled, god he loved her so much, "I'm sorry."

"Never doubt my love for you, John, never."

His voice sounded hoarse through emotions, "I won't, I promise."

She smiled, even though tears threatened to escape her, she desperately wanted to be by his side, "Good."

"I'm afraid I have to go now, I told Helen I'd help her in the hotel tonight." She didn't reply and he could hear her trying to suppress her sobs - it broke his heart. "I love you, Anna."

A tear streamed down her cheek as she uttered the words she had spoken to him so often and then he was gone. She fell down on her bed, but jumped up as Mary entered. She tried to wipe away her tears, but it was of no use. Mary smiled sympathetically and sat down next to Anna.

"How are you?"

"I thought it would be better if I heard his voice, but it's even harder now."

She wrapped an arm around Anna's shoulder, "I just don't understand why you're not there yet."

"Because I promised Robert I would help in the kitchen for the opening this Friday. He's done so much for us, I can't abandon him and John feels the same."

It made Mary think, if that was the only reason, surely she could do something about it. Knowing how much Anna wanted to be with John, she couldn't let them be apart for much longer, Anna's had enough of that. "I might have an idea."

Anna frowned, "What do you mean?"

"I don't know if it will work, but if it works you can leave sooner. You mustn't tell John anything yet, you don't want to get his hopes up."

Anna was more confused than ever, "I don't understand, what will you do?"

"Don't worry about that, give me some time and perhaps I can sort something out."

"But…"

Mary stood up, "No, Anna, you've done so much for me and I want to do something in return. I know you two being apart weighs heavy on you. Let me try and do this for you."

She didn't know what to say, if this - whatever it was - could work she would be with John sooner. She stood up and embraced Mary, "Thank you."

"I can't promise it will work, but I can promise to try."

Anna smiled and repeated her thanks, even if nothing would come out of it, she was very grateful to her for trying. Mary left her then and she fell back onto the bed, closing her eyes she dreamt of her life within reach.

Only three days later Mary brought Anna the good news, saying she should pack because she would be leaving that night.

John drove back to the cottage through the Irish landscape, the sight would never fail to make him smile and he could only hope Anna would feel the same.

He had spent the day at Helen's, making sure their new home would be ready for when Archie returned. They had officially moved out of the cottage two days ago and now it was completely his and Anna's. The hotel would be closed by the end of the week, after which they would have four weeks to get ready for the re-opening. John had told Helen he could do it in two, but she had told him he needed some time off with Anna before everything began. Thinking about it, she was right. Anna needed time to settle in and they needed time together as well.

He passed by the hotel before he went home, to check on Seamus, the night guard.

"Good evening, Mr. Bates."

"Please, Seamus, call me John."

The young lad smiled and nodded.

"How's everything?"

"The last guests are here and there's one woman who checked in a bit earlier."

John sighed, "Seamus I told you not to take any new bookings."

"But it's only for the night and she said she knew you."

John frowned, "Who is it?"

Seamus looked over the books until he found the right name, "Miss Smith."

John's heart stopped, surely this couldn't be true. They had only called this morning and she was helping Daisy in the kitchen. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, she's on the second floor, number six."

He turned around immediately and walked to the elevator that carried him to the second floor. Her room was only at the end of the hallway, but it still seemed miles away. Each step brought him closer to her and his heart was nearly beating out of his chest.

He stood in front of her room and raised his hand to knock on her door; it only took a second for her to open up. His smile mirrored upon her face as they took in the sight of each other, by the time he stepped inside his smile had turned into a full grin. He dropped his cane as one hand found its way to her hip and his other to her cheek. Tears sprung to his eyes, realising that this was the moment he had been waiting for so long.

"Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"

"I didn't know until today."

He caressed her cheek and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. He frowned as he noticed a bruise on her forehead, he searched her eyes for an explanation but she looked away, "What happened?"

Her eyes found his again and she tried to smile, "Nothing, I just hit my head."

He frowned, he just knew that wasn't the whole truth. "Anna? What happened?"

She sighed, she knew he would see through her, but she didn't know how to tell him. "I was outside and... Mary was going to drive me to the airport when he..."

John's jaw clenched, "Did Stephen do this to you?"

She looked away, a tear falling down her cheek.

"Anna, did he do this to you?"

She could hear the anger in his voice, "Yes, he did."

He closed his eyes, "I should have been there."

"And what would you have done? Hit him? What good would that do?"

"No, I should have protected you!" He let her go and moved back, "I failed you, again."

"Why do you talk of failing me?"

"Because I have!" He looked up in her eyes as tears formed in his own, "I shouldn't have left you."

She stepped closer to him and placed her hands upon his chest, "Don't you dare blame yourself, John."

His eyes travelled over her face, nothing but regret in him as they settled on her forehead. He gently traced the bruise with his fingers and placed a soft kiss against her temple, "I'm so sorry, Anna."

She let out a sigh and wrapped her arms around his middle. Tears overwhelmed her as he pulled her closer to him and tried to soothe her, whispering soft words until her tears subsided.

"He was drunk when he came to Mary's. I was loading the car when he suddenly appeared behind me. Apparently Robert fired him and he aimed his anger at me, saying I was the reason for everything that happened to him. I told him to leave me alone, but when I turned my back to him, he pushed me. I stumbled and hit my head against the car door."

He pressed a soft kiss to her bruise, trying to take away a bit of her pain.

"It's not as bad as it looks."

She offered him a faint smile and he took her hand in his, guiding her to the bed where they sat down and she could rest her head on his shoulder. His hand dropped to hers and he entwined their fingers as he pulled her hand to his lips to place a soft kiss on her knuckles.

He didn't want to dwell on what happened, not wanting to ruin the evening by reminding her of that useless excuse of man. He squeezed her hand softly and looked up at her with a smile, "I'm so glad to see you."

She smiled and she couldn't resist pressing her lips against his briefly, "Mary arranged it."

John raised his eyebrows, "Mary?"

"She found a replacement for me this Friday and Robert agreed. I think it was the fact that Mrs. Patmore would replace me that made him agree. As soon as Mary heard he agreed, she bought me a ticket. This morning she told me to pack and here I am."

"What did you tell the others?"

"What Robert said. That the break-up was too hard and that I needed to leave for my own good, but I told Daisy the real reason."

He raised his eyebrows, "And?"

"Apparently she knew something was going on between us, even though she didn't really know what. When I told her I was leaving she took me apart and asked if it had anything to do with you, since you left Sunday."

"The others didn't link us?"

"I don't think so, but even if they did, I don't care. I'm here now and that's all that matters."

He cupped her cheeks with both his hands and brought her lips to his, not able to resist her as she was this close to him, not after the time they spent apart. "Remind me to thank Mary later."

She smiled against his lips, her hands moving through his hair, knowing what it did to him. "I missed you."

His lips trailed down her neck, "I missed you too..." He looked up in her eyes, his voice hoarse through emotions, "But now you're here..." he took her hand and entwined their fingers, "with me..." a soft kiss on her knuckles, "forever."

A smile formed on her face, tears of happiness streaming down her cheeks. She had waited so long for this moment and now it was finally here, she couldn't quite believe it. The man she fell in love with all those years ago, whose letters made her smile everyday his writing appeared in front of her, who made her believe in their dream again, the man who came back to her.

He wiped away her tears and pressed his lips softly against hers, "Do you want to see the cottage?"

"Why don't we wait until tomorrow?" She threw him a cheeky smile and leaned back on the bed, "I paid for this room after all."

He smiled, but instead of leaning back next to her, he leant forward, putting some distance between them, "Anna, I don't expect anything to…"

She sat back up and he turned his head towards her, "What do you mean? You don't expect what?"

He could see she was upset and that was the last thing he wanted. He took her hands in his, "I just… I had plans, you see, for when you arrived. I was going to take you to that special place I told you about in my last letter, but now you're here already and I don't want to force you into anything just because we're truly alone now."

If she were completely honest with herself, she could have known John would react in this way. Of course he wouldn't want to force her into anything, but he didn't know that this was exactly what she wanted. She could only smile at him, "John, I've been longing for you ever since we parted all those years ago at my doorstep. I've longed for you to be with me while you were out there in the war, I've longed for you when I knew you were hurt, when you broke all contact, when I saw you again in the restaurant, when you told me for the first time you loved me. You see, John, you wouldn't force me into anything. You are what I truly want."

He cupped her cheek tenderly, "Do you have any idea how much I love you?"

She smiled and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, "I'd love to hear you say it again."

He mirrored her smile and pushed her slowly onto her back, his body covering hers as he pressed a soft kiss to her lips, his hands wandering over her sides. He placed a trail of kisses from her lips to her neck, inhaling her scent, whilst whispering soft words of love. She closed her eyes, letting the feeling of his lips on her body guide her to the most incredible feeling of love she felt every time she was close to him. She could feel his lips all over her face until his lips found hers again, more proof of his undying love for her.

He caressed her neck and his fingers traced her necklace to where it disappeared under her dress. Only now she realised she had never told him about it before, while he was the one who had shared everything with her already. This was one more thing she needed to share with him, he needed to realise how much he meant to her. She pushed him back a little and held his gaze as she unlocked the chain to place it in his hand.

He frowned, but remained quiet as she took a small box out of her suitcase and handed it to him as well. The confused look was still spread across his features and it made her smile grow brighter.

"I've been carrying this around my neck for the past six years. No one ever knew what the key was for, but you're the only one who really should know." She softly squeezed his hand, "Open it."

He slowly opened the box with the key and he gasped. Every single letter he had ever sent her was in this box, as well as the little notes he had given her while they were working and the letters he gave her just before he left. She had carried the key with her ever since their first separation and the thought alone brought tears to his eyes, if he hadn't been convinced about the depth of her love, he certainly was now.

"I never took it off, not even when you were out of my life. I just couldn't bear to lose the memories and I wanted to keep them safe with me, as close as possible."

He looked at her with pure adoration in his eyes, "I… This is…" He chuckled, she left him speechless, he never expected this, "I don't know what to say."

She smiled at him and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, her lips grazing his as she spoke, "I told you never to doubt my love for you."

He placed the box carefully on the nightstand along with the key, a smile on his face he couldn't contain. He could feel her pressing a soft kiss to his neck and he closed his eyes, just a small touch could send his heart racing, but if there was one thing he wanted this night, it was to take things slow. He wanted to know her in every way, but he didn't want her to feel uncomfortable.

He turned his head and caught her lips in a slow, passionate kiss as he pushed her back on the bed, kicking his shoes off in the process. His lips moved over every inch of her face, "Thank you for sharing that with me."

She looked up in his eyes, her hands laced around his neck, playing with his hair, "I just wanted you to know, you never really left me, John."

Her lips sought his again, and a small tear fell down her cheek, nothing could stop them now. They were finally together, after all those years and it was all she ever wanted. Her hands moved over his chest to the buttons on his shirt, slowly undoing them, but his hands stopped her.

She looked up at him questioningly, and he closed his eyes, "I'm not a…" He hesitated a while, but he opened his eyes again as she cupped his cheek tenderly, "I'm battered, Anna. The scars are…"

She shushed him lovingly, "I'm only me, John." They shared a smile and she placed a soft kiss close to his ear, "Let me see you."

He released her hands slowly and she continued unbuttoning his shirt, trying to suppress her own desire as her hands came into contact with the hairs on his chest. Her gaze never left his as she helped him get his shirt off his shoulders and threw it away. She turned him on his back and pressed her lips to his, before she trailed down to his neck, her hands moving over the expand of his chest, tracing the white scars with her fingers.

He watched her intently as she kissed every scar on his chest, until he couldn't bear it any longer and he pulled her lips back to his. He could feel her hands sliding lower to unbuckle his belt, but when he tried to stop her she gave him a stern look and he relented. He lifted his hips from the bed so she could pull his jeans down and throw them behind her. He looked up at the ceiling, not wanting to see her expression as she took in the scar on his leg.

She gently traced it with her finger before her gaze sought his again. Noticing he was avoiding her, she bent down to place a soft kiss on his leg. His eyes found hers immediately and she crawled back to him, pulling him up so she straddled him.

"To me you are perfect, John." She pressed her lips against his, softly repeating her words until a smile appeared on his face.

He guided her lips back to his, showing her exactly how she was affecting him. His hands wandered over her body, setting her on fire and she kissed him hungrily. He broke away, focusing his attention on her jaw line and down to her collarbone. His fingers found the zipper at the back of her dress and he looked up in her eyes, "May I?"

She nodded and pressed her lips against his as he slowly unzipped her dress, letting the straps fall down her shoulders as he kissed his way down her neck to her shoulder, moving his lips to give her other shoulder the same attention. His hands moved to her thighs and he gently lifted her dress up, his eyes never leaving hers as he silently asked permission to take it one step further. She placed her hands on top of his and helped him to pull the dress over her head.

Their eyes remained fixed on each other, but she had to resist the urge to cover herself. They were already one in their minds and hearts, but this was the first time they would share something so intimate. He could feel she was a bit uncomfortable and he took her hand to entwine their fingers, trying to assure her. "I'm only me, Anna."

She smiled, recognising her own words, and gave him a soft kiss, "I'm sorry. It's just..." She hesitated a while, not knowing how to phrase it, "I've dreamt about you and me like this, and now we're here I'm just so..."

"Nervous?"

She nodded, "I don't know why, I mean you're you."

He chuckled, "If it helps, I'm nervous too."

"But why are we? I mean, we've already shared everything and now..." She offered him a weak smile, "I'm rambling, I know, I'm sorry. I'm ruining it now, aren't I?"

"You could never ruin anything between us, Anna." He rested his forehead on hers while his hands made soothing motions over her thighs, "If you want us to stop, we'll stop. Whatever makes you feel comfortable."

He was just perfect, the way he would always put her before himself, how he did everything to make her feel comfortable. Every little thing he did made her love him even more. She pressed her body closer to his and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, "Kiss me, John."

"Are you sure? Because we can stop if you want to."

She nodded, "You make me feel so special all the time. I just want to be good enough for you."

"Are you kidding me?" He chuckled and turned them over slowly so he was hovering over her, "You are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes upon. How can you think for even one second that you wouldn't be good enough? I love you, Anna, and to know that you share my love is everything I could have ever hoped for."

She entwined their fingers, the comforting feeling that she only ever felt with him returning through his words, and pressed her lips against his, savouring each and every moment. She let go of his hands only to feel them roaming over her body as he slowly kissed every inch of her skin, occasionally looking up in her eyes, ready to stop at any time she wanted him to. She had never felt desire like this in her whole life – he ignited a fire deep inside her, one that could only be the result of him. Years she had waited for him and now he was hers completely.

An overwhelming feeling of love washed over him as their eyes met, tears were in hers, but he knew they sprung out of happiness. His lips returned to hers as he entwined their fingers, his love for her increasing with every second. They stared in each other's eyes for a while, all the memories passing by, the years of longing, the pain of their separation, all leading up to the moment where they would finally become one in heart, soul, mind and body.

He brushed his lips softly against hers as if asking if she was sure and she could only smile in response. Their eyes never lost contact and he squeezed her hand one last time before he joined them. Their moans filled the room, occasionally interrupted when their lips met each other in the throes of passion. He was everywhere and she had never felt this good in her whole life, nor had she ever made love to someone she loved so much. She decided then and there that she loved watching him, his beautiful features changing in front of her eyes as he guided them both in the most beautiful act between lovers. One hand was still holding on to hers as his other moved over her body, giving her the most wonderful feeling. Her eyes closed, hearing and feeling only him, his hot breath close to her ear as he whispered his love for her over and over again, until she cried out in pleasure.

Her body writhed beneath him and it took everything he had not to give in. She was so beautiful in that moment and the sounds that escaped her were music to his ears. Her eyes were still closed and he enjoyed seeing delight wash over her features, knowing that he was the one who had given that to her. Her hand moved through his hair, only increasing his own desire for her and he knew he couldn't hold himself much longer. But this was her moment and the sight of her made him smile as he pressed a soft kiss to her lips.

His beautiful smile was the first thing she saw as she opened her eyes again and she tightened her grip around him, willing him to continue. She pressed her lips to his, her tongue darting out to meet his. She could feel his moans, kissing him with more passion as he moved within her. He broke away panting for breath and rested his head next to hers on the pillow, now it was her turn to whisper to him. Her breath so close to his ear, the words she was saying drove him closer to the edge until he could do nothing more than surrender himself to her completely.

She wrapped her arms around him – not ready to let him go just yet – and she could feel him placing several soft kisses on the side of her face, followed by a whispered "I love you" as his breath returned to normal. She turned her head towards him and caught his lips with her own, his hands moving to cup her cheeks as he deepened their kiss immediately. He slowly turned them on their sides, facing each other, his warmth leaving her only for a few seconds before she crawled back in his arms.

They could only smile at each other, no words were needed as they drank each other in. Her hand stroked his cheek and she leaned forward to press her lips against his for the millionth time that evening, but the feeling of his lips on hers would never fail to thrill her.

He came a bit closer to her, his head resting on the same pillow, his voice so soft as he spoke, "Are you all right?"

A small giggle escaped her, "Why wouldn't I be?"

"I don't know, I just thought..."

"You should stop thinking sometimes, John." She took his hand in hers to entwine their fingers, a smile etched on his face, "I've never felt this good in my whole life."

He gave her a sweet kiss, still smiling as he broke away, "Good."

"What about you?"

He chuckled and she could feel his chest vibrating against hers. As he lowered his voice she could feel new waves of desire overwhelming her, he didn't even realise how he was affecting her, "I just made love to the only woman I ever loved or will love." He moved himself over her, taking her hands in his and stretching them above her, "A woman I fell in love with years ago." He placed a soft kiss at the corner of her mouth and let go of her hand to caress her cheek. Emotions overwhelmed him as he saw a tear streaming down her cheek, "My best friend." He pressed a soft kiss on her knuckles and looked back in her eyes, his voice hoarse through the lump in his throat, "My lover."

He gently wiped away every tear that fell down her cheeks, a tenderness flowing through him as he caressed her lips with his own. She wrapped her arms around him and held him close to her, nothing else mattered but the feeling of him pressed up against her. His forehead rested on hers and she couldn't stop smiling, the sight of him naked in her arms was something she would cherish forever. She let her eyes wander over his body and she couldn't contain the grin forming on her face.

He caressed her cheek, "What are you smiling about?"

"You." She gave him a sweet kiss, "I can't stop watching you, you're gorgeous." He chuckled and rolled his eyes good-naturedly, but she was quick to stop him, "I mean it, John."

Her gaze was fixed on his and he could see nothing but sincerity as she regarded him. She pressed her lips against his firmly, convincing him even more that she meant every word. He smiled when she pulled away and she knew he accepted her words. Although he would never quite agree, he knew better than to argue with her.

John took the blanket at the end of the bed and pulled it over them as he noticed Anna shivering. They remained silent for a while, just gazing at each other, a silly smile spreading across both their faces. His hand caressed her hip tenderly, while hers stroked through the coarse hairs on his chest. He still couldn't believe she was here, with him, finally ready to start the rest of their lives together.

She pressed a soft kiss against his lips, taking him by surprise by pulling him out of his reverie.

"What was that for?"

She shrugged, her smile never fading, "I don't need a reason to kiss you."

He mirrored her smile, brushing his lips softly against hers in agreement.

"What were you thinking?"

Of course she would notice his mind wandering, "You. Us. I can't believe we're finally here. I look at you, here in my arms and I just have to keep pinching myself."

She squeezed his arm lovingly, "Believe."

He entwined their fingers, his lips searching hers again, "What do you want to do tomorrow?"

She knew what she wanted to do, but she blushed at the thought of staying in this bed with him forever. A grin stretched over his face as if he could read her thoughts, "I quite agree."

He leaned in brushing his lips against hers, but she pushed him back, "John Bates, I don't know what you're talking about."

"What? I was just thinking about decorating our home."

The grin he flashed her told her he wasn't thinking about decorating at all. He peppered her face with kisses, lowering his voice to a husky whisper as he pressed his body closer to hers, "I just figured we could start with our bedroom."

She couldn't withhold a soft moan as his lips found hers again, welcoming the feeling of desire he inflicted on her, again. Her hands wandered over his body and by the sounds he was making, she could tell he wanted her just as much as she wanted him. She pushed him on his back, her lips never leaving his as she pressed her body on top of his. She could feel his hands over her back, already knowing how to ignite that fire inside her. He smiled against her lips, how did he ever get this lucky?

I hope that was all right, let me know what you think. :)