Title: you and forever and me
Rating: PG
Summary: This is their 'Happily Ever After.'
Author's Notes: post - The End

When I decided to end these drabbles, I knew I wanted to end them on a happy note, giving Kate and Jack the ultimate happy ending they deserved in life but could only have in death. And I hope I've succeeded in that.

I also wanted to thank everyone who has ever left a review. They mean much more than is possible for me to write in words. But a special thank you goes to Jimelda who I believe has reviewed almost every single on of these and who always leaves the most awesome and insightful reviews. (And who has a beautiful Jack/Kate drabble set you should check out if you haven't yet.)

Consider this a dedication.

I found him whom my soul loveth
I held him and would not let him go.
Song of Solomon 3:4

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

Kate squinted her eyes against the reflection of the sun off the waters, watching orange fade into red fade into pink as it slowly started sinking into the horizon. Waves crashed over her bare feet, splashing halfway up her legs before rolling away again, the sand covering her skin inch by inch.

The continuous motion of the ocean, almost hypnotizing in its simplicity, brings back memories, of her mother, Jack, and for the first time, happiness blooms over her instead of heartbreaking sadness. The smile on her face is one she's never had before, and it grows wider and wider as she laughs into the air, a sparkle in her eyes. This kind of joy was never supposed to be possible in her life. But it is, and it's here, and she's honestly never felt more alive.

In all it's ironic glory, that is.

She'd left her hair loose and now it fluttered carelessly around her shoulders, grazing her cheeks as it moved with a sudden light breeze. Her light green summer dress does the same, flirting with the skin above her knees as she runs her hands up and down her arms for that little bit of warmth she's missing. One that she knows will be here soon enough.

It's her favorite time of day. When there's just peace and beauty and -

him.

Jack embraced her from behind, cradling her as he wrapped his arms around her waist, his warmth surrounding her like a warm blanket as she snuggled in closer. Her head dropped back against his chest and she laced her fingers through his as the sound of his steady heartbeat filled her ears. He kissed the curve of her shoulder, nudged her hair away to place one on her neck. He lingered there with a smile pressed against the smooth skin, taking his time, breathing her in, tightening his grip, she knows still not quite believing that she's his.

It's a moment where words aren't needed. The language they speak is a language filled with just a touch; where the smallest one is worth a thousand and one words.

They rock with the waves in a slow rolling caress, watching as the sun finally disappears in a brilliant showcase of mother nature's miracle. Where it'll wait for another day to shine in this paradise. An island that's their own personal Garden of Eden. One she'll never want to run away from.

But then again, there are certain words that they can't help giving a voice to. A constant that flows warm and free throughout their days.

"I love you."

It's husky and low and the tenderness in the words makes her heartbeat quicken and causes a shiver to race down her spine. Tears prick the backs of her eyelids, and even in this perfect place, where forever exists, she finds it hard to believe she lived almost an entire lifetime without hearing those words whispered in her ear. A life where she would fall asleep at night with a prayer on her lips that she would see him again.

Kate squeezed his hand before untangling it with hers, bringing his up to press a soft, reassuring kiss to his palm; against his lifeline. "I love you, too."