A/N: Wow. Has it really been 4 years since I last updated this story? I don't know if anyone is still reading or following this, but I can't leave it unfinished. I have a few more chapters written, and once they are posted, I will wrap up the loose ends and give this story the ending it deserves. If you are still reading this, sorry for the long wait. I promise it won't take me another year to get this story completed. Enjoy chapter 10!

Julian walked into Kahlan's room quietly and put a note on her dresser. With any luck she would wake soon and find his note. He closed her door silently and walked down the hall, the staircase, and the corridor to his room. He smiled to himself as he took out a small picnic basket and walked to the kitchen to fill it. Blackberries, strawberries, apples, persimmons, cooked pheasant, and a half a loaf of bread. All of Kahlan's favorite things. He smiled as he heard someone enter the kitchen.

"Julian!" Kahlan said. "I hope you asked for permission to take all of this food."

Julian laughed. "I'm sure they won't mind providing for the Mother Confessor."

Kahlan flashed him a special smile, and slid her hand into the crook of his arm." I need to be back before diner to speak with Renn." She instructed.

Julian nodded and picked up the basket with his other hand. "Shall we be off madam?" he asked playfully.

"Why yes, kind sir." She answered with a smile.

... .. ... .. ... .. ...

Kahlan giggled as Julian licked the blackberry juice off her fingers. She couldn't help but to wonder if he had forgotten to bring napkins on purpose. Julian handed her a plump, red strawberry and took out another blackberry for himself. Kahlan bit into the strawberry, juice dripping down her chin.

"You've got a little…" Julian trailed off, his fingers wiping away the juice. He leaned in and his lips brushed hers. He pulled back awkwardly, "Did I go too far?" he asked with a nervous smile.

Kahlan shook her head, as he took a bite of a persimmon causing juice to run down his chin as well. "Let me get that for you," she said capturing his lips with hers. As they parted for air, Julian smiled and moved the picnic basket off the blanket. Running his fingers through the hair at the nape of her neck he leaned in for another kiss, but before he could do so, Kahlan pulled away.

"Julian, we can't. " she whispered reluctantly. "You know that."

Julian sighed, "Kahlee, don't shut me out." he said, turning her head back towards him. "It's only a kiss."

She shook her head. "But a kiss can turn into more." she said softly.

He kissed her gently."It doesn't have to." he assured her. "I promise, just a kiss."

"Thank you." she whispered.

He looked into her eyes, "I'd do anything for you." he said before kissing her passionately.

Kahlan blushed when she realized he was staring at her. "What is it?" she asked.

He smiled, "You're just so beautiful." he breathed.

Kahlan felt herself lay down on the blanked. Julian leaned down and kissed her, his hands anchored upon her waist.

"Mother Confessor?" Called a voice nervously, causing Kahlan to jump and push Julian off her. He helped her to sit up as they looked at the intruder.

The boy walked closer and held out an envelope. "It is for you, Mother Confessor," he explained. "I was told to give it to you straight away."

Kahlan nodded. "Of course, thank you."

He handed her the envelope and ran off toward the castle.

She put the envelope to the side and turned back to Julian. "Now where were we?" Did I just say that?

Julian glanced at the envelope."It might be important. The boy said he had to give it to you right away." he insisted.

"Fine," She sighed, "I'll open it."

The Honor Of Your Presence Is Requested
To Celebrate The Marriage
of
Cara Leanne Mason
to
Richard Cypher-Rahl
... . ... . ... . ... . ... . ... . ... . ... .
Join Them As They Exchange Vows
On the Sixteenth Of This Month
In Hartland

Reception to Follow

Kahlan felt like her heart had shattered into a million pieces as she stared at the parchment in her hand.

"What is it?" she heard Julian ask. "What's the matter?"

"It's an invitation." she managed to say.

"An invitation." Julian repeated, "To what?"

Kahlan took a deep breath and put on her confessor's face. "To a wedding. To Richard and Cara's wedding."

"The Seeker! What an honor. Are you going to go?" he asked, not seeming to comprehend her distress.

Kahlan glanced back at the invitation, "I don't know. It's in Hartland. And it's in three days." she said, "Hartland is leagues away, I couldn't possibly make it."

Julian shook his head. "Lord Rahl could get you there in no time." he said, "There's a transport square to the Councillor's cabin in Westland."

"Then I guess I can go." she said, a tear falling down her cheek as she came to a sudden realization. Spirits! He must be the father of her child!

Julian wiped away the tear. "What's wrong, Kahlee?" he asked.

Kahlan let down the wall holding her emotions and wept. "I love him." she admitted. "I thought Richard loved me. I don't know why I left him and came here, but I know that I loved him."

Julian pulled her into his arms. "It's alright. I'm here." he said, rocking back and forth as Kahlan shook with sobs. "I love you. I always have and I always will."

She pulled back, "What did you say?" She asked, sure she had misheard him.

"I love you Kahlan Amnell, and I've loved you for a very long time, maybe even the first time I saw you running through the woods."

Kahlan shook her head, "Julian, I don't feel the same..."

"Do you think something like that would make the Seeker jealous?" he continued, not hearing her objection "If you can take a date to this wedding, I'll make sure to say that within earshot."

Thank the Spirits. "Of course you can be my date." she said, "But what will we wear?"

Julian beamed at the playful tone that had returned to her voice. "You could wear the dress you wore to your sister's wedding." he suggested.

"Jule, you know I don't remember anything after the incident with the Stone of Tears." she reminded him. "What does it look like? Is it pretty?"

He helped her to her feet and folded up the blanket, placing it inside the empty basket. "I'll show you." He offered her his arm, "There is still plenty of time before you need to be back."

She gave him a peck on the cheek. "Alright," she agreed, "And we will have to find something suitable for you to wear as well." She grinned at his expression, "I'm sure my brother-in-law would lend you something nice."

He smiled, "I'm not too worried about what I'm wearing. Let's get you packed for our trip." He picked up a white rose and tucked it behind her ear, and led her back toward the castle, intertwining her fingers with his.

A/N: You will find out what is going on very soon. Within the next two chapters, I promise. Let me know if you enjoyed the new chapter, or if you are still reading this. Again, sorry for the wait. Please Review :)