Sesshoumaru didn't need to read between the lines to understand the depth of the trust she was giving him. Kneeling, he reached for her hand, brushing his lips across her knuckles.

"I will do everything in my power to see that you are happy." His gaze was unwavering as his words, and though it took a moment for the ghosts to disperse, her smile returned.

"You're doing a good job of it so far," she said, turning her hand to cup his cheek. "Thank you."

He leaned into the touch, wondering when he'd become so soft that a mere human could bring him to his knees.

And not regretting a moment.