"I'll remove your boots," she said with a temping smile as she sat beside him. Confused, he tilted his head, trying to understand her meaning. Her shoulders began to shake. Unable to hold it any longer, she broke into loud, merry laughter.
"Truly," she said, wiping her eyes, "I loved it, being protected, cosseted like that. I wish you, wish we, could always. . ." suddenly her voice stumbled and broke. Eyes filled with unspoken emotion, they looked quietly at one another. Leaning close to her, he promised softly, "Never worry Madam, I always shall, now and forever."