He didn't disappoint her.
He couldn't profess his love for her, but he had still managed to reassure her that he wasn't giving up on them. It warmed her heart to know that his heart belonged to her, and her alone.
Even though she knew it was dangerous, recently she'd let herself fantasize about having Richard as her husband and the father of her children.
When she'd first held Dennee's baby in her arms, she hadn't been able to stop herself from pretending for one brief moment that the baby was theirs.
Kahlan had never felt envious of Dennee before. She'd always been the protective older sister. More powerful, more sage, more… everything. But she'd been forced to admit, Dennee now had what she wanted most – a family of her own.
Richard was so gentle and tenderhearted. He would be such a good father.
To create life, not just with anyone, but with the man she loved… to bear his child would be the greatest gift of all.
Richard had given her hope. Hope that she had never before dared to have. But he was so sure that they could find a way to be together. He made her question all her assumptions, all that she'd been taught to believe her entire life.
And she would put her faith in him, as always. He was the Seeker. If there really was a way, he would find it.
Suddenly, she felt absurdly happy.
The world no longer seemed dull and dreary. Instead, everything became brighter, sharper, more vivid and beautiful.
Despite the grim situation, she couldn't stop smiling as they headed toward the main square. Richard didn't want to be with Anna. He wanted to be with her.