Finally another chapter! Sorry it took me so long, first exams, then Vienna (Paul McCartney!) and now work. I'd like to thank pussycatwithattitude for all the encouragements. She made me smile at all the right times with her lovely pm's and then the beautiful story she wrote for me, please check it out, it's called Worth The Wait and while you're there, checkt the others as well. I hope you enjoy this chapter. :)

One look at Anna and the smile on her face gave him feelings he couldn't describe, but somehow he felt a bit guilty in his happiness, he knew he shouldn't feel that way, but he couldn't help it. Even though the circumstances weren't how it should be, his mother wanted him to be happy. But that little voice in his head, held him back, he wouldn't let anything happen between him and Anna while he was living under his mother's roof. They were still outside cleaning up from the ball, when Emma came down looking for her uncle. She had gone to bed almost as soon as the last guests were out of the house, way past her usual bedtime.

"Ems what are you doing here?" John was the first to notice her coming back outside, teddy bear in hand, bare feet and sleepy eyes.

"Uncle John, I had a nightmare." She walked towards her uncle and wrapped her arms around his neck as he bent down to pick her up. "I wanted to go to grandma, but she didn't answer her door."

And with that John's world stopped and panic spread through his body, he searched for Anna's eyes and he could see she thought the same. He swallowed deep, trying to reassure Emma, "Ems, why don't you stay with Anna for a while and I'll go and see to your grandmother."

She nodded sleepily in his neck as he handed her over to Anna. John turned to leave, but stopped as he felt Anna's hand on his arm, "Do you want me to come with you?"

"No, it's alright. Just stay with Emma or take her to her room."

Anna nodded as she watched John leave, she knew what was coming, but she could only hope that it wasn't today. She could feel a soft breath in her neck and she realised Emma was on the verge of sleep again. She headed upstairs to take her to her bed, but as she passed Eleanor's room she could hear John softly whispering.

"Do you want me to call the doctor?"

"No John, it's alright…" Eleanor started coughing again, interrupting her sentence, "Can you bring Emma?"

"Don't worry mother, you can see her in the morning." John gave her a faint smile, trying to reassure her.

She took his hand in hers and gave it a soft squeeze, "John, you and I both know that's probably not true."

And with those words it hit him, there was no denying it anymore, he was going to lose his mother. The one and only person who had been there for him all his live, but now he had to be there. He lifted himself up and placed a soft kiss on his mother's head, before walking out the door looking for Emma. Anna took one look at John and she knew what was coming, he tried to smile, but she could see the red circles around his eyes. She still held Emma in her arms, who was already sleeping, and without a word she handed her to John. He tried to wake her up as he carried her in his mother's room. Eleanor asked him for some privacy as he placed Emma on the bed next to her. With one final look over his shoulder he closed the door and turned to Anna. They stood there watching each other for a while until Anna moved forward and wrapped her arms around him, offering as much comfort as she could. In her arms he could feel himself relaxing, he breathed in slowly, trying to prepare himself for what was coming. How could things have gone so fast?

"Could you take Emma with you to our bed? She shouldn't be alone tonight."

"Of course, no problem, I'd do anything."

He cupped her face with both his hands and gave her a soft kiss on her lips. Looking into his eyes, she could see the pain, the helplessness and she wanted to take it all away from him, help him share the burden, help him cope, but how could she? They heard soft voices talking through the door but they couldn't understand what was being said, they didn't want to either. It was a private thing between a grandmother and a granddaughter, but they weren't just that. They were more like a daughter and a parent, Eleanor was the one who took her in and took care of her like only a mother would do for her child. Even though Emma was still very young, there was a bond between them that no one would understand. John took Anna's hand and walked a bit further, towards their bedroom, but the sound of a door opening made them stop and turn around. They expected Emma to be in tears, but she walked out with a smile on her face and an envelope in her hand. As she reached them she took her uncle's hand in hers and looked up at Anna.

"Anna, grandma asked after you."

John looked up at Anna with a smile on his face, he expected this to happen, but Anna clearly didn't, because the look on her face was one of complete confusion. He squeezed her hand softly.

"I'll take Emma to our bedroom, you go."

Anna simply nodded and walked to Eleanor's room. John watched her walk away and as she stepped into the room, he turned his attentions back to Emma.

"Ems would you like to sleep in the big bed with Anna tonight?"

The little girl smiled in response, "Yes uncle John! But where will you sleep?"

"I'm going to stay with grandma tonight. She shouldn't be alone." He smiled, "What's that envelope you have in your hand?"

"Grandma gave it to me. She said I can only open it when I'm older and when I have my own family."

"We better find a very safe place to keep it so long."

Emma nodded as John bent down to pick her up and carried her to their bedroom. "Now you crawl under the sheets and I'll wait here with you until Anna is back, alright?"

She nodded again as she buried her head under the sheets and closed her eyes. John couldn't help but smile at the sight. He placed the envelope on his nightstand and for a brief moment he wondered what his mother had told Emma, but he wouldn't push her. If she wanted to say something, she would. He sat down next to Emma and leaned back against the headboard, closing his eyes for a while.

Anna wasn't sure what to expect as she stepped through the door. Eleanor sat up, waiting for her and she smiled as soon as Anna came in. She patted the bed beside her and Anna sat down next to her, waiting patiently for Eleanor to speak. She looked exhausted and her breathing was heavy. She took Anna's hand and sighed.

"I told you I'd see you in the morning", she gave her a faint smile as she looked at the clock. It was just past midnight.

Anna couldn't help but smile, "Indeed you did." She was startled by her own voice, sounding so weak and full of emotion. In the days she got to know Eleanor, she grew very fond of her, she never expected this to affect her so much, but here she was saying goodbye to the mother of the man she loved. She couldn't imagine going through the same thing as she thought about her own mother.

She coughed before she continued, "I'm forever grateful to you Anna."

"What for?" Of all the things she expected her to say, that was the last.

"For bringing John back, for letting me see him so happy. You might not admit it, but it's all because of you. Knowing that you'll be there with him, makes it easier for me to let go."

A tear streamed down her face as she tried to form the right words, but Eleanor shushed her. "I don't want to say goodbye, it sounds so definite", she smiled and wiped the tear from Anna's cheek. "You and John are only at the beginning, but I know there will be no ending, you two were made for each other and I'm glad you're the one to be there for him and Emma. I trust you Anna."

Anna couldn't hold it in anymore and the tears streamed down her face as she embraced Eleanor tightly. She didn't know what to say, she could only hope that her actions spoke louder than words.

Eleanor pulled back a little to look in her eyes, "Enough of that crying, I'm an old woman and I've had a very good life, no need to cry for me." She smiled faintly.

Anna wiped her tears away, "I'm not crying."

"I can see that", she smiled affectionately. "Now, my dear, I won't say goodbye, nor will you. We'll meet again, I wholeheartedly believe that." She pulled Anna closer for another hug, but this time she allowed a tear of her own to fall. Tiredness came over her as Anna got up and squeezed her hand one last time. Anna promised herself to be strong, she wouldn't let Eleanor see her cry anymore and with that in my mind she gave her one last smile before going back to John.

John could hear a door opening in the hall as he slowly moved his arm from around Emma. He got up and moved to the bedroom door to see Anna, walking towards him. He was just looking at her, thinking how he could ever have been so lucky to have her in his life. As he moved closer to her, she looked up in his eyes. He could see the red circles around her eyes, but a smile graced her face as she reached him and wrapped her arms around his middle so she could rest her head on his chest. They stayed that way for a while, until she moved back to look up at him.

"Your mother is a wonderful person John."

He sighed, "I know…" He looked further down the corridor to her bedroom door and closed his eyes for a moment, knowing what was waiting for him there. He felt Anna's hand on his cheek as she guided him back to look at her, she wanted to give him those last words of encouragement.

"I can't say anything that will make this easier. I know this will be hard, but I know you, you are strong and I want you to know that I'll be right here, whenever you need me. I love you John." With that she gave him a tender kiss, trying to give him all the courage he needed. She took his hand and held it securely as she walked with him to the door. John turned to her one last time, "I love you." With that he went to his mother.

Eleanor smiled as she saw her son walking towards her, remembering all those times when he and his sister came jumping on their bed on Sunday mornings. He sat himself down next to his mother against the headboard, placing a strong arm around her shoulders, to bring her closer to him as he entwined their hands. He placed a soft kiss on the top of her head and neither spoke a word, realizing that this was the last time they'd be together like this. He could hear her breathing staggering and she was shivering slightly. Without a word he took another blanket and placed it around her.

"Do you need anything else?" His voice was barely above a whisper.

"I'm alright John, thank you." She tightened her grip around him, "Do you remember when you and your sister were chasing squirrels in the park and you fell out of that tree?"

John smiled at the memory, "Of course I remember, you took me to hospital and stayed with me for hours, until they finally took care of me." He looked down at his mother, "You know it was all Susan's idea."

She chuckled, "If you say so."

Silence fell again as each of them relived the memory. She could feel herself edging closer to sleep, but she didn't want to, not yet. She wanted to say so much more to John, but she couldn't find the words. It was easier with Emma and Anna, but saying the last words to her own son, was more difficult than anything she'd ever done. How can you say goodbye even if you don't believe it is a goodbye? How can you make your last words last? He was silent as well, probably contemplating the same things. Was it better to leave the words unsaid? The love a mother has for her child is unconditional, you don't have to say it every day, you know it's there and there's nothing that could change that. No prove is needed, actions speak louder than words and here in John's arms she felt safe. She could leave this world in the knowledge that he would have a happy live with Anna by his side and Emma growing up in their love. She needed to say something, anything, but her lips couldn't form the words. She could feel herself slipping and she squeezed John's hand tightly. He looked down at her and noticed her breathing becoming more and more difficult. He held her tight and started whispering very quietly, "It's alright mother, you don't need to say anything. We said all we needed to say, without saying it. You don't need to worry about us", he swallowed hard against the lump forming in his throat and a few tears streamed down his face, but he wouldn't let it consume him, not now. "You can let go mother, it's alright." He held her close and pressed a soft kiss on the top of her head, repeating his last words over and over again. He closed his eyes listening to his mother slipping away from him, there was nothing he could do, he couldn't stop this from happening. Tears streamed down his face freely and his voice broke as he told her he loved her.

Anna lay awake in the dark, it had been nearly two hours since John went into his mother's room and she couldn't sleep, knowing what he was experiencing. Emma was sleeping, snuggled against her. She thought about her conversation with Eleanor and a few tears escaped her eyes as she closed them. She heard a door opening in the hall and she could make out John's footsteps going down the stairs. Without thinking she stepped out of the bed and headed downstairs after checking if Emma was still asleep. As she came down she could see John standing with his back towards her, but he turned around as soon as he heard her footsteps. The moonlight made his tears glistening and as he watched her, tears in her own eyes, he broke down completely. Anna rushed to him and wrapped him up in her arms, guiding him to the sofa where his grief overtook him. She tried to soothe him, but how can you console someone whose mother died in his arms? It took him a while to calm down, but as Anna kissed his temple and held him tight, he managed to control his breathing. He pulled back a little to look into her eyes and wipe her tears away. They remained silent, just gazing at each other trying to think what to do. John was the first to break the silence, but his voice was still unsteady.

"I think I should call an ambulance."

"Don't worry about that John, I'll do that. You can go to Emma if you want."

"No we should let her sleep, I don't want her to wake up when…" Another sob escaped him as he whispered, "… when they take her away."

Anna nodded, she understood. They sat together for a while in the sofa, until a noise from upstairs made its way down. Emma came walking towards them with sleepy eyes.

"Uncle John? Why is everyone here? Where is grandma?"

John looked at Anna and she took this as her opportunity to go to the kitchen to make the required phone calls. John placed Emma on his lap, wrapping his arms around her.

"Uncle John, why are you crying?" She placed her hands on his cheek as she regarded him with big eyes.

He could see fear in her eyes and for a moment he didn't really know what to say, thinking about the right words he could hear Anna in the kitchen calling an ambulance. He drew Emma close to him, "Ems, your grandmother…" He paused, fighting the tears as he continued in a soft voice, "… she's passed away." He watched Emma intently as he saw the news sinking in, tears were forming in her eyes and her bottom lip began trembling. "I'm so sorry Ems." That's when she really broke down, crying in her uncle's arms. John's hart broke, seeing her so distressed. He cradled her, trying to calm her down, but the tears kept flowing and he cried with her. Even though it was expected, it didn't make it any less hard. Anna came back in the living room to see John and Emma consumed by grief. She felt helpless as she walked towards them and sat down next to John. Turning around he wrapped his arm around her and together they sat, sharing the pain of their loss.

After that moment things happened in a daze for John. The ambulance came and went, phone calls were made, arrangements for the funeral, friends and family came to express their sympathies and Robert flew over for the funeral, even though he had to leave right after. John said he didn't have to, but he wanted to, for him. In the end John was glad to have him around, he had been a big support the last time and now he did just the same. Robert met Emma and they became friends, glad to finally meet uncle John's funny friend. Anna had called Michael to arrange her stay and departure. Unfortunately she couldn't stay, because at home auditions and new films were waiting. The day after the funeral she had to leave, but she had one last evening with John, before she left. They sat together outside, watching the night fall around them. She was tucked safely under John's arm, her head resting on his shoulder. They had taken Emma to bed already, the emotions of the day were too much for her.

"I'm so sorry I have to leave tomorrow."

"Don't worry about it", he placed a soft kiss on the top of her head, "You can't put your life on hold, I understand. You've been amazing and I can't thank you enough."

She looked up at him, "You don't need to thank me, I only did what you would have done for me."

He smiled and emotions overtook him again, "I couldn't have done this without you. You're my strength Anna and I love you."

She kissed him, expressing all the love she had for him, "Oh John, I'm going to miss you." She placed her forehead on his and closed her eyes.

"I'm going to miss you too, I'm getting used to having you by my side every day."

She smiled and placed a soft kiss on his nose, "So am I."

He drew her a bit closer and looked up at the sky, before looking back in her eyes. She noticed a change, the whole day he had a sadness hanging around him, but now there was more, she saw hope.

He didn't know why, but all of a sudden he felt a new sort of energy. Thinking about the past days and Anna, it made sense, this felt right. This was how it should be. "You know, yesterday Ems asked me where her grandmother is now and I told her that she just had to look up at the sky to see her as the brightest star." She was with him, she approved, she gave him the ring, he had to do this. He took a deep breath, "Anna, all my life I never thought I could be as happy as I am with you. You gave my life meaning and helped me through one of the hardest periods in my life. When we were apart I thought I could live with the thought of having known what love is, but when I saw you again, I knew I needed you to be in my life. The thought of you wasn't enough anymore. The simple fact is, I can't live without you and I don't even want to try." He could see tears forming in her eyes, but he knew they weren't born out of grief and he smiled. Her smile, and she fell more and more in love with him with every word he spoke. She didn't notice a tear streaming down her face until he wiped it away and cupped her cheek. He kneeled down in front of her, and she gasped, realising what he was about to do. "Before my mother died, she told me that I needed to take care of you and that I couldn't let you go. You need to cherish that girl Johnny", he did his best impression of his mother, making Anna laugh. "She's looking at us now and I know she approves", he searched his pocket for the ring, his voice sounded unsteady through emotions as he tried to form the right words, "Anna I love you, with all my heart. Would you do me the honour of becoming Mrs Anna Bates?"

The most beautiful smile he had ever seen graced her face as she threw her arms around his neck and whispered in his ear, "Yes John." He couldn't help but mirror her smile as they sealed their promise with a kiss. He wiped her tears away and slid the ring over her finger, a perfect match.

"John it's beautiful."

He sat back down beside her, his arm around her middle, "It was my mother's engagement ring. She gave it to me that day in the park and told me to marry you."

"Did she really?"

He entwined their fingers and placed a soft kiss just above the ring, "She really loved you."

"She was a wonderful woman John and today was beautiful."

He sighed, "It was how she wanted it. I think I'm going to visit the grave tomorrow."

"I can come with you, if you'd like."

"Would you? But when are you leaving?"

"Around noon, so I can still come with you."

He turned to her and smiled, "Well, I'd like that very much."

In the end the day caught up with them and tiredness overtook them as they made their way upstairs. Anna kept staring at her ring as she waited for John to return from the bathroom. He had wanted to take a shower, to wash the day of him. Thinking about being married to the man she loved gave her all kinds of feelings she couldn't place. She always hoped and promised herself she'd marry someone she was truly in love with and now it all came true. As he returned to their bedroom, towel around his waist, wet hair, to search for his pyjamas he stopped to look at Anna. The future Mrs Bates, how could someone so beautiful ever agree to marry him? At the same time she looked up at him and he took her breath away. There was something about him with only a towel around his middle and knowing now that she would be the only one to ever see him in that way again, thrilled her to no extent. She wanted to be with him, but she didn't want to push him. He had kept himself a bit distant in their intimacy while they were here, it didn't feel right with the situation they found themselves in, but even he could feel a change. He walked to her side of the bed and sat down, lacing their fingers as he did so. His heart was beating fast as he noticed the strap from her nightgown falling from her shoulder. He was still a bit unsure as he closed the gap between them to kiss her, but she held him back, looking in his eyes to see if he was sure, if he really wanted to. She spoke ever so softly as she cupped his face, "I don't want you to do anything you don't want to John. I'm more than happy to just hold you."

He could feel the coolness of the ring against his cheek and in that moment he loved her even more if that was possible. "You're perfect." He smiled and pressed his lips against hers, moving further over the expanse of her skin. With every soft kiss he placed on her skin, she felt more and more convinced that he really wanted this and she yielded as his lips found hers again, slowly opening her mouth so she could taste him fully and as their tongues met she couldn't help but let out a soft moan. The warmth of his hands moving over her whole body lighted a fire inside her that reached its peak as his body covered hers. He stopped then to look in her eyes and stroke her hair behind her ear, he remained silent as he looked deep in her eyes, saying all the things he needed to without a word. It had been an emotional day with lots of extremes, death and marriage, but this was right. "I love you John." She had said it a million times, but the smile forming on his face came just as natural as the first time. "I know this has been a hard day for you…"

He shushed her for a moment, "We're getting married." He kissed her nose, "You're going to be my wife." He continued peppering her face with kisses, "The future Mrs Bates." He smiled as he took her hand in his and entwined their fingers. He looked at their hands, the ring on her finger and she followed his every move as he placed their hands between them over their hearts. "It's been a hard day, but you are here with me and that's all I need."

She kissed him then, the need in her growing, she needed him and it was all she could think about as he slowly pulled her nightgown over her head. For the first time in a long time he saw her natural beauty again and she took his breath away. His hands roamed over her body, enjoying the feeling of her silky skin beneath his fingertips. He would savour each moment with her and this was the first of many. Her own hands had found their way to the towel around his middle and with little effort she threw it away. The feeling of him naked on top of her would never fail to amaze her, they were made for each other. They took their time rediscovering each other in their new intimacy and it wasn't long before the familiar throbbing bubbled up inside her. She urged him on to go faster, but he clearly had other ideas, taking his time to pleasure her in every way possible as he placed a trail of kisses along her body until he came to a stop just under her bellybutton. He looked up to see her looking straight back at him and he smiled. He didn't lose her heated gaze as he kissed her lower and lower until he reached the place where she so desperately wanted him to be. She stifled her moans, realising they weren't alone in the house, but he made it very hard for her as his tongue caressed her in ways he had never done before. A loud moan escaped her as he pushed his tongue inside her and he grinned, realising the effect he had on her. He ignored his own desire in favour of pleasuring her first. She lifted her hips and he grabbed her bottom to pull her even closer. He groaned as he tasted her wetness and it became even harder to ignore his own needs, but looking at the sheer joy on Anna's face, he pushed them far away. She could feel her end nearing as he gently started sucking her throbbing core. She tangled her hand in his hair as he pushed her further and further to her release. She had to cover her mouth in order to keep as quiet as possible, she had never felt anything this strong. He placed his head on her stomach and looked up at her with a grin, waiting for her to come down from her high.

"Was that alright?"

She took his hand and pulled him back to her, "That was amazing." Then she kissed him passionately, pushing her tongue inside his mouth, but he slowed her down again. It took everything he got not to give in, but he needed this to be slow. As he looked in her eyes he could see nothing but pure love, no one had ever looked at him like that. He didn't know if it was through the emotions of the day or anything else, but seeing her looking at him made him realise how special it was to have the love of the same person who owned his heart. She had never seen him like this, the way he looked at her, the way he wanted to please her, how he stared in her eyes without saying a word, his actions trying to prove how much he adored her and in light of the promise they made to each other today, the promise to be husband and wife one day, she wanted to do the same. She kissed him again and gently turned them around so he was lying on his back. He smiled, a beautiful smile and she couldn't wait to see it every day for the rest of her life. The rest of her life, it sounded so good. She entwined their fingers as she caught his lips again, slowly trailing along his jawline, softly whispering, "I can't believe I'm going to marry you…" She looked up in his eyes and cupped his cheek, "Someone I'm so utterly in love with." She noticed tears forming in the corner of his eyes and she softly kissed them away. She felt privileged seeing him so emotional, he wasn't one to show his emotions to everyone, but with her he could let it all go. He tangled his hand in her hair and gently brought her back to his lips, just before he closed the gap she told him he was perfect and she kissed his smile away, deepening their kiss as the need to have him closer rose up again. She slid her hand down between their bodies and gently guided him inside her, gasping as they became one again. She stilled her movements for a moment to look at him, his eyes half lidded, mouth slightly open and she could tell he was trying his best to remain quiet. She pulled him up to her and claimed his mouth, their tongues moving on their own accord, swallowing each other's moans as she rolled her hips against him. She held onto his shoulders tightly as his hands moved up to cup her breasts, playing with her nipples between his fingers. She could feel herself coming very close again and she let go of his mouth, trying to control her breathing. He slid his hand down to her hips, moving with her as his mouth found its way to her nipple, gently sucking, her stifled moans spurring him on. As his hand slipped between their bodies to help her seek her release before his, he claimed her mouth again trying to keep her quiet. He rubbed her faster and faster until she cried out, his mouth swallowing her final moan. He stilled his movements to let her calm down, but she kissed him so desperately that it was hard for him to ignore the need to move within her. He moved them so she was on her back again and she tightened her legs around him, bringing him closer to her. He entwined their fingers, before he began moving again. She whispered in his ear, saying he was the only man she could ever love, that she couldn't wait to marry him, seeing him every day, make love to him, be together. His breathing became shallow as his movements quickened within her and he could feel himself getting close through the words she was saying in his ear. He turned his head and quickly claimed her lips, pushing his tongue inside her and with one final thrust he emptied himself within her, his moan swallowed by her lips. She held onto him tightly, stroking his back, as he tried to regulate his breathing, his head resting on the pillow beside her. She could feel his breath against her ear and she closed her eyes, enjoying the closeness between them, the prove of their love, their strength, their promise.

John lifted his head and gave Anna a sweet kiss, which she gladly reciprocated, before he turned back on his side. He immediately pulled her closer to him and placed another soft kiss on her temple. Anna stroked through the hairs on John's chest absentmindedly, and John imitated her movements on her arm. She placed soft kisses on his chest, before she lifted herself on her elbow to look in his eyes. She smiled as she noticed his dishevelled hair, the way she liked it, just after their exertions.

He smiled back, "What?"

"I like your hair that way."

He scanned her body with his eyes, "I like you that way." Earning him a playful slap on his shoulder. He took her hand in his and looked at her ring, "This is really happening, isn't it?"

She smiled, "Yes it is, unless you regret asking me?"

"God no, I could never regret this, us." He placed a soft kiss on her knuckles.

"You think Emma will mind?"

"Of course not, she told me to marry you last week."

"Did she?"

"Yes, she said uncle John you should marry Anna, so I can call her auntie Anna."

Anna chuckled, "Well, we'll be alright then, won't we?"

"Yes, we will." He lifted himself up and gave her a quick peck, "But you might want to keep it quiet."

"Why would I want to do that?"

"I don't know, but you're… You know."

"No John, that's it I don't know, what do you mean?"

"You're Anna Smith, the famous actress and when everyone knows you're getting married to an old, boring history teacher, well…" He arched his eyebrows.

"Don't say that John."

"And then there's my ex, trying to spread all kinds of rumours. I'm surprised we haven't heard from her yet!"

"I forgot to tell you that."

"What?"

"With everything going on, I didn't want to worry you."

"Anna, what are you talking about?"

"When I called Michael to arrange my stay, I explained the situation with Vera. A few days later he called me back saying he pulled a few strings and asked a few favours."

"Meaning?"

"They sort of tricked her, made her sign an exclusivity contract. If she breaks it they can sue her. So she won't say anything." She looked at John, but he remained silent. She didn't know if she had done the right thing, "All I have to do, is give that magazine an interview when I'm back." She awaited his response patiently, but the silence kept dragging on. "I'm sorry."

This shook him out of his reverie, "Sorry for what?"

"You obviously don't like it."

"No no, I'm very grateful to you."

"But?"

"I was just thinking about every possible outcome. I know her, she won't leave it like this."

"But we'll be together and by the time she comes back, everyone will know what a wonderful man you really are. She can try, but she won't win, not while we're together."

He smiled and kissed her sweetly, "I hate to kill the romance, but I'm afraid we'll have to put on some clothes."

"But I thought you liked me this way?"

He grinned and flipped them over, so he was lying on top of her, "You know I do." He kissed her tenderly as his hands roamed over her body to prove his point, "But when Ems comes, I don't want her to find us this way."

She hummed in agreement, but she couldn't resist wrapping her arms around his neck to pull him closer for another passionate kiss. He didn't stop her as her hands moved lower, but when she wrapped her leg around his hip, he stopped their kiss abruptly, "You minx."

She giggled in response, before she let go of him completely with one last kiss, "You started it."

He shook his head as he got up from the bed in search for his pyjamas. On the way he found Anna's nightgown which he threw in her direction with a grin, "Here you go, love."

"Thank you dear", she smirked as she watched him putting his trousers on, "Leave your shirt."

He turned around, looking at her as he arched his eyebrows, reaching for his shirt, but the sweet look she threw in his direction, made him change his mind and he dropped it to the floor again. The smile she gave him as his shirt remained on the floor, was all worth it. She crawled under the sheets on her side, her back to him and he gladly accepted the invitation to huddle up behind her and wrap his arm around her middle, entwining their fingers. With his thumb he caressed the hand that wore the symbol of their future.

He pressed a soft kiss behind her ear, "So, do you want a big white wedding?"

"God no."

"What? I thought all you women wanted that."

"I don't, I just want something simple. You and me, and the people that really matter to us."

He smiled, it was exactly how he had imagined it, "Whatever you want."

Silence fell over them and after a while he could feel himself drifting closer to sleep. One look at Anna and he could tell she was already sleeping, he settled himself behind her and it wasn't long before he too was asleep.

My grandmother gave me a letter like that, one I can only open when I have my own family. Not that she's ill or something, but she just gave it to me one day. I've been keeping it safe for about 6 years, I still don't know what's inside. :)