I've written about 6 different versions of this last chapter because I wasn't happy with it. So sorry for the delay!

2 years later

Harry's scream woke her, her heart racing with a jolt of fear. Ruth opened her eyes, looking around the dark bedroom and relaxed slightly, knowing that nothing was amiss, Harry was just having a nightmare. He screamed again, which made her shiver unpleasantly. She stroked his back, murmuring soothing words to him. He didn't scream again under her touch, but he kept muttering indistinguishable words.

"Wake up Harry," she said, as he was clearly still distressed. She knew from past experience that if he stayed sleeping, he'd be screaming again within half an hour. "Come on, wake up." He did, opening his eyes with a jerk, breathing heavily. "I'm here," she said. "I'm not going anywhere."

He rolled on top of her, needing to feel her body. It wasn't sexual, it was for reassurance, making sure she was really there with him as their bodies touched from thighs to chest. "Dreaming?" she asked quietly.

"Yes," he said, stroking her hair gently. "I'm very glad you're here."

"Mm," she said. "Me too." He shifted his weight off of her, pulling her with him so they lay facing each other, very, very closely.

"I don't mean to disturb you," he said. "I'm sorry for waking you."

"After all we've dealt with over the years, I can live with an hour of broken sleep." He pressed a soft appreciative kiss to her lips.

"I love you," he said.

"I know," she said. "I don't think I've ever felt more treasured than over the past two years with you."

"Well, that is very good to hear," he murmured.

"I love you too," she said with a smile, knowing he was waiting to for her to reciprocate. He relaxed slightly at the words, and she knew that a small part of him was waiting for her to disappear, either due to that strange twist of fate he'd suffered once before, or of her own free will. "You really don't know how much I just can't live without you, do you?"

"I'm not a good man," he said. "I've done some horrible things and I'm… almost waiting for the other shoe to drop."

"Harry, you are a good man who had to make horrible decisions. I wouldn't have married you if I wasn't sure I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you." He grinned at that, clearly happy with the memory.

"I've never seen anyone look so beautiful as you did on our wedding day," he said wistfully. "You were a vision."

"Were?" she questioned.

"Are," he corrected gently. "But our wedding day does hold a special place in my heart."

"And mine," she agreed quickly. "You didn't look half bad in that suit either. And that look in your eyes when you saw me… I felt so special."

"Because you are." They lapsed into silence and were both on their way to sleep when she spoke again.

"Harry? I love our life," she whispered. "Our life together. We've got… quite a beautiful life, you know?"

"Mm," he said. "Close your eyes and drift off. Get a few more hours sleep. It's a long time until morning." She took his advice, curling into his shoulder as he stroked her back gently. It was wonderfully comfortable.

The End.

Thank you to all those who've read this fic, and especially those who've reviewed.