Disclaimer: I do not own Moonlight. I do tend to dream about it constantly though.

Once more I need to express my appreciation for all the lovely reviews this story has generated. I am so very grateful for everyone who has read and responded. I hate bringing a story to a close but it is time that this one ended. Thank you.

Chapter 35

"Tyson…." Savannah began to protest at his words.

"Hush," Tyson ordered gently. "I know your fears cherie and I am aware that I am pushing when I promised I wouldn't." He drew her into the privacy of the arbor. "But please let me say this now Savannah while it is fresh in my heart. Watching Mick and Beth pledge forever this night has made me realize something. I have spent almost 82 years of my vampire life convinced that I was meant to be alone but now I see that I have only been marking time until I found you. Trust our love Savannah, trust yourself."

Savannah closed her eyes as she stood within his embrace, her hands pressed flat against his chest. The honesty in his words touched her heart and she desperately wanted to believe what he said. She feared that she did not have the staying power and would hurt him. The fear was at odds against the desire she felt to accept his request. But she could feel that the fear was becoming weaker.

"Tyson, I want to trust you and myself. Help me," she pleaded looking up into his direct green eyes. She knew that she loved this vampire unlike anyone she had ever met. "Please be patient with me."

Tyson touched his lips lightly to hers in a tender kiss. He could feel her beginning to lean his way.

"I can be patient cher. Blame Beth's desire for fairy tales for my mood tonight," he grinned.

"Can your male ego handle being influenced by a romantic setting?" Savannah grinned back feeling her mood lightening.

"Sugar, I'm a Cajun. The French influence runs strong in my family and I have no problem with my romantic side," he said pulling her tighter against him. He kissed her deeply, making her moan in pleasure.

"Keep that up and I'll have no choice but to surrender," Savannah sighed breathlessly.

"Your wish is my command," he said in a low voice as his mouth closed over hers again. He had no qualms about pressing his advantage.

Granny had left Anthony and Charity, going to Robert's side where she tucked her arm through his. With a contented sigh she leaned against him and hugged his arm. She regretted the slip of the tongue when she told Coraline about Jamal. He was a painful memory that had been long buried and allowing it to be resurrected now was a mistake. Once she had claimed that Robert was not her soul mate but now she was not so sure of the truth of that statement. Perhaps he wasn't the most passionate love of her long life but he had claimed a unique place in her heart and it was time she made sure he knew it. Watching Tyson trying to win Savannah's heart showed her how important it was to share her feelings.

"Just what is spinning through that lovely, complex mind of yours?" Robert suddenly asked her. His light brown eyes were amused as he smiled at her.

"I'm just thinking how very much I have come to love you my dear vamp," Granny replied as she found tears welling up in her eyes. "I do not tell you often enough I am ashamed to say."

"But I know it Moriah. Don't cry my angel," Robert answered brushing her cheek with his free hand. "And I love you as well."

"I told Coraline she needed to keep searching for the right man, that if often took time," Moriah added. "I am blessed that I came to the new world and met you so long ago."

"We were both blessed. And how wonderful to see these younger vamps finding their loves so early on," Robert responded. He looked at Savannah and Tyson still in the arbor. "Do you believe Savannah will choose to join us?"

"Deep in my soul, I believe she will. She is beginning to trust her heart," Granny observed. Her eyes clouded with concern and drew Robert a little further away from the others.

"The cards have been disturbing lately my dear. I see a darkness on the horizon for Tyson but nothing more. I thought it might be Savannah's reluctance to join our world but now I am not sure," she explained, her face troubled. "I fear there is an outside force we must guard against."

With a light kiss to her cheek, Robert looked seriously into her dark eyes.

"Then my angel, we shall keep close watch over both of them," he promised. "Together we will protect them."

Again Moriah felt tears forming but this time they were tears of gratitude. Yes, she would make sure this man knew how important he was to her; she would never take him for granted.

"Thank you," she whispered and took his face in her hands. She kissed him tenderly. Robert gathered her close and deepened the kiss.

"Oh that is so beautiful," Rayna sighed happily from the other side of the patio. "Oh Josef, look how happy Granny looks. She and Robert are wonderful together." She leaned against Josef as they sat on a bench. He had an arm draped around her shoulders.

"You are a romantic at heart Beauty. I'm afraid tonight has not been perfect for everyone," Josef said indicating Philippe and Cynthia, who stood in the doorway deep in conversation. "I'm afraid Coraline put a damper on their evening."

"She doesn't care who she hurts," Rayna grumbled.

Josef hugged her close and rubbed her arm in comfort.

"She ended up hurting herself the most," he observed. "Those two will recover."

As if they knew they were being observed Philippe drew Cynthia inside the house. His face was serious as he looked down at her.

"Mon amour, I am so sorry that Coraline tried to force you to choose between us once again. And I regret that I spoke for you and did not give you a chance to speak on your own," he said sincerely as he held both her hands in his. "Forgive me Cyn."

"Philippe, you are forgiven," Cynthia said squeezing his hands. "I was trying to make her understand that she could not force me to choose when you joined us. We have indulged her for too long and I fear she will never change now. I don't think she will ever be truly happy," Cynthia reflected, her heart heavy at the thought. Philippe drew her into a hug and she slid her arms around his waist, resting her head on his chest. "I do approve of my sire taking command in this case," she murmured softly.

"Your sire has another command he may wish to issue," Philippe said taking her chin in one hand and tilting her head back to look at him. He leaned down close, pleased with the smile she greeted him with. "Would you consider making a commitment to me, my lovely?"

Surprise flashed in Cynthia's eyes and she found herself at a loss for words at first. She had not anticipated that question from Philippe.

"A commitment for us? I did not think you ever considered a need for that," she said in confusion.

"Do you like the idea? Or is it too binding for you?" he asked hesitantly.

"You have taken me by surprise."

"It is not often that I can surprise you my dear," Philippe laughed lightly. "I think I like it. You do not need to answer now but please think on my request."

"I do love you Philippe; give me just a little time to consider this "command" as you put it. I am overwhelmed," she said, her face shining happily.

"Take your time my love," Philippe told her and kissed her. "Just know that I want you at my side."

"You are wonderful," Cynthia sighed as she stretched up to kiss him. Philippe let loose a soft growl as he lifted her in his arms.

Beth turned from the doorway back to Mick behind her, her eyes dancing with delight.

"I think we should give them their privacy," she giggled softly and took Mick's hand. They walked closer to the pool and then she turned to him and smiled. Her blue eyes glowed in the candlelight. "This night was more perfect than I ever dreamed it could be," she announced happily.

"Beth, I'm sor…" Mick began but Beth quickly placed her fingers against his lips.

"Do not say it," she warned. "Our night was perfect and I refuse to let other matters intrude anymore. Please let it go Mick."

Mick kissed her fingers and nodded. He took her hand in his and then leaned down to kiss her lips.

"Yes my love, I agree," he said feeling content with that plan. He had never felt as at peace as he did this evening. Forever did not seem as bleak as it once had to him. Six years ago he had opened his heart to Beth and confessed his feelings. From that night forward he had known that she was the only woman he wanted to have in his life. The decision to turn her had been difficult but there truly had been no regrets for that action. It was very hard to hate what you were when you had immortality with the woman of your dreams in your arms.

Someday they would have to change their identities and move on but even the thought of pulling up roots and moving to somewhere else was now more of an adventure than a chore. Relocating would be a pleasure with Beth at his side. It would be better if Josef and Rayna could be included. After all, the older vampires were experts at the process of reinvention. The future was beginning to look very inviting.

"I love you Beth Turner," he stated warmly.

Beth pulled away with an impish smile on her lips. She tried to adopt a serious air.

"I've been thinking Mick. Perhaps it is time for me to change my identity," she said as if she had read his thoughts.

"You think that is necessary all ready?" Mick asked with raised eyebrows. He rested both hands on her waist and grinned down at her. He suspected he knew what she was leading up to.

"Oh yes, I think it is time," Beth nodded.

"So what do you plan to change it to?" he enquired curiously.

"How does Beth St. John sound?" she asked sweetly.

Mick's hazel eyes locked on her blue ones, love shining in his depths.

"I believe I love you Beth St. John," he said and drew her into his embrace. He sealed his statement with a smoldering kiss.

End story.

Well my very loyal and wonderful readers, I am sad to see this story end but I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I did. It is always difficult to end a story I have put so much time into. I have set in motion some ideas for future stories so I will not disappear. I do need some time to organize those ideas into something I can post. Thank you for reading and please give me a final review on this story.