Athos awoke with Elle by his side. She had been given the all clear to start talking and so when Athos opened his eyes she leaned close to him and whispered, "I'm so glad you're okay."

"You too," He croaked out.

He soon drifted back to sleep under the sway of the medications. Elle tenderly moved the strand of hair that had fallen across his forehead. It was just the two of them in the room. It was all hands on deck with the rest of the company looking for Rebecca and Doyle.

There hadn't been very many leads, and part of Elle wished they'd just leave it be. After all, they probably thought Athos was dead. And considering Athos was so solitary they were unlikely to find out any different.

That was just her opinion though. The professionals felt different and they planned on searching the entire world until those responsible were brought to justice. The very thought made Elle tired.

She had another thought, that she didn't sign up for any of this. When she first was hired as Athos's housekeeper all those years ago she knew nothing of the man, or the kind of life he'd lived before.

Over the years it became more obvious that there was more to him than she knew, and she accepted that. But this...

Even as she had the thought she pushed it down. If and when Athos pulled through this it would all be worth it. She leaned her head over onto Athos's hand and closed her eyes.

Three weeks later Athos knelt in front of his fireplace stoking the flames. Winter was here, and he felt it in his bones. He smirked ruefully, that thought made him sound ancient. Maybe he was. He certainly felt it at times. Then, Elle walked into the room.

"You're not supposed to be doing that!" She scolded.

"I'm only poking at a log with a metal stick. Surely I can survive that,"

She plopped the groceries in her arms down onto the sofa. "Well, we aren't taking any chances!" She snatched the poker away from him and helped him to his feet.

"Athos, please..."

"Alright, but honestly I just wanted to stoke the fire."

He pulled her close against his chest and he fought hard not to grimace as she bumped against him harder than he had intended.

"I love you," he whispered.

"I know," she returned with a smile, "And I love you too."

"I wanted to ask you something," he said quietly as he took her hands into his.

"What?"

"Would you marry me? Once all this is over."

Elle was stunned for a moment as she looked up into Athos's eyes.

"I will, but I don't want to wait until all this is over. That could take years, or it might not ever happen. For all we know Rebecca and her brother are sunning themselves on some Mexican beach never to be heard from again."

She paused to gage his reaction before continuing.

"So, if you want to marry me...let's do it now."

She waited, but not for long. Athos claimed her mouth in a slow, burning kiss that told her everything she needed to know.

End.

I hope you guys enjoyed this story! Will we ever hear from Rebecca again? That remains to be seen. Next story coming is Porthos's and I hope you guys will come read it whenever it's ready! :)