While I felt confident to leave Rose's side for an hour or two now that she was awake, I still spent every night in her bed. It was good to have her friends and family around her, but I craved the moments where it was just me and her and nothing else. I craved the way she laughed and rolled her eyes while I quoted every single one of John Wayne's lines from The Quiet Man. I craved the way I felt knowing that not only did I have the love of my life in my arms, but my best friend as well. My partner. The one person I trusted and loved more than anyone else in the world. I couldn't imagine falling asleep anywhere else but beside her, with her body tucked into mine.

Tonight though...

"Rose, this is dangerous ground and you know it." I crossed my arms in reply to her transparent request.

"Please?" Between the plea and the look in her eyes, I was hard-pressed to stand my ground. "I just want to feel you. That's all."

I sighed, knowing that desire all too well. "I'm not going anywhere, Rose. I'll hold you all night long, I promise, but the doctor said –"

"The doctor said that I was off of bed rest."

"Yes, but he wasn't exactly encouraging runs at the track or...other things." Ever since she had caught me trying to sneak back into her bed a few mornings ago, post-workout shower hair and all, she had been practically begging to join me in my early morning routine. Her not-quite-subtle hints towards other forms of exercise were just as tireless.

She brushed it off in that casual way of hers. "He said I'm fine. I just need to take it easy for a little while longer, that's all."

I raised a brow to her. We both knew that our previous times together couldn't really be classified as 'taking it easy.' Even when I had tried to be gentle with her our first time in the cabin, it was impossible to not give into the natural passion she exuded. I hadn't been rough, exactly, but it had still been intense.

"Please?" The slight pout in her lips finally broke me.

I sighed in defeat, pulling my shirt over my head. As I reached for the tie of my plaid pants, I shot her a look. "Fine. But this is it. Nothing more. I'm serious, Rose, you need rest." My boxer briefs soon joined the rest of my sleepwear on the floor, right next to the clothing she had discarded earlier.

Her victorious smirk was tangible on my skin as she looked me up and down. She quickly flipped back to faux-innocent sweetness again, lifting a hand with her three middle fingers raised and pressed together. "Scout's honor."

"Hmph." I lifted the blanket and slid in next to her, instantly drawing her back to my chest and fitting us together in a now familiar way. "You were never a girl scout."

"Nope." She twisted her head to give me a goodnight kiss. "But I promise to be good."

And she had been admirable in her attempt. Honestly. But the moment I had felt her skin against mine, temptation began to brew inside me. I tried for nearly an hour to satisfy myself with simply tracing circles on her stomach, or by brushing my nose against the shell of her ear, but I knew there was only one way to douse the growing flame inside me. I also knew she was probably all too aware of my desire pressed firmly against the curve of her ass. She shifted slightly, and just like that I was done for.

My hand drifted down her stomach, past the dip of her bellybutton, and paused in the coarse curls settled between her thighs. I didn't want to push her, especially while she was still healing, but damn if I didn't want her so. damn. badly.

I felt her stiffen a little against me in confusion. "Dimitri?"

I groaned. My hand flattened against her hip and pulled her back against my body, relieving some of the growing pressure inside me before tripling it moments later. I couldn't take it anymore. I needed her. And I was practically begging her with just one word. "Roza."

To my undying gratitude, she opened her legs in permission and I slipped my fingers between her folds. Her instant whimper of satisfaction elicited another deep and possessive growl inside of me.

"So perfect," I whispered to myself, lost in the feeling of my fingertips slipping over her skin. "So perfect and mine."

She nodded wordlessly. I felt her gasp as the pad of my index finger fluttered over her clit, and the sudden movement drew my eyes to the developing scar on her chest. She had stopped wearing the bandage a day or so ago, but the tissue around her stitches was still tinged pink as her body tried to heal the damage inside of her. I pulled away a little but her hand clamped over my wrist, holding me firmly in place.

"Don't you dare," she warned.

And I didn't. I kissed every inch of skin between her temple and her shoulder that my lips could reach. I fed off of her desire, letting it fuel my own. With every sigh and moan that slipped away from her, I pressed my hips against her back. I wanted her to know just how much I wanted her, cared for her, loved her, and needed her. I needed her to know that she was my everything and more.

My finger slipped inside of her and I couldn't hold back my groan. She was so wet and so warm. I wanted to feel her on more than just my hand. I wanted to feel her tighten and break against more than just my fingers.

"Roza," I repeated, asking again for something I probably shouldn't, but had known was inevitable from the moment she had asked for us to lay in this bed together naked.

"Yes," she replied in a pleasure laced hiss.

I hooked my hand around her upper thigh, opening her just a little wider as I shifted lower and slid my cock against her. Her hot sex begged for me, drenching my length as I teased her. Our pace remained slow, even when I set myself against her opening and began to press into her. A part of me wanted to let this build into the desperate craving I knew we both were a slave to, especially with one another, but I held back, choosing instead to revel in a new kind of passion that promised much more than one night or week or month or year. This slow adoration for her was something I knew I could cherish forever.

I moved in and out of her without hurry, content just to surround myself in her and this moment. I let the heat between us smolder like burning coals rather than the flashing hot and fast. I slowly inched us towards the edge of that beautiful cliff, kissing the curve between her neck and shoulder every time I felt the urge to run to that impending bliss. Even with the slow and sensual pace, it was like nothing I had ever experienced before. It felt like a new side to us and our relationship.

We weren't held down by fear or desperation. We had shed societal judgment. There was nothing holding us back anymore and it allowed us to truly relish what we had between us rather than worry if or when we'd be torn apart.

Eventually, nature couldn't be fended off any longer. The animals inside of us begged for more and we began to give in to the primal urge. Her hand looped back around my neck and her fingers tangled in my hair as I began to move a bit faster. A bit harder. It may not have had the same urgency from our other nights together, but it was just as all-encompassing.

I felt the need for release building inside of me, begging for permission to let go. I needed to feel her first, though. I wasn't going to give in to the end until she did. As her breasts moved in time with my thrusts, I slipped my hand back down to the apex between her legs. My finger slipped alongside that little button of pleasure, circling it in an almost a taunting manner.

"Roza," I whispered hot and breathless into her ear. I felt her tighten a little just from the sound of my voice and I closed my eyes in an attempt to keep ahold of myself. My needy desire was heavily accented in my voice as I spoke again with a curse and a plea. "Fuck. Let go, Roza. I need...I need to feel you come apart. I need to feel all of you. I need...please, Roza."

My thoughts were barely coherent, thinking only of the way she felt in my arms and the way I felt inside of her. Everything else around us was inconsequential. It was just me, her, and us. It was just this.

Almost without warning – nothing more than a hitch in her breath and an arch of her back – she shattered. I wrapped my arms around her tighter, holding onto her as she fell, and finally allowed myself to let go as well.

The world around us started shifting back into focus a few minutes later. Our breath still came heavy and I was practically dizzy with the afterglow of our tryst.

Suddenly, she laughed. The sound came out of nowhere and I pulled back just enough to nip at her shoulder in rebuke. When that only seemed to encourage her, I asked, "What?"

She craned her neck to grin at me, and I couldn't help but smile back as I saw the flush in her cheeks and joy in her eyes. "What was that about your self-control again?"

"Hush, you." I pinched her hip gently, using that hidden ticklish spot against her. When I tried to pull away so I could get something to clean us up, she held me fast.

"No," she said, gripping my wrist to keep me from moving. "It's fine. Stay."

I hummed at the gentle request. I didn't want to let go either. We'd probably need a shower in the morning, but for now I wrapped her close to me, kissed the tender spot under her ear, and whispered, "I love you, Roza."

The next morning, little motes of dust danced between the rays of sunlight pouring through a crack in the curtains, constantly moving but never quite falling. On a whim, I blew a quick puff of air towards them and watched as they swirled around the disturbance for a moment before settling back into their previous rhythm as if nothing had ever happened. Life moves on I guess.

Rose sighed and shifted under my arms a bit, gently coming out of slumber. "How long have you been awake?"

I glanced down at her and my heart skipped a beat. I don't think I'd ever quite get used to the way she smiled at me. It was so beautiful. Knowing that smile was reserved for me made it all the more precious. "A little while," I admitted. I nodded towards the window. "I think I'm still on a human schedule. Either that or my body just wants to be up when the sun is. Seeing it is still amazing to me."

She tucked her head into my body for a moment, unsuccessfully hiding a yawn as it stretched into her words. "You should have gotten up."

"I didn't want to disturb you." It didn't matter that she had been cleared from bed rest, I knew she was still recovering and could use every single minute of sleep she could possibly get.

Her fingers lightly traced a pattern on my bare chest and she hummed. "This is perfection. Is every day going to be like this?"

"Not every day but most days." At least if I had any say in the matter. I tilted her face up with two fingers under her chin before shifting to meet her lips. The sweet kiss held a little bit of fire in it and I felt it starting to warm me from the inside out – especially with the memories from the night before. Just as I was about to give in again, she pulled away.

"I was wrong," she said with a lazy smile. "This is perfection."

I agreed wholeheartedly. I was ready to pull her back to me when I saw her easy contentment shift into worry. "What's the matter?"

I could see her hesitation in the way she gnawed at her lip before cautiously asking, "Do you think I ruin lives?"

"What? Of course not." My thoughts raced back towards Tasha and her horrible accusations about Rose being 'dangerous' and 'harmful' to those around her. Did Rose speak to her? No, there was no way I wouldn't have known about it. She would have told me. Right? "Where would you get that idea?"

She shrugged. "There are a lot of people whose lives are still kind of a mess. My friends, I mean." I hated the self-guilt in her eyes and the way she tried to look away. I forced her back to me with a gentle tug and a sympathetic kiss.

"True," I said honestly, not wanting to give her platitudes when we both knew things had changed for us and those close to us – for better and for worse. Not all of it rested on her shoulders, of course, but I knew how hard it was to accept the wrongs in the world when even the barest hint of blame could be attributed to you. I also knew how hard it was to let go in those situations. "And let me guess; you want to fix everyone's problems."

Her silence spoke volumes.

"Roza," I chided with a kiss. "It's normal to want to help people you love, but you can't fix everything."

She gave me a frustrated scowl. "It's what I do. I protect people."

"I know, and that's one of the reasons I love you." My declaration seemed to pacify her a little. "But for now, you only have to worry about protecting one person: Lissa."

She hummed in acceptance before stretching out like a cat beside me, working any stiffness from her muscles and joints. "I suppose that means we can't stay in bed all day?"

I laughed at the playful hope in her voice. I wouldn't have minded it much, but unfortunately, we had an appointment this morning. Lissa was going to be officially coronated, and I knew Rose wouldn't miss that for the world. "Afraid not," I said, soothing the sting of that reality with a gentle caress over her body. It didn't quite have the intended effect for me when I felt nothing but bare skin as I traced her curves from shoulder to thigh. My desire to stay in bed was only renewed. With a groan, I tried to remember my responsibilities waiting outside the bedroom door. "They come first."

Rose brought her lips back towards mine, stopping just a breath away. "But not for a little while."

"No," I agreed, resolve broken but happily so. "Not for a little while."

In one quick motion, I slid my hand up her back, weaving my fingers in her hair and stealing the kiss she had been teasing me with just seconds before. Her light giggle as I gently flipped her underneath me was music to my ears, and the quiet moan she made as I closed that final gap between us was peace to my soul.

Court was flooded with visitors, even more than there had been for Tatiana's funeral and the monarch election. There were people around the world vying for a chance to be a part of history. There hadn't been a Dragomir monarch in over a century, and now that the so-called 'Last Dragomir' was taking the throne, the event would almost be as mythic as a phoenix rising from the ashes of a nearly forgotten royal family. The drama surrounding her election only drew more curious eyes. People wanted to see the 'Lost Dragomir' just as much as they wanted to see the new queen.

Guardians had worked day and night to prepare for the logistical nightmare, but mine and Rose's roles had already been set in stone. As Christian's sanctioned guardian, I would stand silently in his shadow as he escorted Lissa through her proceedings. And Rose, who was officially enlisted into the Queen's Guard (even if she wasn't cleared for active duty) would stand beside her best friend.

Tradition dictated that Lissa spend the first half of the day in the chapel, praying in isolation for guidance and wisdom. As Rose and five other Royal Guardians finally escorted her out through the tall wooden doors of the church and walked beside her as she returned to the palace for the day's other events, I couldn't help but feel proud of her. Rose stood out like a sore thumb in the best of ways. Most of the Royal Guard were older than me and carried years of experience behind them. Still, I had no doubt that Rose deserved to stand amongst their ranks. Her hair was tied up high and the marks on her neck, both the molnija and zvezda, stood out, rivaling those of her peers. Knowing that many of her victories weren't even written on her skin made the image even more impressive.

Chin held high, Rose walked next to Lissa in vigilance. I fell in behind the group as Christian and members of the other Royal families joined the procession towards the palace where the final events would take place.

And that's where I eventually found Rose alone. She stood guard next to a door that was almost indistinguishable from the carved and gilded walls around it. The only indication that it was somehow special was her presence. Lissa must be inside, waiting for things to begin. Part of me wanted to walk up to her and wrap her up in my arms, but I knew I couldn't interrupt her on such an important day. Apparently, Abe didn't have such qualms and he strode towards her with absolutely no regard to protocol.

The moment her parents approached, Rose waved to some unseen force and almost instantly another member of the Guard replaced her at the door. They stepped to the side and spoke for a moment, creating a familial picture that I never would have anticipated. I should have stayed back, but for some reason, I was drawn to it.

"Mr. Mazur. Guardian Hathaway." I respectfully nodded to each of them in turn and tried not to cower under their gaze. Abe and Janine were both intimidating in their own rights, but both of them together was practically terrifying. While we had spoken several times during Rose's recovery, it had always been a little stilted, formal, and a bit vague. I didn't think any of us knew how to handle the other and what roles we each placed in Rose's life.

Abe reached out for my hand, grasping and shaking it somewhat harder than was necessary. "Ah, Belikov. I'd been hoping we'd run into each other. I'd really like to know you better. Maybe we can set aside some time to talk, learn more about life, love, et cetera. Do you like to hunt? You seem like a hunting man. That's what we should do sometime. I know a great spot in the woods. Far, far away. We could make a day of it. I've certainly got a lot of questions I'd like to ask you. A lot of things I'd like to tell you too."

I felt Rose go rigid beside me. I had been careful not to stand too close until her parents were more comfortable with our relationship, but I nearly reached for her hand to offer some reassurance. She looked to her mother for aid, but found none.

"Actually, I'd like to come along," Janine said. I could practically feel the threat hiding in her words. "I also have a number of questions – especially about when you two were back at St. Vladimir's."

"Don't you have somewhere to be?" Rose hissed quietly. "We're about to start."

"Of course." Both of her parents softened a little and Abe stepped forward to kiss Rose's forehead. It really was hard to comprehend how the man that had frightened me as a child with his ruthlessness could also be so gentle and loving towards his daughter. "I'm glad you're back."

A second later, he winked at me, reminding me not to be fooled by the wolf in sheep's clothing. I knew that if he felt I had mistreated his daughter, I'd end up disappearing without a trace just like my father had. "Looking forward to our chat," he said with a knowing smirk.

Rose watched them leave with wide embarrassed eyes. Eyes that might have a spray of fearful concern in them as well. The moment they were out of earshot, she whispered, "Run. If you slip out now, maybe they won't notice. Go back to Siberia."

I laughed under my breath. "Actually, I'm pretty sure Abe would notice." I moved so that we were shoulder to shoulder with one another and brushed her hand with my fingers. I would have been more than happy to display our little act of affection openly and with pride, but out of respect for professional and propriety's sake, I kept it subtle...for now. Still, I couldn't help but gaze down at her and smile like a fool in love. "Don't worry, Roza. I'm not afraid. I'll take whatever heat they give me over being with you. It's worth it."

"You really are the bravest man I know." I fell for her a little more as she looked back at me with a love that you couldn't buy and few would ever get to experience in their lifetime. I was a lucky man. She might call me brave, but she was more fearless – both in a fight and in sharing her heart – than anyone else I had ever met.

"Looks like she's ready," I noted as I saw the rest of the Royal Guard shift into their final positions. Rose stayed by my side as the lights dimmed a little.

"I hope I am," she murmured. I gave one last brush of support before the herald announced Lissa's grand entrance.

The ceremony was a formal affair steeped in ancient tradition. It almost felt like being transported back in time to a place where power and majesty was something a person was born with rather than won through politics and vain promises. Lissa was born to lead, and you could see it the moment she entered the hall.

In a break from tradition, Christian escorted her across the stage. He gazed at her with a reverence I understood well as he led her by the hand towards Her Majesty Ekaterina. Even at Ekaterina's advanced age, the woman gave off an air of power and nobility. Her reputation was one of fairness and integrity. I was born only a few years before she passed the crown to Tatiana so I never really had a chance to experience her reign, but older guardians spoke highly of her.

With a deep bow towards the retired queen as well as his girlfriend, Christian fell back into the rest of the crowd. I made a quick note of where he had moved to before returning my attention towards both the former and future queen.

"Kneel." Ekaterina's voice didn't betray her age. Even without a mic it was clear throughout the hall, commanding respect.

Lissa slowly dropped to one knee. Ekaterina's voice once again carried as she read aloud from an old tome that predated this Court by centuries. It was as old as our people and the sacred vows hearkened to the past as she asked Lissa to dedicate the rest of her life to the Moroi.

"Will you serve?"

"Will you protect your people?"

"Will you be just?"

With every question, Lissa confirmed her vow – once in English, once in Romanian, and once in my native tongue. Each word seemed to bolster her until she gave off the same aura as the woman in front of her.

After Lissa had given her solemn promise, Jill stepped forward with a golden crown glittering with diamonds and emeralds. It represented the colors of the Dragomir line, and the moment Jill placed it on her head, the air shifted.

There was a new queen. There was a new era being crowned. Life wouldn't just change for Vasilisa. It wouldn't just change for me and Rose. No, the entire Moroi world would be better because of her guidance and reign. I had total faith in her and looked forward to the future she would usher in.

"Rise," Ekaterina beckoned. "You will never kneel again." She held out her hand, inviting Lisa into a legacy that only true monarchs would ever know. As Lissa stood to her full height, Ekaterina declared above the crowd, "Queen Vasilisa Sabina Rhea Dragomir, first of her name."

The entire room, me and Rose included, dropped to our knees and gave our respects. Only a moment passed before I heard Lissa give the first command as Queen. "Rise."

A few signatures were needed to make everything official, but once the documents were signed, Lissa ascended the stairs and took her place on the throne. The room broke out into applause, extending beyond the grand hall as people outside the palace began to celebrate along with us. She was the people's queen, and they were just as excited as anyone else.

As Lissa took in the crowd before her – the people whose lives she now held in her hands – she smiled. I could see the magnitude of it all bearing down on her, but I could also see the strength inside her. She already carried her responsibility with grace.

Something caught her eye and I knew without a doubt that it was Christian. Her eyes said it all. I could practically hear his voice calling out to her above the cheers of everyone else. He would be her champion. Her greatest confidant. He would be the one to bolster her when things seemed bleak and hide her away when she needed a reprieve. He would be her biggest supporter.

Except for maybe one other: Rose.

Lissa's eyes drifted towards us and something passed between the two girls. Even without the bond, they spoke to one another in a way that nobody else would ever understand. Their souls were tied, even if Spirit didn't connect them anymore. A small laugh broke Lissa's regal facade, and Rose mimicked it beside me.

"What's so funny?" I asked, wondering what the two of them could possibly be planning. They had both grown up so much from the first day I had met them, but their devotion to one another would never cease to amaze me.

"I'm just thinking about what Lissa would say if we still had the bond." Rose glowed as she looked at her best friend whom she loved like a sister. She was beautiful. They both were, to be honest, but there was something about Rose's happiness that made her glorious. It touched my heart and reminded me again just why I was so lucky to have her love.

"And?" I pulled her towards me, wrapping my body around hers and laying my chin on the top of her head. She laughed and smacked my hand, silently chiding my breach of guardian protocol before intertwining our fingers with a sigh.

"I think she'd ask, 'What have we gotten ourselves into?'"

"What's the answer?" I slipped a kiss into the strands of her hair, loving the way she relaxed into me.

"I don't know," she answered. "But I think it's going to be good."

With Rose in my arms and a promise of a bright future in front of us, I couldn't help but agree. "I think you're right, Roza. Life is good."

EPILOGUE

Two Weeks Later

I was still hesitant but Rose insisted she was ready to head back into the gym. I eventually caved into her pleading, but only under the condition that she take things slow. No sparring and only a light jog on the track. She rolled her eyes at my overprotective instincts but relented.

Rose practically bounced in anticipation as she gave the countdown to our race. Even if it was unintentional, our runs had always been a race. We were both competitive and it was inevitable. I might have won handily in our early days together, but by the end, she beat me more often than not. My long strides couldn't hold up against the sheer will and energy she possessed.

Unfortunately, will and energy weren't enough to overcome nearly fatal injuries.

She totally disregarded my instruction to take things easy and shot off the moment she called out 'go!'. I held back, forcing myself to keep to the plan rather than run after her or scold her. Realizing that I wasn't beside her, or even close behind her, she groaned and slowed down until she was matching my more laid-back pace. She didn't look very pleased with me now, but it was worth any complaints she might throw my way if it meant keeping her healthy. I'd be sure to earn her forgiveness later.

I already planned on kissing every inch of her skin while I promised her the rest of my life. I had asked her to marry me nearly every day, but only in my native tongue where I could hide just how devoted I was to her. I knew she wasn't ready yet, but it was getting harder and harder to keep my wish a secret. Any day now I knew I'd break and ask her properly. Perhaps even tonight.

We made it three laps around the track in an easy jog before she started to slow. I heard her breathing become more and more labored with each step, but she pushed forward until we crossed the start line once more.

"Let's take a break," I suggested, offering her an out that wouldn't make her feel weak.

She nodded, unable to speak between her heavy breathing, and collapsed to the ground next to our bags.

"Rose!" I rushed to her side, silently berating myself for letting her come when I knew she was still recovering. I ran my hands across her back trying to get a grasp on just how injured she might be. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," she insisted as she turned and pushed me away. I sat beside her, still worried that I had pushed her too far. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly, almost in resignment. "Just tired. The mind is willing but the body is still recovering a little I guess."

I was relieved to know that it was only her pride wounded this time. I tried to offer a bit of relief by justifying her current state. "You were shot, I believe that's a decent excuse to cut training short for the day."

"Huh. If only I had thought about that back at the academy. I might have gotten to sleep in a little." She laughed at her own joke, but I could hear a slight wheeze beneath her amusement.

My water bottle rested atop my bag. Rose had, of course, forgotten hers again. I grabbed mine and offered it to her. "Here, drink." As she began to gulp it down, I added, "Slowly."

She finished off about half of it before laying back down on the grass, arms splayed wide. She lifted her face towards the fading sun, breathing in and out in a slow, deep, and intentional pattern.

I fought off the urge to fuss over her. Rose was a strong woman and an amazing guardian. She might still be reckless, but she also knew her limits and I needed to trust her to not push herself too far. She could take care of herself.

Still, I loved her and wanted to make sure she was okay. I let her rest for a moment more before standing and offering a hand to pull her up. "Come on. Let's go home."

"Your place or mine?" she asked with a playful smirk.

"Whichever." I pulled her close and kissed her temple. Her sigh of contentment put me at ease a little and allowed me to relax. Rose and I had spent every night together since Lissa's coronation, and while she had come to my place more than once, I think we both agreed that her apartment was vastly more comfortable. Apparently, being a member of the Royal Guard had its perks…a large king-size mattress being one of them. My apartment really only served as a place to hold my meager possessions now, and even then, I had a drawer full of clothing in her closet and a shelf that was gathering more and more of my books every day. Neither of us really acknowledged the fact that I was slowly moving in, but I also don't think either of us really minded.

"I do need to go pack sometime soon though," I said as a subtle reminder that we would be leaving for Baia this weekend. Rose still wasn't on active duty and we had decided to take advantage of that fact before she began working again.

She nodded. "I need to pack a few things, too." I was sure her intentions were good, but I was fairly certain that she wouldn't finish packing until an hour before we were set to leave. "I'm so glad we're going to see your family again. I miss them."

"Me too." I did miss them. And I did want to see them again after so many years away. But I was also nervous about seeing them after everything that had happened. Every time I tried to build up the courage to call them, I faltered. Knowing Rose would be right beside me when I knocked on that door was the only reason I felt brave enough to return to Russia.

While the sun eased a little lower, it came as a bit of a surprise to me to realize that Russia wasn't what I thought of as home anymore. Before, it always had been. It was where I grew up. It was where my family still resided. While guarding Ivan, I still always considered Russia home. Even when I was assigned to Saint Vladimir's and given my own space there, I never really considered the Academy home….at least not until her.

It didn't matter where we were going. My home was wherever Rose was. My future was with her, no matter the location. And as the sun set beside the ridge and with her hand held tightly inside of mine, I knew without a shadow of a doubt that as long as I had Rose by my side, I'd be happy. I'd be loved. I'd be at peace. With Rose, I'd be home.

THE END